Learning Experience Designer

7202BR

Enrollment Management

RIT Certified

Job Summary

The Learning Experience Designer (LXD) reports to the Learning Design Manager. This role works with program developers, subject matter experts, faculty, trainers, curriculum designers, corporate partners, and other Learning Experience Design team members to conceptualize and bring engaging learning experiences to life in a variety of delivery modes (in-person, blended, and online) and formats. The LXD designs, develops, and refreshes credit and non-credit bearing offerings that effectively teach and assess competencies that represent the needs of both learners and employers.

In this role, the LXD designs and develops offerings utilizing a flexible instructional framework that allows for continued optimization, customization, and scale. This forward thinking, future scenario based framework allows for the LXD to create immersive training experiences with a set of industry-defined learning outcomes. Working with guidance provided by partners and subject matter experts, the LXD will develop assessments that are practical, applied, and reflect industry needs in real-time. This portfolio of assessments will enable learners to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they acquired in a way that signals value to employers.

This position works closely with the Creative & Media Team on the development of course videos, motion graphics, animations, interactions, and information designs to support student achievement of learning outcomes. This role also collaborates with other RIT Certified team members to ensure learning experiences, marketing materials, trainer preparation, program delivery, learner support, and other functions are aligned for learner success. The Learning Experience Designer ensures that principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessibility are addressed throughout course development, and that content, activities, and assessments take into account multiple dimensions of diversity.

Job Responsibilities

Learning Design & Development

Collaborates with subject matter experts (hired as course developers) and course curriculum designer (RIT Certified) to design and develop learning experiences with a set of defined industry aligned outcomes. Translates the curriculum and syllabi into exceptional, high impact, innovative, learner-centered, flexible learning experiences that ensure mastery for applied learning outcomes. Designs and develops offerings that allow for continued optimization, customization, and scale and serve a variety of industry areas and learner profiles. Structures content and activities, develops assessments, adapts instructional materials, creates engagements opportunities for trainers (facilitators), identifies media needs, and incorporates futures framework to optimize learning for multiple delivery modes and formats. Writes materials that model best practices in training, learner orientation, use of learning management systems, and pedagogy. Ensures that course design aligns with the identified learning outcomes and that relevant assessments enable instructors to determine whether learners have achieved these outcomes. Utilizes strategic learning theories and science to build in teaching strategies and design inventive activities that motivate learners to engage with content and practice skills. Identifies possible challenges within the course and develops opportunities to provide learners with additional support and prepares the course to capture analytics that proactively identify these learners. Ensures that content and activities incorporate principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Designs learning that reflects an understanding of the diversity of learners, including the demonstrated understanding of cultural differences that may apply.

Course Build

Assesses learner audience needs and styles, creates the learning environment, builds out content and materials, develops assessments, implements the training, and evaluates the effectiveness of the learning experience. Collaborates with Creative & Media, UX Design, Learning Assurance team members, and other internal groups to ensure a seamless learner experience and that all materials meet accessibility standards. Creates, edits, and revises materials for delivery in multiple modes (in-person, blended, and online) and multiple formats (LMS, edX platform, instructional space, etc.). Uses learning theory, science, and technical knowledge to create an educational experience for learners that successfully imparts knowledge, develops new competencies, and improves their skill level. Collaborates with the UX Design team members to identify design strategies and visual content optimization for development and delivery that aligns with target audience. Collaborates with the Brand Experience & Marketing team to build in market demand-based retention messaging and provide consistent use of voice and tone in content messaging as well as digital assets. Collaborates with the Assistant Director of Program Support to identify areas of the course that may require additional support for learners as well as instructors. Collaborates with the Instructor Training & Development team to identify course specific training needs in addition to our on-demand portfolio.

Course Delivery Support

Creates support materials for instructors, including rubrics, engagement strategies, and feedback notes so all learners have a consistent experience. Documents a review and refresh schedule appropriate for the course content and areas of the course that need to be monitored and maintained.

Course Testing

Works with Learning Assurance Specialist on addressing results from alpha/beta testing which includes identifying any problematic areas and developing/executing solutions prior to launch. Supports knowledge management efforts to gather evidence on best practices and lessons learned to improve future product development and/or refresh.

