**Learning & Design Specialist **
Summary:
The Learning and Design Specialist will collaborate with faculty and academic departments to design, develop, and enhance learning experiences across all delivery modalities. This position focuses on applying learning science principles, instructional design methodologies, and educational technology to create engaging and effective educational content. The specialist will provide consultation, training, and project support to faculty and students while maintaining expertise in current learning technologies and pedagogical best practices.
Responsibilities:
- Reports to the Director of ITI
- Works collaboratively with faculty and other course creators to produce engaging learning activities and compelling course content that enhances retention and transfer of learning
- Provides consultation, project management, and troubleshooting for the integration of technology in the curriculum in web-enhanced, hybrid, and fully online courses
- Develop and disseminate customized professional development opportunities (e.g., workshops, facilitated cooperative engagement, group and individual training) both online and in-person
- Demonstrates knowledge and experience with online quality assurance practices such as Quality Matters and performs Course Design Reviews giving feedback to faculty course creators for improvement.
- Cross trains with other members of the department as well as IT services.
- Carry out any other assignments given by the Director of the Institute for Teaching Innovation
- Evaluate instructional media tool(s) and social media tools
- Demonstrates confidence in using AI and integrating it to create innovative and engaging content for both faculty and students.
- Provide students and faculty with technical support for educational resources, tools, and integrations
- Conduct instructional research and analysis on learners and contexts
- Ensures that NY State and federally-mandated requirements are met in the online offerings, e.g. Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Provide support to students, faculty & staff (help desk) including troubleshooting, and install support.
- Maintain up-to-date field knowledge through professional development opportunities as needed
- Curriculum mapping and learning pathway development
Qualifications:
Education:
Required:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent of a bachelor's with credits and related experience.
Preferred:
Experience:
Required:
- Experience working in customer service with technology supporting users is required.
- Experience in an education setting or position;
- developing online learning and instructional environments;
- using a learning management system;
- designing original curriculum, coursework;
- developing high-end skills in web 2.0 tools and social media with a deeper expertise in at least one of the following: developing original coursework, training programs, or learning management systems;
- provide evidence of project management skill set;
- provide evidence of satisfactory positive feedback from constituents served.
- Prior experience teaching in an online environment and/or designing and creating courses is preferred.
Preferred:
- Advanced experience in learning experience design with demonstrated expertise in applying learning science research to practical educational solutions.
- Experience conducting user research, usability testing, and learning analytics to evaluate and improve educational experiences.
- Background in curriculum design using backward design principles and competency-based education frameworks.
- Familiarity with emerging educational technologies such as virtual/augmented reality, adaptive learning platforms, or AI-powered learning tools.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams on large-scale curriculum or technology implementation projects.
- Knowledge of accessibility compliance auditing and remediation processes.
- Background in educational research methodologies and data-driven decision making.
- Experience with design software and prototyping tools for creating learning materials and user interfaces.
- Previous work in higher education innovation initiatives, educational technology integration, or faculty development programs.
- Portfolio demonstrating successful learning design projects that show measurable improvements in student engagement, retention, or learning outcomes.
Skills & Abilities:
- Supporting the University’s Mission is required
- Customer service orientation and experience
- Knowledge of instructional design as it relates to the higher education classroom.
- Ability to acclimate to new systems in preparation for administrative duties as well as the training of the system user groups
- Comfort & competence working with a larger team
- Self-starter with the organizational competence to adhere to project timelines
- Organizational skills include the use of project management systems
- Learning experience design and user experience (UX) principles
- Data analysis and learning analytics to inform design decisions
- Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508)
- Accessibility and universal design for learning (UDL) implementation
- Collaboration with subject matter experts on content development
- Engages in partnership with departmental colleagues and IT services to support shared goals.
- Research and evaluation of learning effectiveness
- Cross-departmental project coordination
- Knowledge of learning science and cognitive psychology principles
- Experience with design thinking methodologies
- Data analysis and visualization skills
- Work at a college or university with an LMS product (Backboard, Moodle, Canvas etc.)
- Experience as a trained course reviewer using a recognized rubric (Quality Matters, OSCAR from the SUNY system, OLC or equivalent).
- Online and/or on-ground teaching experience
Work Remotely - No
Work Location: Buffalo, NY
Job Type: Full Time, Administrative Exempt
Pay: $50,000 - $60,000 Annually
All job offers are contingent upon legal authorization to work in New York State as determined by the NYS Department of Labor.
Additional Salary Information
The salary range reflects our good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, the role and associated responsibilities, and the experience, education, and training of the selected candidate.
About D'Youville University:
Shaping the Future of Education at D'Youville University
D’Youville University, a nationally ranked private university in Buffalo, New York, is transforming lives through a unique blend of academics and holistic development. Committed to promoting a health mind, body, and spirit, D’Youville empowers individuals to realize their potential, thrive in their careers, and make meaningful contributions to society.
A Dynamic and Purpose-Driven Community
Located on Buffalo’s vibrant West Side, just blocks from a bustling downtown, D’Youville University is deeply embedded in an energetic, diverse urban landscape. Under the visionary leadership of President Lorrie Clemo, the university is undergoing an exciting evolution, with innovative initiatives designed to meet societal needs, elevate student experiences, expand career readiness, and solidify our role as a leader in 21st-century education.
A Place for Growth and Innovation
D’Youville University offers education across health sciences and business, with a range of degree levels, advanced certificates, accelerated paths, and community-engaged learning experiences. Our dedication to preparing students for successful careers is showcased in our national ranking for social mobility making us the top private university in the City of Buffalo.
Why Work with Us?
As a D’Youville University Saint, you’ll be joining a collaborative, innovation-driven community committed to academic excellence, social responsibility, and transformative growth. When you join our team, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a university making a real difference—for our students, our community, and our world. Explore the possibilities at dyu.edu.