Instructional Technologist

Company Description:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - meeting a public need to promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs and, while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, and working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham. FSU is unapologetically a public institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of antiracism, encouraging a challenging yet collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and professional students, offers 39 undergraduate majors, and enrolls 41% BIPOC students in our undergraduate programs. Ideally situated between Boston and Worcester, FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Instructional Technologist supports the University's online platforms, classroom technology, and software applications that are utilized for learning and instruction. This position combines technical expertise with a knowledge of educational theory and best practices to aid faculty in navigating the rapidly changing landscape, thereby facilitating more effective student learning. As a member of the ITS Education Technology Office, the Instructional Technologist works with others to create, execute, and sustain technology solutions that support different teaching methods, enhance inclusive learning in the context of various disciplines to benefit the Framingham State University community.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Designated Student Workers

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Director of Education Technology Office, Learning Spaces and Innovation

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs administrative tasks in support of the day-to-day operations of the Education Technology Office, including (but not limited to) phone, written, virtual, and in-person support, to faculty, staff and students requiring assistance with online services, classroom supported software and eLearning applications.
• Provides system administration for the university Learning Management System and associated tools including (but not limited to); managing access privileges, methods of user authentication, application and data integration, and configuration of associated eLearning tools.
• Performs LMS system maintenance including (but not limited to); course archiving, user account review and other associated tasks on a continual basis in order to ensure optimal performance, reliability, availability, and compliance with third party contractual obligations and applicable requirements for information security.
• Cultivates knowledge of industry best practices and the innovative use of educational technology. Research new or modified education technology solutions and implements configuration changes and approved customizations through the University's formal change management process and (where needed) in coordination with third-party service providers.
• Assists with the design of new or modified education technology solutions and implements configuration changes and approved customizations through the University's formal change management process and (where needed) in coordination with third party service providers.
• Provides content, pedagogical, technical and general support of innovative technology solutions in collaboration with others in ITS and the Education Technology Office on an ad-hoc, project by project basis and under the supervision of the department director.
• Designs, develops and promotes the availability of high-quality workshop materials and other documentation for university-supported applications, and provides ongoing administration for related training platforms. And participates in faculty and student orientations and provides one-on-one or classroom training as requested

WORKING CONDITIONS:

All the work associated with the duties and responsibilities for this position is ordinarily performed at Framingham State's main campus and may be done periodically from a remote location consistent with the conditional provisions specified within University's Telework Guidelines and in accordance with an approved Telework Agreement.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree and at least 2 years' experience in a directly comparable position, or any combination of teaching or related undergraduate experience, preferably at a public institution.
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to exercise mature judgment; must be well organized, dedicated, accurate, thorough, and punctual, with meticulous attention to detail and follow-through and a focus on service.
• Ability to work effectively across all levels of the university, and with clients, and product or service provider representatives.
• Experience with educational technologies or other similar applications.
• Excellent computer skills including intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office 365.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment and support a wide variety of technologies.
• Ability to learn & teach new software applications and deliver instruction to groups & individuals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree or certification in instructional technology, instructional design, multimedia, information technology or related field.
• Prior higher education teaching experience is highly desirable.
• High-level computer skills and proficiency with a wide range of technology resources and their application to teaching and learning, including, but not limited to, classroom presentation media, courseware authoring systems, Web development tools, streaming audio and video, podcasting, digital graphics, and photography, and conferencing applications.
• Familiarity with Information Technology Services Management (ITSM) software and generally accepted best practices (e.g., ITIL).
• Familiarity with Canvas or other LMS platforms, API and Data visualization software.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a union title of Staff Assistant. The salary range is $52,000-56,000.

It is the policy of Framingham State University that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment. Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine is required of all individuals hired by FSU, to be verified after a verbal offer of employment has been accepted, and before employment begins. Prospective employees may submit a request for a medical or religious exemption to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement to Human Resources.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Members of underrepresented groups, minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Equity and Inclusion Statement*,
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

*The Equity and Inclusion Statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidate application materials.

For full consideration, application materials must be received by April 14, 2023. However, review of applications may continue until the position is filled.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.

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