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UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education

Instructional Support Specialist (Instructional Designer 2)

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, Sacramento, California, United States, 95828

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Instructional Support Specialist (Instructional Designer 2) Under the direct supervision of the Manager of Digital Innovation, the Instructional Support Specialist supports the implementation, designing and development of instructional content and initiatives of moderate scope and complexity. This position is responsible for enhancing online course delivery, providing instructional design support, and ensuring the quality and accessibility of digital learning experiences.

This role works collaboratively with faculty, instructors, and program teams to apply instructional design principles and adult learning theories in developing learning outcomes, assessments, and activities that align with course objectives and institutional standards while fostering collaboration across the division. The incumbent will assess, prioritize, and triage support requests, and as needed, troubleshoot to resolve general instructor and/or student-submitted requests, routing more complex or specialized requests to the appropriate instructional design and/or support teams.

The Instructional Support Specialist applies learning theories, course design methods, and accessibility standards to create online learning experiences that are pedagogically sound, engaging, and accessible to diverse learners.

This position supports enhancing the quality of instructional content and advances digital learning initiatives by applying best practices in instructional design ensuring compliance with Title II and ADA accessibility standards through the effective use of accessibility tools and checkers.

The specialist contributes to the creation of meaningful and equitable learning experiences by integrating accessibility principles into instructional materials and digital platforms.

Apply By Date January 3, 2026 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training, preferably in educational technology, instructional design, education, or related discipline.

Minimum of 2 years work experience in instructional design or educational technology.

Work experience with supporting Title II accessibility standards, ADA/Section 508 compliance standards in an online education setting using accessibility checker tools and/or applications.

Experience assessing, prioritizing, triaging, and routing instructor and student support requests while maintaining quality service levels and responsive communications.

Working knowledge of instructional design principles and learning strategies, including needs analysis, backward design, learning outcomes and assessment design, and instructional approaches including lecture, discussion, activities, projects, etc. Working knowledge of e‑learning strategies, including but not limited to courses (e.g., processes and technologies, etc.).

Demonstrated resourcefulness and analytical ability to conduct comprehensive analyses, identify solutions, and develop actionable recommendations. Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills. Working knowledge of learning technology tools and platforms (e.g., Canvas, Coursera, Kaltura, Ally, etc.) used to deliver engaging, media‑rich online learning content, as well as familiarity with trends in the use and effectiveness of learning technologies and experiences.

Demonstrated skills and abilities to collaborate and complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity while exercising judgment within defined policies, guidelines, and practices to determine appropriate steps.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree or degree in progress in educational technology, instructional design, education, or related discipline.

Experience supporting processes in the design, development, set up, and deployment of instructional content during the delivery of online and hybrid learning experiences.

Experience with business applications that support the team’s ability to successfully design and deliver online education, such as ServiceNow, Project and Work Management Systems, Articulate 360, Canvas LMS, etc.

Applied knowledge of adult learning theories, instructional design methodologies, and online course quality standards (e.g., Quality Matters, OLC Quality Scorecard, UDL). Skilled in designing and developing engaging online and hybrid learning materials, activities, and multimedia content across various learning management systems and platforms.

Demonstrated ability to plan, resource, and manage the full instructional design lifecycle to ensure effective, accessible, and high‑quality course delivery. Experience translating instructional media into multiple formats for diverse audiences and ensuring alignment with organizational policies, accessibility, and copyright/IP standards.

Proficient in analytical, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication, with strong collaboration and negotiation skills. Experienced in using a wide range of business and learning technologies, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Box, MS Teams, and Slack.

Key Responsibilities

40% – Instructional Design Support

30% – Online Course Delivery Support

30% – Online Learning Quality Assurance Support

Department Overview UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is the lifelong learning arm of the university. The division maintains the most diverse portfolio on the campus, with programs spanning pre‑college, professional continuing education, workforce development, international academic and cultural exchange, and training services for corporate and agency partners. As a global leader in continuing education, CPE serves learners regionally, nationally and globally, and posts more than 55K enrollments annually making it the third largest UC Extension by enrollment. Beyond its community‑facing role, CPE serves as the internal hub for online education in support of other academic units on the campus. CPE employs approximately 180 employees and draws on the expertise of approximately 1,700 instructors.

The Learning Innovation Team (LIT) reports under the Student and Academic Affairs (SAA) branch of UC Davis’s Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) division. SAA develops and manages open access, online, and hybrid programming that serves the public, creating lifelong learning opportunities for people of all ages. Academic Affairs includes instructional design, instructors, students, and enrollment services and support.

Position Information

Salary or Pay Range:

$30.60/hr – $53.69/hr

Salary Frequency:

Bi‑Weekly

UC Job Title:

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER 2

Number of Positions:

1

Appointment Type:

Staff: Contract – 1 year contract with the possibility of extension or conversion to career.

Percentage of Time:

100% – Fixed

Shift (Work Schedule):

Manager will advise

Union Representation:

99 – Non‑Represented (PPSM)

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

This position is hybrid (mix of on‑site and remote work).

Benefits Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

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