University of Northern Iowa
Instructional Development Specialist
Blackboard
Canvas
LMS
Edtech.com's Summary
The University of Northern Iowa is hiring an Instructional Development Specialist. This role involves collaborating with faculty to design and develop online courses, ensuring alignment with educational standards and accessibility, while also coordinating course development and integrating emerging technologies.
Highlights
- Collaborate with faculty on instructional and assessment strategies for online courses.
- Coordinate course design, development, and production using Learning Management Systems (LMS).
- Review courses to ensure alignment with Quality Matters Rubric and best practices.
- Ensure digital accessibility of course content.
- Identify and address technological gaps and emerging tools in online education.
- Proficiency required in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and LMS platforms.
- Bachelor's degree required; Master’s preferred along with experience in higher education teaching and accessibility standards.
- Salary starts at $56,000, commensurate with experience.
- Position is eligible for remote work within Iowa.
- Experience with Quality Matters Rubric, Blackboard, D2L/Brightspace, or Canvas preferred.
Instructional Development Specialist Full Description
Instructional Development Specialist - Remote Eligible (Within Iowa)
Main Campus
Full time
If you are a current University of Northern Iowa employee and would like to apply for this position, login to UNI Works and type “Find Jobs” in the search bar to view and apply for open positions.
Full Consideration Date:04/12/2026
Job Description:
Primary Function: Collaborates with faculty members to determine instructional strategies and materials and assessment strategies appropriate for online courses offered through Online Education and Individual Studies; collaborates with CETL and IT Educational Technology & Media Services and other support units to elevate the quality of support and instruction; coordinates course development from inception to completion by providing course design, development, and production services to faculty, including editing and building content in the LMS; conducts reviews of online courses with instructors to ensure that course design aligns with Quality Matters Rubric and industry best practices standards; works with faculty on electronic files and content to ensure digital accessibility; and identifies gaps and needs between current hardware and software capabilities, supports growth, and addresses emerging technologies for technology-based courses.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in education, English, technical writing, educational technology, or related field; at least two years of robust instructional design experience in the field of online education, with proficiency across course learning management systems; proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite tools; excellent organizational skills and time management skills, including ability to prioritize tasks and projects as needed; excellent verbal and written communication skills, customer service, and interpersonal skills; strong attention to accuracy and detail; ability to learn and apply emerging online tools and skills, including generative AI; ability to work well with others in a team setting; and ability to adapt to change and work in a fast-paced work environment required. Master's degree; higher education teaching experience; experience with Blackboard Original and/or Ultra View, D2L/Brightspace, or Canvas; project management experience, including long-term collaborative projects with faculty; experience with Universal Design for Learning and creating/editing electronic files for digital accessibility; and familiarity with Quality Matters Rubric and industry best practices standards for online course design preferred.
This position is eligible to be performed remotely within the state of Iowa. Employees who elect remote work must comply with the requirements of our remote work policy and agreement.
Position Details:
Job Category: Professional & Scientific
Type of Position: Term
Service Schedule: Calendar Year
Application Instructions:
All application materials received by April 12, 2026, will be given full consideration. Position will remain posted until filled. To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. The following materials must be attached when applying:
1) Resume
2) Cover Letter
2) Cover Letter
You will be presented with the opportunity to attach multiple documents when completing the application. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL required materials listed above have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email careers-support@uni.edu or call 319-273-2422.
Salary:
$56,000 to Commensurate
Pay Basis: Salary
Pay Grade: 119
Iowa enjoys a lower cost of living than many other states. See how the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area compares by utilizing the cost of living calculator. Our overall compensation package is enhanced by excellent benefits for eligible non-temporary positions. To learn more about the vibrant Cedar Valley community, visit https://livethevalley.com/.
If you would like general assistance with the application process or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resource Services at hrs-employment@uni.edu or call (319) 273-2422.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
UNI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.
Campus Security & Crime Statistics, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information on crime statistics for recent years, Public Safety personnel and programs, building access, reporting crimes, safety suggestions, and policies, programs, and services regarding alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse, is available in the UNI Annual Security and Fire Report. A paper copy is available from the Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.
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