Instructional Support Specialist

The University of Denver has the distinction of being the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, giving it a tradition of 150 years of academic excellence. The University of Denver's college of professional and continuing studies, University College, is a leader in adult education, providing fully accredited and affordable educational experiences specifically designed for busy adults.

Position Summary

The Instructional Support Specialist is a member of the University College Learning Experience Design Team. The Learning Experience Design Team plays a central role in advancing University Colleges mission to provide rigorous and engaging learning experiences by engaging in and providing strategic insight for faculty support and development, course optimization, and quality assurance in course delivery. The Instructional Support Specialist position provides support and training in the areas of teaching and learning strategies, educational technology, and student experience optimization primarily for new and existing faculty, and University College staff when appropriate. The position monitors on-campus and online course execution to ensure the quality of the educational experience for students and faculty of University College. The Instructional Support Specialist will engage in duties related to academic program support, instructor performance and activity, and tracking analytics. The position provides support for instructors including consultation on teaching best practices, course delivery guidance, and online course issue resolution such as LMS troubleshooting. Specifically, this position has an emphasis on managing the University College faculty professional development program. The LX Team seeks a thought leader who is skilled in systems thinking, managing relationships, and strategizing on workshop offerings. General questions regarding the effective use of educational technology and materials, technology characteristics, and other resources are also supported.

Essential Functions

• Onboards and trains new faculty on teaching best practices, LMS management, and University College resources.
• Manages the University College faculty professional development program, and works closely with the Senior Instructional Support Specialist to strategize on workshop and training offerings, while managing all logistics of the program.
• Integrates teaching strategies and instructional design best practices to help faculty enhance both on-campus and online delivery.
• Supports questions regarding the LMS platform, and other educational tools and classroom-enhancing technologies from faculty.
• Assists faculty in selecting and executing the most effective and appropriate technology tools based on best practices in online teaching.
• Works both individually and in groups and uses best practices in instructional principles to review curriculum and courses across various programs that align with University College program content and teaching goals.
• Engages in positive, productive, professional and interpersonal relations within University College, e.g., meetings, task forces, focus groups, etc., including strategy formulation, problem solving, and future planning and direction for University College.
• Engages in conferences, trainings, and presentations as a representative of University College.
• Engages in data management duties related to academic program support, instructor performance and activity, and tracking analytics.
• Other duties as assigned including but not limited to data analysis; hardware and software support for UCOL; attending meetings and activities within DU, and working with professional organizations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of multimedia integration and support in an online format.
• Data analysis and management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including strong proofreading skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and in groups.
• Strong desire to learn.
• Able to adapt priorities and focus.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree
• 2-5 year's relevant professional experience.
• Experience with online teaching environments.
• Experience analyzing existing educational materials for rigor and quality.
• Experience providing support and/or training to faculty in an academic setting or colleagues in a corporate environment.
• Experience with learning management tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in area of higher education, educational technology, instructional technology and/or instructional design.
• Knowledge of and experience with adult learners.
• Knowledge of the Canvas learning management system.
• Experience managing projects with a team.
• Teaching or training experience in a formal setting, such as, but not limited to, an academic institution, corporate training environment, or non-profit environment.
• Multimedia design and development experience.
• Knowledge of teaching principles and best practices.
• Experience within or knowledge of higher education.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Evenings and weekends as required.

Application Deadline
For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) on November 25, 2019.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through www.du.edu/jobs to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted. Once within the job description online, please scroll to the bottom of the page to apply. If you have questions regarding this position, please contact: Dr. Allison Friederichs at

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is committed to enhancing the diversity of its faculty and staff and encourages applications from women, minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities and veterans. The University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.