Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Office of Learning Design in the College of Information Sciences and Technology is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Instructional Production Specialist to support the development and maintenance of high-quality online and residential courses. This role is central to keeping our course templates accurate, consistent, and ready for students each semester. Working closely with instructional designers, the specialist translates design direction into polished course content, supports live course sections throughout the semester, and helps ensure our materials are accessible to all learners. This is a hands-on production role well-suited to someone who takes pride in precision, follow-through, and keeping complex projects organized.
Key Responsibilities
Organize and update course content in Canvas course templates based on designer direction, design specifications, and established best practices, confirming completed updates with designers.
Maintain consistency across courses and designer portfolios by reviewing templates against standards, identifying discrepancies, and coordinating corrections.
Prepare live course sections each new semester by updating content, implementing semester settings for integrations and tools, and communicating readiness or needed fixes to designers and the production team.
Support student accommodation requests in live sections, such as extended quiz time or split exams, by updating Canvas materials in coordination with the Learning Design team and faculty.
Complete Canvas course merges and responds to real-time course issues with prompt troubleshooting and follow-up.
Create, review, and remediate course materials for accessibility; assist with course audits and support compliance with institutional accessibility standards.
Contribute to workflow improvements by documenting processes, sharing recommendations, and helping designers identify efficiencies in course production.
Support designers with faculty-facing tasks, maintain organized documentation across shared systems, and help assign and monitor appropriate tasks for student interns.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)
2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
Successful candidates will have:
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple courses and tasks simultaneously.
Demonstrated ability to implement instructional design direction within a learning management system (LMS).
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with designers, faculty, and team members.
Comfort working with collaborative tools such as shared file systems, Smartsheet, SharePoint, or Microsoft Teams.
A proactive, problem-solving mindset and reliable follow-through on requests and updates.
Preferred qualifications:
Experience working in higher education.
Experience working with the Canvas LMS.
Familiarity with digital accessibility practices and standards.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $36,888.00 - $53,532.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page .
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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