Working title: Digital Learning Designer

Appointment: Full-time, Academic technologist 3 (job code 9703AY)

Position Openings: Two (2) open positions

Extension Area: Extension Learning Technologies

Starting Salary: $72-85,000 estimated annual salary; commensurate with qualifications

Office Location: Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus. Hybrid flexible work options available

Reports to: Chief Technology Officer

Apply By: May 5, 2024

Position Summary

The Extension Digital Learning Designers are responsible for promoting and supporting the use of learning technologies by Extension's broad range of outreach programs and initiatives, driven by college and unit goals and long-term strategies. The Digital Learning Designers have an exceptionally diverse set of projects, leading initiatives with emerging technologies as well as more traditional course and learning module development projects. A hands-on position, the Digital Learning Designers work collaboratively with program teams, providing consultation, designing, developing, leading, and evaluating complex multimodal digital learning strategies. These team members guide instructional design strategy to meet learning objectives for a broad range of Extension programs and audiences.

Essential functions

Be a leader in production and tools for Extension's digital learning (30%)

• Research, implement, and support appropriate digital learning tools, working within the Extension Learning Technologies supported tools portfolio.
• Partner with program teams to build digital learning products using best practices and quality guidelines in support of the learning objectives they have established.
• Create sustainable production workflows that empower teams with ongoing production and maintenance, and appropriately utilize the support of the Extension Learning Technologies team, the Digital Learning and Data Regional Support Staff, and other applicable resources.
• Troubleshoot complex course design and delivery issues, partnering with central University teams as appropriate.

Engage with others to understand and advocate for Extension's digital learning needs and strategies (20%)

• Utilize learner satisfaction evaluative data to revise digital learning strategies and tactics accordingly.
• Actively advocate for, respond to, and solicit the digital learning needs of the program teams. Collaborate with educators to meet the learner needs by suggesting creative and supportable solutions.
• Understand and advocate for the academic technology-related needs of Extension in local and University-wide meetings, work groups, and communities of practice.

Train and develop program teams and support professionals in utilization of digital learning tools (25%)

• Partner with Extension professionals to strategize around and deliver ongoing development opportunities to the organization in the digital teaching and learning area.
• Curate and develop self-help resources for supported digital learning tools and Extension teaching strategies for new-to-experienced users.

Champion quality and accessibility standards for digital learning (25%)

• Facilitate strategic course reviews of individual Extension online courses and provide relevant training or resources to support continuous improvement when requested by the instructor.
• Drive the annual quality review process for Extension's ongoing online course portfolio.
• Use data, expertise, and research to keep Extension's quality and accessibility standards for digital learning up-to-date and inline with current best practices.
• Contribute to our team's overall mission of supporting Extension education with technology, generating enthusiasm and action around key ideas and solutions.

Appointment/Salary/Benefits

2. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Estimated starting annual salary is $72,000 - $85,000, and will be negotiated at time of offer.
3. After initial onboarding is complete, this position utilizes a hybrid flexible work modality.
4. A full University of Minnesota benefits package is available: .
5. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS plus four years of related academic technology experience, or master's degree and two years of related academic technology experience
• Demonstrated expert planning and project management skills aligned with larger strategic priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in design and delivery of distance education courses, programs and services.
• Experience developing and delivering audio/visual recording and editing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Applied coursework or professional certificate in instructional design, media production, and/or educational technology is preferred.
• Have a creative, team-oriented, and effective work style that supports coalition building, meeting people where they are, and earning the trust of others.
• Be a concise and articulate spokesperson, translating technology terms and processes into understandable concepts for various audiences.
• Experience training others
• Experience developing resource guides
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and access.

Additional Requirements:

• Working ability to perform tasks involving prolonged keyboarding, reading computer screen; and bending or twisting with occasional exertion of up to 30 pounds of force.
• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance to be used for occasional travel related to events, programming, activities, and training.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

About Extension Learning Technologies and Extension

Extension Learning Technologies delivers technology resources, training, equipment, tools, and creative solutions that enable over 700 staff to effectively and efficiently perform and support educational work connecting audiences to the University's research. Our technology team is cooperative and collaborative. Extension Learning Technologies team members are interested and curious in all aspects of technology, and enjoy lending a hand in projects across the team. We welcome new ideas and innovations, and encourage growth and development.

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information at .

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume/Vitae
3. Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
   • Personalized views and experiences
   • Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
   • If you don't have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
   • Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full instructions, .

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Amy Baker, Chief Technology Officer, .

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, .

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: .

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).