Instructional Designer

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the full-time, exempt position of Instructional Designer. This position reports directly to the Director of Instructional Design and Technology and is located in River Forest, IL.

The Instructional Designer is responsible for supporting faculty in using technology to improve instruction, particularly by assisting in the design of courses for multiple delivery modes. The position also includes working collaboratively with other Instructional Design Team members. The ideal candidate will be on-campus 3 days a week. Fully remote is not available for this position.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Designs, develops, and produces innovative, dynamic multimedia instructional materials for web-based courses in designated courseware, serving as a key collaborator with faculty and project stakeholders
• Assists in the creation and maintenance of course design templates and modular support materials
• Meets production schedules for course and multimedia creation in collaboration with faculty, academic departments, and the Instructional Design Team
• Assists faculty in implementing changes to course material based on faculty feedback and course evaluation processes
• Develops and models effective design practices and implements technologies to support eLearning and integration of educational technology on campus
• Participates in evaluating and assessing instructional effectiveness and continuous improvement of course materials in collaboration with Faculty and Staff
• Provides first-line of support through phone, e-mail, chat, web-conferencing and drop-in consultation and acts as a single point of contact to assist faculty in maintenance, technical design and course content issues to and enhancement of existing Web-based courses
• Assists IDT team members and Blackboard team in work assignments or project completion and in other areas as needed to support Concordia University Chicago distance learning efforts as assigned
• Designs, presents, or publishes (in electronic or online format) appropriate training and support resources, workshops or courses for faculty, adjuncts and students both face-to-face and at a distance
• Participates as requested on committees or task forces dealing with distance, online, or technology-related activities on campus as needed
• Works closely with the Instructional Design and Technology Team and other staff in strategic department planning
• Assists the Blackboard Administrators in managing course distribution and Outcomes Assessment projects
• Works closely with the Instructional Design and Technology Team and other staff in strategic divisional planning
• Other duties as recommended or assigned
• Candidates must support and be committed to the mission and identity of Concordia University Chicago, a university of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Skill Sets:

• Excellent oral, written, and instructional communication skills to work effectively within a team-oriented environment and with multi-disciplinary faculty with varying levels of instructional technology skills
• Knowledge of best practices in instructional technologies, online, blended, and face-to-face pedagogy
• A demonstrable knowledge of web design principles such as Universal Design for Learning and experience creating web pages; training in the application of experiential pedagogy
• Demonstrated adaptability with instructional and emerging technologies, including the ability to quickly learn new software applications and transfer existing knowledge across platforms; experience supporting faculty development while concurrently building proficiency in new tools
• Experience working with Generative Artificial Intelligence
• Experience working with various computer and handheld platforms
• Experience working in a diverse environment and/or with students from diverse backgrounds is preferred
• Enthusiastic supporter of Lutheran higher education and Concordia University Chicago

Minimum Experience Required:

• Instructional design experience or related field (higher education preferred)
• Experience using new technologies to deliver or supplement teaching and learning
• Experience developing and delivering training workshops or training packages
• Experience working with a Learning Management System and Adobe Acrobat

Preferred:

• Experience working with multimedia software, e.g. Articulate
• If available, include your portfolio with your resume and cover letter

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred, in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or related discipline
• Quality Matters Certification preferred

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia University Chicago benefit options include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Disability and Survivor Plan (Basic Life Insurance)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Tuition benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Application Information:

Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago:

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Theology, Arts & Humanities, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Health, Science & Technology, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and is consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities–Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. For more than a decade, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more about our commitment to higher education, rooted in the Gospel, at CUChicago.edu.

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.