Online Learning Specialist - University Libraries - UTK

The Online Learning Specialist will work in both self-directed and cooperative roles to implement and enhance processes for the creation, upkeep, and assessment of online learning resources. In consultation with their supervisor and colleagues, this person will lead and participate in projects and initiatives that advance the Libraries’ infrastructure of support for online learning and open education. The successful candidate will be skillful in collaborating with colleagues and subject matter experts to develop content and approaches that meet defined learning outcomes and identified needs. They may provide specific support for a designated Libraries or University platform, such as LibApps or Canvas, based on needs and/or expertise. The Online Learning Specialist will be responsible for exploring, testing, and making use of varied technologies to complete projects in accordance with design specifications and best practices in effective learning and teaching. The individual in this position will actively communicate and collaborate to ensure that the Libraries’ online learning objects meet campus standards, align with adaptive and assistive technology requirements, and are integrated into appropriate instructional platforms. They will also contribute technical assistance, training, and consultation to support colleagues’ work engaging with students and instructors in varied learning environments. The person in this position should be self-motivated, solutions-oriented, and adept at learning and applying emerging technologies and effective design principles. The UT Libraries are a dedicated partner in student, faculty, and staff success, both in-person and online. The successful candidate will contribute to the Libraries’ strategic vision and mission by demonstrating intellectual curiosity, active engagement, and an enthusiasm for continual learning.

Content Creation

• Develops, implements, and maintains user-oriented online learning and instructional resources, including tutorials, interactive activities, and instructional tools
• Collaborates with colleagues and subject matter experts to identify needs and develop approaches to meet defined learning outcomes and goals
• Conducts and contributes to assessment and evaluation of resources; regularly communicates the results and learnings of this assessment
• Creates and enhances content management processes that support the scalability, sustainability, and accessibility of online learning resources
• Contributes to the upkeep and maintenance of the Libraries’ instructional web presence

Technical Expertise and Support

• Tests, provides technical expertise, and troubleshoots to support the effective delivery and integration of online learning tools. May provide specific support for a designated Libraries or University platform, such as LibApps or Canvas, based on needs and/or expertise
• Applies current pedagogical and effective design principles to recommend, implement, and optimize technologies that support instructional goals and improve resource usability
• Collaborates to integrate the Libraries’ online learning offerings into appropriate platforms and ensure alignment with technology requirements, accessibility standards, and best practices
• Documents and shares procedures to guide future creation and maintenance of instructional resources

Internal Training and Development

• Creates instructional resources to enhance Libraries colleagues’ understanding and use of online learning tools and environments, such as LibApps and Canvas
• Develops and facilitates training sessions for Libraries’ colleagues based on observed and identified needs
• Conducts usability testing and offers tailored guidance on incorporating adaptive and assistive technology features into learning resources

Consultation and Guidance

• Advises and collaborates with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure that online learning objects are aligned with instructional goals, accessibility standards, and best practices
• Offers individualized support for creating and enhancing user-focused instructional materials
• Contributes to and supports learning initiatives such as workshops and information literacy sessions that connect Libraries’ instructional services with broader University initiatives

Professional Development and Engagement

• Engages in professional development opportunities to stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in instructional design and online learning
• Serves on committees, working groups, and task forces that align with departmental and library priorities
• Participates in departmental and Library-wide planning, assessment, and decision-making processes through active contributions to meetings and through assigned projects
• Completes 1 – 3 hours of professional development per month

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree
• Experience:
  • Two or more years’ experience of designing and developing online instructional tutorials or other learning objectives or 6 years' experience of designing and developing online instructional tutorials or other learning objectives without a bachelor's degree
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Demonstrated ability in creating instructional materials and learning objects, such as tutorials, for online delivery
  • Demonstrated knowledge of content development and editing tools (e.g., Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate, Camtasia)
  • Ability to research and learn new scripting languages, software, and technologies
  • Demonstrated knowledge of web accessibility standards and effective design practices in content development
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment
  • Ability to work independently on simultaneous projects
  • Skill in communicating effectively with others across departments and job functions
  • Ability to think creatively and problem solve

Preferred Qualifications

• Education
  • Master's degree in Instructional Design, Information Science, Education, or related field
• Experience
  • Experience working in a library and/or higher education environment.
• Experience in graphic design
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of course management systems such as Canvas or Blackboard
  • Demonstrated ability creating training materials and/or conducting training sessions

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN On-site

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR10
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division

The University of Tennessee Libraries are an integral part of the flagship campus of Tennessee’s premier public research university. The University of Tennessee holds the Carnegie Foundation Research 1 designation, granted to doctoral universities with very high research activity. As a land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving our state and nation is key to our mission. UT enrolls approximately 38,728 students at its Knoxville campus. For more information about the people who comprise the UTK community, view resources on our Data Central website. The University culture is guided by adherence to core values that define the Volunteer spirit and include seeking knowledge, leading with innovation and integrity, engaging locally and globally, and embracing responsible stewardship of resources.