Learning Designer

Academic Partnerships assists primarily regional universities in increasing their access and impact by making their academic programs available to students online. Founded in 2007, AP’s mission is to expand access to high-quality, affordable, and workforce-relevant education, especially for working and adult students. AP brings single-minded dedication to student success, an integrated set of services, and data-driven performance to our collaboration with university partners.
Job Summary:
Directs the design and development of outstanding online courses that incorporate best practices from learning theory, instructional design frameworks, and current trends and research in online teaching and learning. Achieves this through close collaboration with external subject matter experts and with Academic Services team members.
Day In a Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Collaborate closely with university faculty to design courses that are creative, inspiring and engaging.
Apply online learning best practices, appropriate learning theory, user-centered design methods, and accessibility standards to improve faculty’s courses in terms of effectiveness, use of technology, and student engagement.
Quickly learn and translate complex content into learning experiences for students.
Inform design approaches by staying current on research, trends, and student feedback.
Establish rapport and credibility with faculty members virtually; provide creative consultation and effectively guide faculty members through course development process.
Support Program Strategy Manager in providing expertise to faculty and school administration in web technologies, Learning Management System use, online best practices, and other areas as needed.
Be open to experimentation and identify opportunities to improve student learning, faculty experience, business impact, and client relationships.
Manage work to deliver courses on time and within scope.
Develop and follow sound project plans and manage to deadlines; adhere to established processes and offer suggestions for improvement; proactively and clearly communicate needs, status, and deadlines to all players internal and external; efficiently address or escalate issues.
What You’ll Need for Success:
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education, Learning Sciences, Instructional Design, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field
Desirable:
A master’s degree with work experience in online teaching, demonstrated application of user experience principles, preferred.
A minimum of 2 years of work experience with strong background in learning theory and online instruction; experience working with subject matter experts in the development of online learning experiences.
Ability to confidently guide subject matter experts through design process and manage to deadlines to create effective and engaging online courses.
Competency with learning management systems such as Blackboard, Canvas, Brightspace, or Moodle and related technologies; Facility with synchronous and asynchronous online collaboration.
Demonstrates completeness and attention to detail.
Consciously works to build rapport through understanding, and adapting own personal style to the attitudes, interests, needs, and perspectives of others
Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships with peers, colleagues, management, and others.
Adaptable and flexible to change.
Capitalizes on own strengths and actively pursues and takes responsibility for development opportunities.
Results orientation/execution
Influences and motivates people, both within and outside the organization to act toward achieving business unit/organization goals
Demonstrates knowledge of current industry practices, trends, and opportunities
Traveling up to 20%.
Desires:
Knowledge/demonstrated application of user experience principles.
Experience with Quality Matters or a similar course quality rubric.
Understands organization’s information structure (key decision makers, influencers, etc.) and uses it to accomplish goals mutually beneficial to both the individual and the organization.
Influences and motivates people, both within and outside the organization to act toward achieving business unit/organization goals
Demonstrates knowledge of current industry practices, trends, and opportunities.
Academic Partnerships is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce
This role is eligible for comprehensive benefits including full-time healthcare coverage and paid time off.
Personal and Professional Development:
Continuous Professional and Leadership Development Programs
Tuition Reimbursement for employees
and
their dependents