Job Description

Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

AU is grounded in the transformative opportunity it provides to a diverse student body. As a private university with a public mission and a commitment to making a difference in peoples’ lives, AU has a long history of resilience and of providing access to an education that values innovation, focuses on continuous improvement, and has a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud of our service to and economic impact on the state of Illinois, where over 80% of our students stay to live and work, where 90% of our students come from, and where we foster strong community partnerships to develop the workforce in areas such as nursing, education, business, technology, and social work.

We are looking for passionate and purposeful individuals who represent the full diversity of Aurora and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, identity, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at AU, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

At AU we believe that continuous learning is a fundamental part of working life, and our goal is for all colleagues on our campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support our community by providing all employees with opportunities to engage in professional development activities, as well as a range of tuition and employee benefits that can be found here .

Position Purpose:

The Instructional Designer at Aurora University supports learning by enhancing the quality of education through collaboration with faculty, subject matter experts, and academic departments to design, develop, and implement effective and engaging online, hybrid, and campus-based courses. The Instructional Designer will utilize their expertise in instructional design, educational technology, and pedagogy to support faculty in creating interactive, student-centered learning experiences.

Essential Job Functions:

• Course Design and Development: Collaborate with faculty to design and develop engaging courses that align with learning objectives and best practices in instructional design.
• Educational Technology Integration: Evaluate and recommend educational technologies, tools, and platforms to enhance the online learning experience. Provide training and support to faculty in the effective use of these technologies.
• Content Creation: Assist in the creation of multimedia educational materials, including videos, interactive simulations, and other digital resources that facilitate active learning.
• Accessibility: Ensure that course materials and online resources are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities, in compliance with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
• Assessment and Evaluation: Develop assessment strategies and rubrics to measure student learning outcomes. Analyze assessment data to make recommendations for course improvement.
• Faculty Support: Provide training, workshops, and one-on-one consultations to faculty on instructional design principles, pedagogical strategies, and effective use of educational technology.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct course reviews and evaluations to ensure courses meet quality standards and accreditation requirements.
• Stay Current: Keep abreast of emerging trends and best practices in instructional design, educational technology, and higher education.

Core Competencies:

• Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
• Upholds the Mission Statement: Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. We empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.
• Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
• Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education:

• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related field (PhD preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in instructional design in a higher education setting.

Skills:

• Proficiency with Learning Management Systems (Brightspace preferred).
• Strong knowledge of educational technology tools and software.
• Familiarity with universal design for learning and accessibility standards.
• Practiced in utilizing Open Educational Resources (OERs) in course developments.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.

Physical Requirements:

• Office setting, standing, walking, sitting.
• Expected equivalent of 40 hours per week, but days/hours may vary as needed. Hybrid or work from home employment will be considered if candidate can demonstrate ability to fulfill this role effectively off-site.

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

To apply, please send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references including name, telephone, and email address.

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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