Careers at Virginia Tech

Position Summary:

The Instructional Media Specialist creates educational videos and other digital learning objects in support of Virginia Tech’s teaching and learning mission. Reporting to the Director of Instructional Media Development within Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS), the Instructional Media Specialist is a versatile and creative professional responsible for developing high-quality instructional media for distance, online, and hybrid modalities for Virginia Tech courses and faculty professional development offerings. This role requires a high level of creativity, a learner-centric approach to media design, and strong technical proficiency with video and e-learning platforms and tools.  The Instructional Media Specialist is a contributing member of a team dedicated to agile development of a variety of instructional media and video products, including studio productions, animation and graphics, virtual and 3D simulations, and other e-learning objects. In order to successfully fulfill these responsibilities, the Instructional Media Specialist actively develops a variety of media projects with accuracy, efficiency, and quality.

Core Responsibilities: 

• Produce a variety of high-quality media products including graphics, videos, animations, and extended reality (XR).

• Develop interactive e-learning modules using authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Rise, and Captivate.

• Provide pre- and post-production services including scripting, storyboarding, editing, etc.

• Ensure final deliverables meet academic standards, industry best practices, and brand guidelines.

• Follow best practices for Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessibility, and user experience.

• Maintain and update existing content to reflect changes in procedures or technology.

• Collaborate with learning management system (LMS) administrators to ensure seamless integration of digital learning objects.

• Research and integrate emerging technologies and innovative practices in instructional media. 

• Experiment with new media formats and tools to enhance learning experiences.

• Pursue professional development opportunities to stay current with trends and advancements in digital media, XR, and other relevant technologies.

• Present findings and recommendations for adopting new technologies and practices.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in visual design, media production, creative technologies, instructional design, or a related field.

• Significant experience in a media development environment, demonstrated through a portfolio of polished media products.

• Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, etc.).

• Strong understanding of design thinking and learning experience design.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in visual design, media production, creative technologies, instructional design, or a related field.

• Broad knowledge of technology-enhanced learning environments, tools, services, and pedagogies in use in higher education, ideally including the Canvas learning management system.

• Experience with e-learning authoring tools (Articulate Storyline, Rise, Captivate, etc.).

• Experience with AR/VR/XR development and 3D modeling tools.

• Familiarity with HTML5 and other web technologies.

• Previous experience in a similar role in an educational or corporate training environment.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Judy Alford at jualford@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.