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University of Massachusetts Amherst Hiring for Instructional Technologist LMS (Remote Opportunity) at UMass Amherst Full Time

Job Details

Job no: 520596
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Provost’s Office
Union: PSU
Categories: Computer & Information Technology, PSU A

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth’s flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Instructional Technologist-LMS reports to the Associate Director of Instructional Design and Technology and is chiefly responsible for the operational and strategic oversight of the Learning Management System (LMS) and online instructional technologies in use within the UWW Division of Online Education (OE) eLearning unit. The Instructional Technologist-LMS collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to identify and successfully implement technology solutions that support 24/7/365 enterprise online learning at UMass Amherst. Their scope of work includes operations management, performance monitoring, data integrity assurance, service integrations, upgrades, migrations, communication planning, and evaluation of emerging technologies and applications. The Instructional Technologist-LMS is expected to be a primary contributor to major projects that are closely aligned with the evolving strategic goals of academic and OE online initiatives, ensuring that these are delivered on time and within scope.

Essential Functions

  • Manages a continuous schedule of online courseware and chiefly responsible for managing the demands of a large 20,000-30,000 online user population. Directs student information system integration, lecture capture solutions, 3rd party publisher content and systems, and synchronous tools. Tests and debugs LMSs to sustain system-wide health and resolve any system outages. Maintains accuracy, stability, and security of course rostering and enrollment management. Monitors ticketing systems and help desk software.
  • Responsible for managing and administering the LMS while being the main technical point of contact for installing, maintaining, and supporting all integrations. Assists with customizing various systems including Blackboard to achieve the goals of OE and UMassOnline. Enforces standards for access and performs reviews of user privileges consistent with the institution’s security policies and terms of service level agreements.
  • Designs and develops institutional content across a broad range of disciplines in an enterprise learning environment. Manages system redesigns and integrations with SPIRE and Blackboard. Develops programs and scripts to support future integrations. Provides leadership in planning, strategizing, and delivery of projects in a dynamic online campus production environment. Creates effective written materials and project documentation.
  • Coordinates with external stakeholders when reporting, documenting, testing and implementing all software versioning and patches. Responsible for diagnosis, troubleshooting and implementation of solutions. Develops and documents procedures for course, user, and data retention, administration of backup and restoration processes.
  • Manages relationships between OE eLearning and external vendors. Works collaboratively with other university organizations (UMassOnline, UMass Amherst IT, User Services, Library staff, and academic departments) toward a goal of continuous improvement of service delivery and user experience.

Other Functions

  • Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet department, executive area/division, and university goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • Bachelor’s Degree plus two (2) years of relevant experience or Master’s Degree plus one (1) year of relevant experience.
  • In-Depth technical knowledge of at least one online Learning Management System used in higher education (e.g., Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas, Desire2Learn or similar systems).
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and soft skills with attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and/or with multiple constituencies in a culture of innovation.
  • Must possess a customer-service driven, diplomatic and team-oriented approach.

    • Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • Understanding of managed hosting environments and service providers.
  • Knowledge of LTI specification and application integration.
  • Familiarity with Atlassian Collaboration Tools (JIRA, Confluence, HipChat, etc.).
  • Experience as a systems administrator with Blackboard LMS with technical project management and logistical planning experience.

    • Additional Details

  • Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.
  • Demonstrates capacity, skill and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.

    • Work Schedule

  • Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Required to work some nights and weekends.
  • This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee’s work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

    • Salary Information

    Level 27

    PSU Hiring Ranges

    Special Instructions to Applicants

    Along with the application, please submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until filled.

    UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

    Advertised: Sep 11 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
    Applications close:

    Job Overview

    • Date Posted:
    • Location:
    • Job Title: University of Massachusetts Amherst Hiring for Instructional Technologist LMS (Remote Opportunity) at UMass Amherst
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