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Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Teaching Innovation, the Lead Instructional Designer advances the University’s mission by supporting faculty in designing engaging, inclusive, and accessible learning experiences that integrate new and emerging technologies to enhance student engagement. This role serves as a strategic partner in leveraging technology for student success, fostering faculty innovation, and shaping the future of learning at the University. Working collaboratively with academic departments, industry, and external institutions, the Lead guides faculty in designing high-quality courses across in-person, hybrid, and online modalities, incorporating interactive learning strategies. The incumbent supports faculty development initiatives to enhance teaching with technology, active learning, and data-informed decision-making, and ensures accessibility and equity in course design by implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and compliance with accessibility standards. The Lead also advises on instructional policies and learning technology strategies; advocates for inclusive and innovative pedagogical practices; and manages and optimizes the University’s learning management system (LMS) to support faculty and students effectively. This position plays a critical leadership role in institutionalizing technology-enhanced teaching and learning, ensuring faculty and students have access to cutting-edge resources that promote engagement, equity, and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, administer, and optimize the learning management system (LMS) and other digital learning platforms to ensure effective teaching and learning experiences
• Research, evaluate, and implement emerging educational technologies and adaptive learning systems
• Develop and maintain interactive course templates and dashboards that support accessible, inclusive, and engaging learning environments
• Ensure compliance with accessibility standards (WCAG, UDL) and data security policies
• Provide guidance on data-driven decision-making for instructional technology adoption
• Lead faculty professional development programs focused on technology-enhanced teaching and active learning strategies
• Consult with faculty on designing engaging, inclusive, and accessible learning experiences across in-person, hybrid, and online modalities
• Design and conduct workshops, training sessions, and 1:1 consultations on digital pedagogy, instructional design, and student engagement strategies
• Provide just-in-time support for faculty adopting new instructional technologies.
• Support faculty in integrating data analytics and learning science principles into their teaching practices
• Partner with colleges and departments to develop, enhance, and assess online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced courses
• Guide faculty in aligning courses with quality assurance frameworks (e.g., Quality Matters, CSU Online Course Design Rubric)
• Collaborate on the development of microcredentials, certificates, and non-traditional learning pathways
• Analyze student learning outcomes and engagement metrics to inform continuous improvement in online learning
• Lead and manage at least one strategic CFETI initiative annually, from conception to implementation
• Champion equitable and inclusive digital learning practices across the university
• Conduct evaluations and research projects on campus-wide learning needs, identifying gaps and opportunities for instructional innovation
• Provide leadership in learning analytics and instructional design trends, shaping institutional strategies for technology-enhanced learning

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• Thorough knowledge in using learning management systems and other instructional technologies, as well as, knowledge of software administration
• Ability to understand, analyze and diagnose faculty, staff, and student needs and translate these needs into instructional solutions
• Ability to facilitate quality control and ensure that the online materials and practices are successful by applying established CSU and Faculty Senate criteria to meet course learning outcomes
• Ability to conduct research, gather data, compile analytics, and generate reports
• Proficiency and hands-on experience in web and mobile technologies with programming knowledge of Application Programming Interface (API) and web development tools such as Java, HTML, XML, and .NET
• Ability to enhance web-based courses with knowledge of best practices and e-learning principles
• Thorough knowledge and demonstrable skills in applying a variety of software applications and web-based authoring and publishing systems: e.g., Camtasia, Photoshop, HTML editors, WebEx, Microsoft Office, etc.
• In-depth knowledge of systems analysis and development, applications programming, and database analysis
• Ability to design and develop user-friendly interfaces that comply with accessibility as defined in Section 508
• Working knowledge of managing vendor-supplied application maintenance and patch life cycles
• Knowledge of instructional processes
• Knowledge of quality assurance practices regarding online and hybrid course design
• Ability to understand, analyze and diagnose faculty, staff, and student needs and translate these needs into instructional solutions
• Ability to enhance web-based courses with knowledge of best practices and e-learning principles
• Skilled in developing and conducting faculty training workshops and materials
• Ability to teach/instruct faculty to integrate existing and emerging instructional and interactive technologies into their courses/programs
• Strong consultative skills to assess user needs and provide appropriate support
• Strong oral communication skills to translate complex technical concepts into terms to support e-learning
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in working with users to interpret needs and provide appropriate solutions
• Possess leadership, collaborative and communication skills with a commitment to quality service and understanding of current and emerging distance learning and information technology skills
• Strong problem-solving and writing skills
• Ability to develop and maintain an effective working relationship with colleagues within the University
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive procedures and policies

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, educational technology, communications, or related fields, or similar certified coursework in applicable fields of study
• Five years of experience supporting information systems and technology

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's degree in a related field
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in educational technology, instructional design, distributed learning, or an equivalent discipline
• Experience in using and managing Learning Management Systems
• Experience with technical information systems and application program packages
• Experience with common software application packages used in higher education teaching
• Experience conducting research, gathering data, compiling analytics, and generating reports
• Experience in course development and design
• Experience in a team-based environment
• Experience in teaching workshops in higher education

Compensation

Classification: Information Technology Consultant – Expert
Anticipated Hiring Range: $7,800/month - $8,750/month
CSU Salary Range: $7,371/month - $14,274/month

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: April 21, 2025 through May 6, 2025. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.