Instructional Designer - Experiential Learning

Competition 2080

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of one year plus one day from the date of hire and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL)

The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) helps U of A instructors create engaging, inclusive, and research-informed learning experiences. Whether refining your approach, exploring new strategies, or tackling challenges, we provide the expertise and resources to support your goals. Grounded in the U of A Framework for Effective Teaching, our programs and services promote evidence-based practices that enhance student learning and align with the university’s teaching priorities.

Position

Reporting to the Assistant Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), this position is integral to the planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation of teaching resources, strategies, and professional development of instructors and instructional teams at the University of Alberta. The position will collaborate with instructors to develop experiential learning opportunities that connect academic learning with real-world experiences, aligning with the University of Alberta’s commitment to work-integrated, community-engaged, and research-based learning. 

As a key member of the CTL Team, the Instructional Designer is critical to the implementation of the unit’s mission and strategic imperatives. The Instructional Designer is instrumental in: (1) developing and delivering instructional development programming offered by CTL; (2) providing consultative support for instructors to plan, implement, and assess student learning in various formats (face-to-face, online, remote, and blended); (3) promoting and modeling effective teaching practices as outlined in the Teaching, Learning, and Evaluation Policy and the Framework for Effective Teaching; (4) working closely with other CTL team members to ensure the coherent and holistic delivery of programming; and (5) supporting the continuous improvement of CTL programming and services by engaging and responding to evaluative processes. The incumbent executes these duties through scholarly, evidence-based methods and collaborative approaches with CTL’s multidisciplinary team.

Duties

Learning Design Support

• Provide one-on-one consultations with instructors to guide course design and delivery, ensuring alignment with the U of A Framework for Effective Teaching.
• Offer advice on instructional technologies and spaces, including pedagogical approaches and course-specific technological needs.

Instructional Design Operations

• Develop and maintain a repository of instructional resources for faculty and staff at varying levels of experience, ensuring accessibility standards are met.
• Collaborate with CTL colleagues and other university units to align resources with institutional portfolios and strategic initiatives. 

Programming

• Design and deliver training programs and workshops for instructional staff, covering a variety of topics related to the Framework for Effective Teaching.
• Tailor programming to meet the specific needs of diverse audiences, ranging from novice to experienced instructors, across multiple teaching and learning modalities (in-person, online, hybrid).
• Ensure that all programming aligns with the university’s strategic commitments, including the Shape Plan, Braiding Past, Present, and Future, and the EDI Action Plan.
• Apply evidence-based approaches and adult learning principles to the design and delivery of all programming.
• Collaborate with Educational Developers to create customized learning opportunities and team enhancement projects.
• Identify and implement appropriate delivery methods (e.g., asynchronous, synchronous, blended) for training programs, based on participant needs.
• Assess the effectiveness of programming through feedback and data analysis, and make recommendations for continuous improvement and inform programming decisions.

Operational Needs

• Participate in CTL’s operational functions such as committee involvement.
• Engage in CTL-wide initiatives as assigned, to support the advancement of the center’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Create quarterly plans for portfolio to ensure annual goals are met.

Professional Practice

• Stay current with instructional design trends, pedagogical practices, and professional development opportunities to maintain a high standard of professional practice in a post-secondary context.
• Actively pursue opportunities for continuous learning and skill development in instructional design.

Qualifications

• An Undergraduate degree in educational technology, adult education, or a related field is required. Masters degree preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years experience in instructional design and demonstrated effectiveness as a facilitator/instructor in the post-secondary context.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, backward design).
• Proven knowledge of evidence-based pedagogical approaches and learner-centered teaching practices grounded in adult learning principles.
• Proficiency in the integration of digital learning tools and technologies into diverse learning environments, with a commitment to accessible, inclusive teaching.
• Exceptional consultative and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and influence and engage stakeholders positively.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and adapt communication styles to meet the needs of various audiences and learners.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, demonstrating respect, dignity, and integrity in working relationships.
• Experience providing client-centred services and programming within the post-secondary environment.
• Ability to listen actively, seek out advice and contribute insights and new ideas related to work assignments.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize competing demands, meet deadlines, and complete detail-oriented work.