The Associate Instructional Designer supports the preparation and delivery of
online and hybrid
courses at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Working with instructional
designers, faculty, and
campus partners, this position helps prepare courses for each term, responds to
course support
needs, and improves the accessibility and usability of course materials. The
role follows
established processes, documents its work, and brings complex design or
technical questions to
the appropriate team member.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Course term preparation
• Prepare Canvas course sites for upcoming terms using approved templates and
established
workflows.
• Check course navigation, modules, LTI links, dates, assignments, gradebook
settings, and
student access before courses
• open.
• Copy and update reusable course content while identifying items that require
faculty review
or revision.
• Track readiness tasks, document issues, and coordinate with instructional
designers and
faculty to resolve them by launch deadlines.
• LTI/External tool configurations, configuring Zoom sessions and Yellowdig,
VitalSource/VolBooks verifications, and managing parent/child section copies
• Utilize structured ticketing and project management systems like TeamDynamix
and Asana,
to ensure accurate and timely project deliverables and faculty communication
standards
Course support
• Respond to routine faculty requests about Canvas course content, organization,
and
delivery.
• Help update course materials and troubleshoot common issues during the term.
• Maintain clear records of requests, changes, and outstanding items; refer
issues outside
the roles scope to the appropriate specialist.
• Provide faculty with practical guidance on using approved course templates and
tools.
Accessibility and quality review
• Review course pages, documents, images, links, and media for common
accessibility
barriers using approved tools
• and checklists.
• Make routine improvements, such as organizing headings, adding descriptive
links and
alternative text, and improving document structure.
• Coordinate captioning, document remediation, or other specialized support when
needed.
• Check that course materials are clear, consistent, and usable for students,
and document
items requiring faculty decisions.
Professional development and team collaboration
• Participate in training on Canvas, accessibility, online teaching, and
university processes.
• Share recurring issues and opportunities to improve course preparation and
support
workflows
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, education, technology,
learning
science, or related field.
• Experience: Experience providing educational technology development services,
or formal
or informal education, whether in full-time or part-time capacity.
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
o Knowledge of basic online course organization and instructional design
principles.
o Knowledge of digital accessibility and inclusive course design practices.
o Skill in editing and organizing digital course content with attention to
detail.
o Skill in written communication and documenting work clearly.
o Ability to follow established procedures, manage multiple deadlines, and seek
guidance when needed.
o Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, instructional designers, and
support
teams.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a
full-time basis without
need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.
Preferred Qualifications
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience: Experience supporting courses in a learning management system,
particularly
Canvas; experience reviewing or improving the accessibility of digital content;
and
experience in higher education or faculty support.
Work Location
• Location: Remote, operating out of Eastern Time
Compensation and Benefits
• UT market range: MR10
• Anticipated hiring range: $50-$55k
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
[https://tennessee.edu/about/divisions/finance-admin/hr/compensation/]
• Find more information on UT Benefits here
[https://tennessee.edu/about/divisions/finance-admin/hr/payroll-benefits-retirement/]
Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below
attachments:
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Sample portfolio of your work. The portfolio could include PDFs, hyperlinks,
and/or image files.
When uploading images or work samples, please include clear labeling that
includes your first
and last name.
About The College/Department/Division
Digital Learning at UT, is a unit charged with advancing UT’s commitment to
discovery, creativity,
learning, and engagement, specifically for online learners. Using advanced and
innovative
technologies, Digital Learning at UT will provide scalable solutions that
enhance the online learning
experience and reduce barriers to student access and success, providing a
tremendous impact to
online learners across the state and the nation. At Digital Learning, we want to
be bold and
impactful, transforming the future of online education through innovative
thinking and collaborative
problem-solving. Join our dynamic and inclusive Digital Learning team where we
take pride in
teamwork, excellence, and a shared commitment to shaping the future through
education and
innovation.
Additional Information on all postings provided by UTK
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and
innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more
than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold
the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and
service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting
colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its
footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie
classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry
leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the
Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of
Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that
focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols
are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career
development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of
development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience
implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent,
fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and
engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning
and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that
Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked
nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large
Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best
Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!