Independent Contractor Instructional Designer Jobs

Job Summary

The Instructional Designer contributes to the success of technology-enhanced, online course delivery by providing advice and experience in using innovative learning design, educational technology applications, and applied pedagogical practices under the direction of the Associate Director of Instructional Design. The Instructional Designer works with subject matter experts to design and develop innovative courses in various modalities. This position collaborates with multiple stakeholders on instructional design and faculty development projects. The Instructional Designer aids and consults with faculty on instructional design, learning management systems, and other digital learning tools. The Designer will also conduct professional development workshops and have individualized meetings with faculty to assist in developing and facilitating online learning.

The Instructional Designer thoroughly understands best practices in the design and instruction of online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced pedagogies.

Essential Functions

• Give course design and curriculum development support to academic units with complex needs, such as developing new online programs, addressing accessibility concerns, or exploring competency-based education.
• Provide instructional design expertise and consultations to full- and part-time faculty across various disciplines and course delivery modes.
• Work independently to engage with academic units to address concerns and challenges related to the development of online courses.
• Collaborate effectively with faculty and faculty development professionals to achieve outstanding instructional design outcomes.
• Design, develop, and manage faculty development courses and projects for full- and part-time faculty.
• Possess and maintain knowledge and expertise in emerging learning theories and evolving best practices for course design, pedagogy, and technology integration.
• Support distance education sponsored projects, initiatives, and programs, as assigned. (Projects may include faculty development programs, course development initiatives, administrative support initiatives, quality assurance projects, etc.)
• Work closely with the Associate Director of Instructional Design on quality assurance initiatives.
• Complete other duties and projects as assigned.

Competencies

• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in instructional design and current pedagogical theories.
• Working knowledge of the learning theories and strategies that support best practices in online and technology-enhanced teaching, particularly in the asynchronous modality.
• Demonstrated experience with a learning management system (i.e., Canvas) and a range of learning technologies.
• Demonstrated experience and/or coursework in delivering faculty training and development specifically for online courses (facilitated and non-facilitated), workshops, and online resource repositories for instructors.
• Experience in developing online courses in the higher education field.
• Experience with integration and introducing different educational technology tools.
• Ability to work as a contributing and collegial member of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Project management skills.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft and other related technologies.

Required Education And Experience

• Master's Degree
• Two (2) – Three (3) years of experience supporting and/or collaborating with faculty in their teaching and/or related demonstrated experience or coursework.

Preferred Education And Experience

• Master's Degree, preferably in academic technology, instructional design, education, or related fields.
• Three or more years' experience as an instructional designer, educational technologist, course builder, or faculty trainer.

Pay Transparency

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary range for this position is $63,200 - $71,100 for candidates with 0-3 years of experience and $71,100 - $79,000 for candidates with 3+ years of experience.

Benefits

St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment that utilizes a combination of individual and team-based approaches to achieving outstanding outcomes. Standard office equipment, such as personal computers, printers, copy machines, etc., is available.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must occasionally stand; move about; sit; carry work and use controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, and communicate effectively.

Environmental Conditions

Possible exposure to typical office dust and noise.

Position Type / Hours

This administrative position is full-time, on-campus, Monday through Friday, and the work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work hours may be adjusted occasionally to accommodate special events, including earlier start and end times, evenings, and weekends.

Travel

Travel is primarily local and may include visits to the other NY campuses.

Equal Opportunity Employer

St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.