Instructional Support Specialist

Job Description:

DIVISION: ITS

DEPARTMENT: Information Technology Services (ITS)

BASIC FUNCTION: The Instructional Support Specialist works closely with other members of the Academic Computing team to assist faculty and students with their learning technology needs. This role serves as a subject matter expert in academic technology and is adept at researching and selecting tools to support faculty pedagogy. Acts as administrator for learning-related systems (e.g., streaming video and document collaboration) and for other related academic systems such as ePortfolio and assessment. Serves as backup administrator for the University’s Learning Management System (currently Blackboard) to provide teaching & learning support to faculty and students, as well as functioning as one of two primary support liaisons with the LMS vendor. Takes the lead in developing all types of academic-related training materials (including PDFs, video tutorials, online and digital texts, etc.), and meets in small groups as well as individually with instructors to assist in incorporating a wide range of teaching technologies into face-to-face and online classes. Provides primary assistance to ITS Help Desk workers to facilitate first-level support for all learning systems, and assists with/conducts workshops for faculty on LMS and other learning systems. Works closely with other members of the Academic Computing and with the Center for Academic Excellence department to continually adapt and refine technologies and training offered to faculty, with the aim of maintaining a responsive and innovative environment of support for teaching and learning. The instructional support specialist also works with the rest of IT on critical department projects and with the our online team to ensure alignment between our teams.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in teaching, curriculum development, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE: 2+ years experience working with educational technology in a higher education setting (preferred) or a K-12 setting. A working knowledge of computer hardware and software (Windows and Mac) is required, along with some experience with course management systems (Blackboard preferred). Knowledge of mobile technologies and multimedia creation tools are essential, along with excellent organizational and communication skills, keen attention to detail, the ability to prioritize duties, and a capacity to critically evaluate and quickly learn new software technologies. Experience working with instructors in one-on-one or group training settings is a plus.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as subject matter expert in academic technologies to advise and assist faculty in finding the right tools to support their course pedagogy.
  
  
• Acts administrator of the streaming video server and of the administrators of the ePortfolio and Assessment systems.
  
  
• Serves as backup Learning Management System (LMS) Administrator and assists the Instructional Support Manager in overseeing its day-to-day operation while providing training and support to faculty and students.
  
  
• Develops all types of training materials related to the learning systems (including PDFs, video tutorials, online and digital texts, etc.).
  
  
• Assists in incorporating a wide range of teaching technologies into face-to-face and online classes.
  
  
• Provides primary assistance to ITS Help Desk to facilitate first-level support for all learning systems.
  
  
• Works closely with other members of the ITS, the Center for Academic Excellence, and Fairfield’s online team to continually adapt and refine technologies and training offered to faculty.
  
  
• Participates in the growth and development of the department.
  
  
• Promotes safe and secure working conditions.
  
  
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
  
  

*Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the

general nature and level of work performed by employees within this

classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive

inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees

assigned to this job.

Category:

ITS - Admin

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Fairfield University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, committed to excellence through diversity, and, in this spirit, particularly welcomes applications from women, persons of color, Veterans, and members of historically underrepresented groups. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with a disability.

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