Instructional Designer for Distance Learning

Louisiana Christian University seeks a qualified and experienced Instructional Designer to work collaboratively with administrative and faculty leadership. The Instructional Designer leads the design, development, and redesign of interactive online courses using a variety of digital resources and collaborates with subject matter experts (SMEs) to design, develop and revise courses in a way which enhances student engagement and learning outcomes. The successful candidate possesses an in-depth knowledge of the pedagogical practices that support technology-enhanced and online learning, as well as experience with a wide range of learning technologies that support high-quality teaching and learning in online environments. The continuous learning and dissemination of knowledge of the latest proven tools and techniques by the Instructional Designer will be essential in order to foster the highest possible level of proficiency among faculty members. In addition, the Instructional Designer actively facilitates faculty development in pedagogy/andragogy, instructional design theory, and techniques and technologies that facilitate learning through consultations, seminars, and workshops. The Instructional Designer works with the Faculty Support Specialist to provide troubleshooting support to ensure all personnel are effectively delivering instruction using the Learning Management System and related teaching tools within the department and courses. The Instructional Designer works with the Coordinator of Distance Learning/Activity Director to recommend procedures to ensure state, federal, and accreditation policies related to instruction, curriculum, and course design. The Instructional Designer reports directly to the Coordinator of Distance Learning/Activity Director.  This is a full-time, 12-month position. The appointment begins as soon as the position can be filled. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop/lead faculty development training sessions in strategies and tools for online instruction.
• Develop materials for training sessions, including functional templates for online learning modules.
• Develop, recommend, and implement instructional guidelines, procedures, and practices that foster LCU’s online mission and promote student learning and academic success.
• Meet regularly with deans, chairs, and program directors to receive input on planning for online curriculum, instruction, and course design.
• Plan, manage, and provide faculty development and training in the use of instructional technology in course development, assessment of student outcomes, and best-practice teaching and learning methodologies for online education.
• Provide individualized assistance to faculty redesigning or converting online courses.
• Ensure appropriate Quality Matters standards for quality online education are met or exceeded.
• Analyze student learning outcomes and devise modes of assessment to measure the effectiveness of the outcomes for each course.
• Ensure that course work follows best-practices design and accreditation standards.
• Ensure faith and learning experiences are part of the curriculum design.
• Stay current with trends in online technology and best practices of teaching and learning; make recommendations about potential technological and pedagogical adjustments. 
• Demonstrate skills in learning theories to support effective pedagogical and andragogical principles to support the effective teaching and learning of online students (traditional and non-traditional). 
• Oversee piloting and evaluation phases of newly redesigned or developed online courses.
• Assist in the Title III Grant Strengthening Institutions Program project evaluation data collection/analysis.
• Assist in institutionalization of Title III Grant Strengthening Institutions Program project initiatives.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in distance education administration, education technology, curriculum and instruction, or instructional design, preferred. Will also consider a master’s degree in business administration, higher education, or a closely related field.

• Substantial experience in online higher education, including teaching online and administrative/supervisory responsibilities.
• Proven work experience in instructional design and with instructional technology in higher education.
• Strong writing, verbal, listening, organizational, and leadership skills required.
• High attention to detail.
• High level of energy, enthusiasm, and motivation.
• Demonstrated training in a course quality initiative, preferably Quality Matters.
• Excellent knowledge of lesson planning, curriculum design, and adult learning theories, instructional design models, strategies, and best practices.
• Ability to plan and manage multiple projects simultaneously and within designated deadlines.
• Knowledge of accreditation standards and SARA agreements.
• Knowledge of streaming audio and video, file types and formats, and experience with learning management software.
• Basic HTML and Flash programming knowledge.
• Solid knowledge of course development and online learning tools and at least one Learning Management System (Turnitin, VoiceThread, Jenzabar, Canvas).
• Visual design skills (Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator) and ability to storyboard.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate an active Christian faith and a calling to engage in a “Christ-centered community committed to Academic Excellence where students are equipped for Lives of Learning, Leading, and Serving.”

Louisiana Christian University is a private, Baptist, coeducational college of liberal arts and sciences with selected professional programs, located in Pineville, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1906 and is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Louisiana Baptist Convention. It has an enrollment of about 1,200 students and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

To apply for this position, please submit all of the following to [email protected]

1. Cover letter
2. LCU Faculty Application
3. LCU Christian Worldview Form
4. Curriculum Vitae
5. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts

Inquiries and all submissions should be made to:

Dr. Cheryl D. Clark, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

Louisiana Christian University

1140 College Drive

1. O. Box 567

Pineville, LA 71359

[email protected]

About Louisiana Christian University

Founded in 1906, Louisiana Christian University is a private, Baptist, coeducation college of liberal arts and sciences with selected professional programs, located in Pineville, LA. LCU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, governed by a Board of Trustees, affiliated with the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of background screening checks.

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