Independent Contractor Instructional Designer Jobs

Daemen University is a dynamic, independent, liberal arts institution committed to excellence in student-centered learning. The University places special emphasis on preparing students for excellence in professional life, and civic engagement, and on instilling and understanding that learning is an exciting lifelong journey. Students are encouraged to be creative, innovative, ethically minded leaders for an ever-changing, diverse, and interconnected world.

The Mission of Daemen University is to prepare students for life and leadership in an increasingly diverse and complex world through the integration of education and professional preparation. Daemen University is going beyond instrumental needs to foster the development of individuals who are dedicated to the health and well-being of local and global communities.

An Instructional Designer at Daemen University plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience for both students and faculty. An Instructional Designer is essential for creating a dynamic and effective learning environment. They support our faculty as they create courses and programs that are well-designed, technology-enhanced, and accessible.

This is an on-campus position.

Joining our Instructional Design team within the Office of the Vice Provost; Institutional Effectiveness and Academic Systems, an Instructional Designer will be responsible for the following:

• Collaborate with faculty members in the development or conversion of courses for online, hybrid, and HyFlex learning modalities including the selection of appropriate technological, instructional, and assessment strategies while meeting the objectives of the course and honoring the academic goals of the institution
• Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to identify, design, and develop course materials and assets using the Backward Design model while managing course development projects.
• Actively review existing courses and offer recommendations for continued refinement based on best practices in synchronous and asynchronous learning.
• Develop online lesson materials using faculty content, other instructional content, software applications (e.g. Articulate 360, Camtasia, etc), and our Learning Management System (Blackboard).
• Support faculty as needed in the use of instructional technology in developing courses.
• Aid faculty in preparing proposed and existing online courses for quality review using the Quality Matters (QM) Higher Ed Rubric.
• Provide timely formative feedback and assistance to faculty to enhance face-to-face, HyFlex, hybrid, and online courses.
• Recommend innovative design, format, and/or technological changes to further engage learners.
• Effectively lead instructional workshops and presentations on innovative strategies to enhance teaching and learning.
• Collaborate with faculty on developing engaging content (e.g., video, audio, and/or interactive).
• Manage project timelines for instructional design projects.
• Stay informed about instructional technologies and curricular best practices.
• Assist with accessibility needs in keeping with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Support and stay informed in the area of Universal Design for Learning.
• Serve on the Quality in Online Education Committee (QOnEc).
• Take initiative to create user guides, tutorials, and other resources as "on-demand" references for faculty and staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or related disciplines.
• Experience with course design aimed at actively engaging students and meeting the needs of adult learners preferred.
• Experience with conducting online course reviews and communicating results and recommendations.
• Familiarity with common instructional design principles and best practices (e.g., ADDIE, Integrated or Backwards Design, formative feedback, etc.)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and independently as needed.
• Proficiency with Content or Learning Management Systems (e.g. Blackboard)
• Expertise in MS Office and Google Drive.
• Experience working on project teams to accomplish tasks and milestones as delineated and expected.

• Masters degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technologies, or related disciplines.
• Experience in higher education with a fluency in pedagogical modalities.
• Experience teaching in an online, hybrid, or HyFlex experience.
• Experience as a functional administrator for an LMS system including proficiency in their administration, customization, and support preferably Anthology Blackboard Ultra.
• Experience with the Quality Matters (QM) Higher Education Rubric.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The University does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Daemen University offers a robust total compensation package that includes:

• Health insurance with an option of two plans: an HSA plan with the deductible partially funded by employer HSA contributions, or a copay plan.
• Dental insurance through the Guardian network.
• Vision insurance through the Guardian network, and an option between the VSP or Davis plans.
• An 8% employer contribution to the retirement savings account when employees contribute just 5%.
• Fully paid long term disability insurance, guaranteed-issue life insurance for new hires up to a volume of $150,000.
• Tuition waiver for full-time employees and their qualified dependents. Entrance in Tuition Exchange scholarship opportunities to pursue education at other institutions.
• Generous time off for administrative and staff employees.