Academic Technologist 2

Please note, we are not offering H-1B or Green Card sponsorship for this position.

The University of Minnesota is committed to fostering local talent through employment opportunities. While this position utilizes a hybrid modality, prospective applicants must be located either in the state of Minnesota or near the Wisconsin border or otherwise open to relocation.

Position Overview:

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) at the University of Minnesota seeks an experienced Academic Technologist to join our team. We provide a variety of functions focused on advancing the teaching and learning, research, and outreach missions of the University through thoughtful application of technology. The role of the Academic Technologist is to work at the intersection of teaching and technology and develop innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions for teaching and research applications across the University system. Primary responsibilities of this position include consultation with faculty members, support of staff and academic leaders, technology assessment and evaluation, and project management.

This position reports to the Manager of Academic Technology and will be a part of one or more cross-functional teams in a matrix-managed organization. A successful candidate will have a passion for education technology, be a seasoned academic technology professional, have strong communication and collaborative skills, and a broad understanding of the IT environment and the mission of the University.

Job Responsibilities:

• Learn new applications, technologies and skills through hands-on experimentation and direct application to instructors' teaching goals.
• Collaborate with your team to implement accessibility solutions.
• Create and deliver faculty development session materials and resources.
• Create and review best-practices articles, blog posts and documentation for digital learning tools in use at the University.
• Work closely with faculty, instructional designers, media developers, and programmers to develop and implement online learning in a variety of formats (online courses, hybrid courses, open content courses, continuing education modules, etc.)
• Work with faculty, departments, and colleges to (re)design courses and curricula to integrate academic technology.
• Participate in development of teaching and learning initiatives affecting several academic programs, an entire college, or campus.
• Coordinate the activities of multiple faculty and staff to ensure that all project tasks and deliverables meet identified timelines and quality standards.
• Identify and analyze trends and training gaps based on surveys and assessment tools developed to measure course effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS plus at least two years of experience, or master's degree.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical or instructional concepts clearly and effectively to a faculty or instructor audience.
• Familiarity with leading-edge academic technologies (e.g., mobile, open content,micro credentialing, badges, etc.).
• Experience with one or more education technologies including course management systems (Canvas), survey and evaluation systems, student information systems, video or multimedia systems, social media platforms, etc.
• Experience creating materials and resources for a faculty/instructor audience.
• Experience working in a team-focused environment. Demonstrated ability to work closely with others across functional boundaries and varying experience levels.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion and an ongoing commitment to working with and across diverse communities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field and 4 years of position-related experience; 6 years of experience with a non-related degree.
• Demonstrated experience regularly delivering engaging presentations to effectively communicate complex information to faculty audiences.
• Solid understanding of and appreciation for higher education, especially the role of a land-grant research university.
• Experience developing written materials such as user guides, training documentation, or instructional communications.
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends and issues impacting academic technology in higher education (e.g., digital accessibility, Canvas integrations).
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with a large and diverse group of stakeholders and identify strategic needs.
• Experience with curricular design and integration of technology into teaching and learning.
• Experience creating rubrics to evaluate the potential of emerging learning technologies.
• Practical experience with AI tools (e.g., generative AI, adaptive learning platforms) or digital accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, ADDIE) in instructional design, faculty training, or technology evaluation.

*Please document qualifications on resume*

Pay Range: $65,000 - $75,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).