Other

Researches, assesses, and shares emerging trends and research impacting best practices for curriculum and course design, as well as assessment and applied outcome strategies. Aligns theory and practice with goals to create an intentionally diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning community, and build a culture of empowerment, engagement, and accountability. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in course/curriculum design and development in higher education and/or for industry client
• High degree of experience and expertise in learning management systems such as Desire to Learn
• Experience in the development, delivery and evaluation of learning experiences in different modes including in-person, blended, and online
• Ability to build trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders and subject matter experts from a wide range of industries to leverage their knowledge and experience in creating engaging, relevant activities that apply directly to job skills
• Proven experience in creatively designing and developing activities and assessments that enable learners to demonstrate new skills
• Experience developing materials such as grading notes and rubrics to prepare and support course facilitators so they can deliver effective and consistent learning experiences
• Proven learner-centered orientation to course design
• Knowledge of ADA and W3C compliance concepts
• Experience in Universal Design Learning principles and practices
• Experience and comfort using technology tools to develop material, communicate, and track projects including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Slack, and Zoom.
• Proficiencies in multimedia authoring software, Adobe products, Microsoft Office
• Ability to troubleshoot HTML text and image formatting
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including razor-sharp attention to detail and exceptional editing and proofreading skills
• Strong time management, project planning, and active listening skills are essential
• Demonstrated critical thinking, decision making, and independent problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated but also able to interact positively as part of a team operating in a complex environment
• Collaborate with subject matter experts, marketing, product managers, and engineers; Influence and adapt to stakeholders and their feedback.
• Desire to continuously improve products, processes and ways of working

Preferred Qualifications

• Understands content strategy and user experience best practices to create usable and engaging learning experiences
• Familiarity with user-centered design principles from concept to delivery
• Familiarity with personas to understand user needs, motivations, and behaviors
• Ability to help translate user needs into learning content and functionality
• Experience with UX writing and content design to create user interface copy and assets that streamline end-to-end learning
• Experience using content design patterns and systems to ensure consistency
• Ability to craft and contribute to low-fidelity prototypes in Figma or other web-based collaboration tools
• Ability to help streamline learning narratives across multiple touchpoints, understanding the strengths and limitations of different channels
• Experience with user testing tools, and an understanding of user research best practices
• Experience contributing to the governance of useful, usable and engaging content through style guides and standards documentation
• Ability to think creatively about ways to make information easy to discover, navigate and consume, with an eye for exceptional design and an ear for superb communication
• Collaborate and coach colleagues on content and user experience best practices without formal leadership responsibilities

Required Minimum Education Level

Bachelors or Equivalent Experience

Work Location

Hybrid — Remote/On-campus

Employment Category

Fulltime

Required Application Documents

Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume

What do we believe at RIT?

Rochester Institute of Technology is a diverse and collaborative community of engaged, socially conscious, and intellectually curious minds. Through creativity and innovation, and an intentional blending of technology, the arts and design, we provide exceptional individuals with a wide range of academic opportunities, including a leading research program and an internationally recognized education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. We are dedicated to building a diverse community, one where employees feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring.

As a member of the RIT community, you’ll receive a comprehensive employee benefits package that offers multiple options and access to additional employment advantages. You can tailor your benefit elections to meet your needs (affordable medical/dental/vision benefits; paid vacation/sick time/retirement saving plan with exceptional employer match; and tuition assistance for you and your family, to name a few).

Department/College Description

RIT Certified, a division of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), is a leader in forging partnerships with industry and government to identify workforce gaps, emerging skills, and hiring trends. Capitalizing on innovation, and with a deep understanding of our audience, we build programs and courses that are driven by learner-centered experiences and are informed by intense industry validation to deliver high levels of professional success for our learners. Our mission is to promote job and economic mobility and sustainability for individuals from all sectors of the workforce across the globe.

How To Apply

In order to be considered for this position, you must apply for it at: http://careers.rit.edu/staff . Click the link for search openings and in the keyword search field, enter the title of the position or the BR number.

Additional Details

The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT does not discriminate. RIT promotes and values diversity, pluralism and inclusion in the work place. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to hr@rit.edu . Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Commitment To Safety

COVID 19: Please familiarize yourself with the requirements of the RIT Safety Plan . Information on the responsibility for each employee can be found on the RIT Ready website. As per the RIT Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , all university employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Vaccination exemptions may be granted: (1) to employees who are unable to be vaccinated due to a medical condition or disability; (2) on the basis of an employee’s sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance, or (3) to employees who are fully remote and sign an Employee Attestation stating that they will not be on campus for any reason, nor will they participate in any in-person university-sponsored activities.