Required Qualifications
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BA/BS plus four years of relevant experience, or master's degree plus two years of relevant experience in education, instructional design, learning technologies, curriculum and instruction, design & technology, or a related field.
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Experience designing and delivering faculty development workshops, consultations, or professional learning.
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Experience developing and supporting online, hybrid, or technology-enhanced learning experiences in higher education.
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Experience creating accessible digital instructional materials and applying WCAG accessibility standards and Universal Design for Learning principles.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Knowledge of current and emerging applications of generative AI in higher education teaching and learning.
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Experience with quality assurance frameworks for online and blended/hybrid learning, such as Quality Matters or similar models.
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Knowledge of copyright and open educational resources (OER).
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Experience using learning analytics to inform instructional improvements.
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Experience evaluating and implementing academic technologies at an institutional level.
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Experience collaborating across multiple institutions or university system offices.
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EdD or PhD in education, instructional design, learning technologies, curriculum and instruction, design & technology, or a related field.
Instructional Technologist
The Instructional Technologist partners with faculty and staff to enhance teaching and learning through the effective, accessible, and pedagogically sound use of academic technologies. This position provides consultation, training, and support for technology-enhanced instruction while applying instructional design principles to improve learning experiences across face-to-face, hybrid, and online environments.
A successful candidate in this role will bring strong knowledge of learning technologies, instructional design, pedagogy, and evidence‑based teaching practices, along with familiarity with emerging applications of generative AI in higher education. They will demonstrate advanced proficiency with Canvas or similar course management systems and be able to evaluate new technologies and clearly communicate their instructional value. They will excel at managing multiple priorities, working both independently and collaboratively, and building productive relationships across diverse communities. Strong collaboration, communication, facilitation, and presentation skills are essential, supported by solid analytical, organizational, and project management abilities. Above all, they will show a commitment to innovation, continuous learning, and student success.
Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.
Key Responsibilities
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Consult with faculty to identify instructional goals and recommend effective, pedagogically sound technology solutions that support student learning.
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Analyze instructional goals and collaborate with faculty and subject matter experts to create engaging, inclusive, accessible, and effective learning materials and course content.
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Plan, develop, and deliver professional development opportunities in a variety of formats, including individual consultations, workshops, webinars, and self-paced resources.
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Provide guidance and technical support during the implementation of new instructional technologies, digital learning tools, and course redesign initiatives.
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Promote best practices in instructional design, accessibility, GenAI, universal design for learning (UDL), and academic technology to improve teaching effectiveness and student success.
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Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional technologies, training programs, and learning resources through feedback, assessment, and usage data, making recommendations for continuous improvement.
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Create and maintain documentation, tutorials, and support materials that enable faculty to effectively integrate technology into their teaching.
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Stay current with emerging academic technologies, instructional design trends, and evidence-based teaching practices, sharing knowledge with the campus community.
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Collaborate with colleagues across academic and administrative units to support institutional initiatives related to teaching, learning, and technology.
Job Duties and Percentages
20% Faculty Development & Consultation
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Design and facilitate workshops, webinars, and consultations on instructional technology,course design, assessment, student engagement, and evidence-based teaching and learning practices.
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Partner with University teaching and learning units to support course improvement, technology integration, and pedagogical innovation.
20% Canvas Course Site Design and Support
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Promote accessible, inclusive learning environments aligned with ADA Title II, WCAG, UDL, and applicable accessibility regulations.
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Support faculty in developing accessible course materials and selecting accessible educational technologies.
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Provide advanced consultative support for Canvas and integrated instructional technologies.
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Collaborate with campus partners to stay informed about Canvas enhancements, and recommend improvements based on emerging platform capabilities.
20% Course Design & Development
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Collaborate with faculty to design and enhance online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced courses.
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Apply instructional design principles and recommend technologies that support learning outcomes and student success.
20% Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives
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Serve as a liaison to an assigned college or academic unit and provide instructional technology expertise.
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Collaborate across the university to advance teaching, learning, accessibility, and educational innovation initiatives.
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Represent the university on committees, contribute to strategic planning and assessment, and participate in special projects.
10% Generative AI & Educational Innovation
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Lead initiatives that promote the ethical and effective use of generative AI in teaching, learning, and assessment.
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Collaborate with University partnerships to develop and deliver professional learning on AI literacy, instructional applications, and academic integrity.
10% Professional Development and Other Duties as Assigned
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Participate in professional development workshops, training, and continuing education opportunities.
- Complete mandatory compliance and safety trainings
- Support onboarding, mentoring, or training of new staff when assigned
- Performed additional duties and special assignments as directed by supervisors to support organizational goals.
Impact
The Instructional Technologist contributes significantly to the university's mission by enhancing instructional quality, expanding innovative teaching practices, promoting accessible and inclusive learning environments, supporting effective use of academic technologies, and strengthening collaborations that improve teaching and student success across the institution.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV. Required application materials : resume.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)
The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.
Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
