Instructional Technology Specialist

This position is scheduled for 20 hours per week and is performed during the University’s regular operating hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Flexible scheduling is available based on departmental needs and the selected candidate’s schedule.

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management (HRSM) seeks a skilled and detail-oriented Digital Learning Specialist to support educational technology initiatives with a focus on course development within the Blackboard Learning Management System and digital accessibility remediation.

Working closely with the Instructional Design and Technology Team, the Digital Learning Specialist ensures that course content and digital assets meet established university and federal accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA, Section 508, ADA) as well as best practices in teaching and learning. The Digital Learning Specialist will play a key role in building, remediating, and enhancing digital learning materials to foster robust, engaging, and inclusive educational experiences for all students.

The ideal candidate works well independently, manages multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrates high technical proficiency, and maintains meticulous attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities
• Accessibility Remediation & Compliance: Build and remediate course content to ensure full compliance with digital accessibility guidelines and legal standards (WCAG 2.1 AA, Section 508, ADA).
• Asset & Content Auditing: Audit existing digital course assets—including PDFs, slide presentations, images, instructional videos, and web content—for digital accessibility and copyright compliance.
• Faculty Support & Asset Creation: Assist faculty in creating and formatting accessible, copyright-compliant documents, multimedia content, and interactive digital learning objects.
• Instructional Technology Projects: Collaborate with the Instructional Design and Technology Team on special projects related to educational technology adoption, course quality assurance, and digital learning initiatives.
• Emerging Tech & Generative AI: Utilize Generative AI tools to prototype, streamline, and develop digital learning assets and instructional support materials.
• Continuous Professional Learning: Stay current with accessibility standards, instructional technologies, and best practices in higher education digital learning.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Demonstrated knowledge of and willingness to learn about digital accessibility principles and standards (WCAG, Section 508, ADA).
• Strong technical problem-solving skills and proficiency with learning management systems (e.g., Blackboard).
• Experience using Microsoft Office 365 applications, particularly Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Proven ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects efficiently.
• Excellent attention to detail, commitment to quality assurance, and diligence in project completion.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Positive, service-oriented attitude and professional demeanor.
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior professional experience, or a strong willingness to learn, in instructional design, educational technology, or digital accessibility remediation in a higher education setting.
• Experience with accessibility evaluation tools (e.g., Blackboard Ally).
• Experience with multimedia creation and editing tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Camtasia, Canva, or similar applications).
• Experience working with Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude) for instructional support, content prototyping, and workflow enhancement.

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, educational technology, information technology, communications, education, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience).

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.