Instructional Designer

Position Summary

Temporary Full-Time Appendix D Support Staff, replacement contract position (Immediate need - January 8, 2027)

The Instructional Designer is responsible for online course design and project management that leads to the successful implementation of the College’s online courses. The incumbent works independently as well as collaboratively on a cross-functional team of academics, Curriculum Consultants, eLearning Developers, Quality Assurance Specialists, as well as external vendor partners. This individual will ensure online courses are delivered on time and meet Conestoga’s standards for academic quality.

Successful candidates will be required to conduct work within Ontario and must be available to work on campus as required. It is anticipated that this position will meet the needs of the department through a hybrid work arrangement, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with one day on-site at Conestoga’s 3065 King St. E office in Kitchener and four days remote.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with subject matter experts (primarily faculty), Curriculum Consultants, and eLearning Developers to design hybrid and fully online courses that are active and engaging
• Applies expertise in pedagogy and consults with faculty on the creation of effective learning outcomes, online teaching strategies, learning activities and tasks, and assessment strategies
• Provides guidance and assists subject matter experts with preparing course material for online delivery
• Designs instructional content based on information provided by the subject matter expert and the capabilities of Conestoga’s chosen Learning Management System (LMS)
• Applies instructional design principles that comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements
• Schedules regular meetings with the subject matter experts throughout the course design process
• Creates mapping and design documents, storyboards, recommendations documents, and other required documentation
• Writes audio and video scripts for instructional multimedia
• Conducts quality assurance audits of existing online courses
• Ensures courses meet quality standards as outlined in the master quality assurance checklist
• Advises faculty on the effective application of educational multimedia, learning objects, and other technology tools to enhance instruction
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of learning theory, technology and best practices in online course design and development
• Consults on modifications required in subsequent offerings of courses
• Contributes to project schedules by identifying project milestones and dates
• Primary liaison between eLearning Developer and subject matter expert, and ensures timely delivery of online courses
• Coordinates necessary meetings with the subject matter expert (e.g., creating high-level content structure, content documents, recommendations documents, storyboards, etc.)
• Advises eLearning Developers as they interpret requirements and produce online course assets
• Provides updates on project progress and proactively identifies risks for potential delays by using recognized project management strategies and techniques
• Develops and facilitates learning opportunities for faculty related to online learning, independently or in conjunction with internal partners
• Consults with other departments on campus on issues that directly or indirectly relate to online learning (e.g., instructional plans, course evaluations, rubrics, etc.)
• Supports faculty with the use of the LMS by offering one-to-one consultation sessions and in-class group sessions, adapting to differing levels of proficiency
• Participates in joint sessions offered by various departments throughout the College (e.g., new faculty orientation sessions, Learn@Work events, E3, etc.)
• Presents at external events and conferences
  
  

Qualifications

• Three-year diploma or degree in adult education, educational technology, training and development or a related field of study
• Minimum five years of experience using project management and instructional design expertise in an academic, online learning, eLearning or instructional design-related field is required
• Experience designing and developing online courses is required, preferably at a post-secondary level
• Extensive administrative use and support of a learning management system(s), preferably Brightspace by D2L
• Experience creating and facilitating professional development opportunities related to online learning best practices for faculty, staff, or students
• Ability to assist faculty in defining instructional and assessment elements
• Excellent understanding of adult education principles and learning styles, with knowledge of current instructional technologies
• Strong writing skills with the ability to decipher complex content and convert it into meaningful chunks of information
• Ability to incorporate technology and media to enhance instructional methods and improve the learners' educational experience
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously using appropriate project management tools and techniques
• Proven skill in communicating effectively and building relationships with clients