Instructional Designer I

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience. 

This position is part of a team that supports faculty and staff in the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) through the CALS Faculty Instructional Resources and Support Team (FIRST).  FIRST supports faculty and staff to develop and deliver online academic and Extension (non-credit) courses and programs.

The Instructional Designer I will employ instructional design principles and instructional technology to create quality online learning environments and design authentic and applied learning experiences primarily for non-credit UF/IFAS Extension Online Learning programs. The incumbent will work with course instructors individually and as part of a team to develop and maintain quality online and hybrid courses, support faculty development in online course design and delivery, and seek ways to continually improve online course and program delivery.

Job functions include: 

• Works mainly but not exclusively with UF/IFAS Extension faculty and staff on non-credit online and blended courses. Works with faculty to build online course sites that include competency-based, actionable learning objectives leading to measurable outcomes, and engaging and learner-centered content, activities, and assessment strategies. Ensures alignment of learning objectives, practice, and assessments, and supports faculty in using a variety of synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning tools for online and blended programs.
• Uses a variety of authoring tools to create and maintain templates for courses and interactive learning materials and collaborates with faculty to design and develop authentic instructional content and assessments.
• Guides and monitors the work of interns/student assistants while assisting faculty in updating course content and readying courses for new course launches. Reviews course content and ensures that all course sites adhere to IFAS and UF policies, federal ADA accessibility standards, US copyright guidelines, and appropriate online course quality standards. Assists faculty with troubleshooting instructional technology as needed.
• Works with subject matter experts to design skills-based assessments for digital credentialing and assesses instructional effectiveness of the online courses developed to ensure objectives are accomplished. Reviews course evaluations, learning objectives and course materials to make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Manages multiple course production timelines and tasks. Supports the team’s project management processes for project documentation, asset management and team communication, and maintains project documentation and assets following team protocols.
• Coordinates and participates in training events for faculty and staff on technical and pedagogical topics related to delivering online Extension and academic programs, including participation in statewide Extension events. Develops training and job aid resources to transfer knowledge, skills and abilities related to teaching online.
• Advises instructors on standards and guidelines (e.g., quality and accessibility standards) to meet online course quality standards at a high level. Stays current in evidence-based best practices for teaching adult learners to make recommendations for online teaching and learning with a focus on authentic and applied learning and assessment.
• Coordinates with other UF/IFAS and UF units, departments and programs as needed to facilitate course and project completion.

Further Information:

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is a federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences. UF/IFAS Extension partners with communities to provide quality, relevant education and research-based expertise to foster healthy people, a healthy environment, and a healthy economy. The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) prepares the next generation of leaders to address the world's critical challenges related to agriculture, food systems, human wellbeing, natural resources and sustainable communities.

UF/IFAS Extension and CALS are creating an environment that inspires learning for all and affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

$53,000-$55,000 commensurate with education and experience

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience. 

• Education and/or experience in instructional design, adult learning theories, educational technology, and other areas relevant to online learning, including teaching or training experience with adult learners. Online teaching experience is a plus.
• Experience or familiarity with Learning Management Systems, especially Canvas, and with educational technology and collaboration tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Camtasia, Cidilabs DesignPlus for Canvas, Adobe Suite, Mediasite, Zoom, HTML, Microsoft 365/Teams).
• Understanding of, or experience with, Extension programs of a land-grant university or competency-based education of adult learners.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team to meet both individual and team goals. Ability to work independently while knowing when to seek advice.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and ability to work on multiple projects. Experience with project management and faculty support workflows.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to engage with instructors and other clients in a professional, accessible, and courteous manner. Ability to effectively communicate with, guide, and monitor the work of interns/student assistants.
• Ability to seek solutions proactively. Flexibility and ability to adapt in a changing environment.

In order to be considered, you must upload the following materials:

• Cover letter that states your motivation for applying and describes how your education, experience and qualifications have prepared you for this position.
• Resume.
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to act as professional references.

Finalists may be asked to provide sample work and/or participate in a skills-based assessment.  

Please note that we are concurrently advertising a second Instructional Designer I position supporting UF/IFAS through the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) Faculty Instructional Resources and Support Team (FIRST). We encourage applicants to apply to both positions.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.