Blackboard Instructional and Design Specialist - AMARILLO COLLEGE : Job Details

Salary: $45,926.40 - $68,889.60 AnnuallyLocation : Amarillo, TXJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 202400280Division: Center for Teaching & LearningDepartment: 10_10_05_501005 - (CTLE) - Center for Teaching & LearningOpening Date: 11/27/2024FLSA: ExemptGrade: 12 Summary At Amarillo College, our mission is: Transforming our community and economy through learning, innovation, and achievement. Every team member, regardless of job title or duties, is responsible first and foremost, for assisting students in every way.This is an exciting time to work for Amarillo College! We are seeking our next Blackboard Instructional and Design Specialist who will be all-in on our mission and who will support faculty by providing expertise in instructional technologies, including the learning management system (Blackboard), to enhance student learning and engagement in both traditional and online environments. This role involves assisting faculty in exploring and integrating tools and strategies to improve teaching effectiveness and student outcomes. Additionally, the Blackboard Instructional and Design Specialist will lead cohort-based professional development workshops and training sessions focused on instructional technology, pedagogy, student engagement, and course design. Qualifications EDUCATION:Required: Master's Degree in any area of study.Preferred: Master's degree in Instructional Technology, Educational Technology, e-Learning, Education, or a closely related field.EXPERIENCE:Required: Minimum of three (3) years of experience in teaching, either in a traditional classroom or online setting.Preferred: Experience teaching at the college level and proficiency with Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS). Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Teach EDUC 1100 (Learning Frameworks) or other courses as needed based on qualifications.
• Participate in annual EDUC 1100 training and updates.
• Engage in the yearly course evaluation for EDUC 1100.
• Support faculty in designing or redesigning courses across various modalities.
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate instructional technology and student engagement techniques in course design, development, and implementation.
• Conduct workshops and training on pedagogy and instructional technology topics for all learning modalities.
• Gather and share best practices in pedagogy, student engagement, curriculum development, and technology-infused innovations.
• Support the creation and production of learning materials utilizing digital media (audio, video, web) with a focus on student-centered instructional design principles.
• Provide technical support for online instructional initiatives to enhance learning outcomes, student engagement, and foster a technology-driven teaching environment.
• Work with IT and the CTL team to train faculty in using the Learning Management System (Blackboard).
• Offer technical support for Blackboard to faculty and students.
• Develop and implement training materials for Blackboard and related systems.
• Manage user accounts and profiles in the Blackboard LMS, including password resets and access control.
• Maintain course and organizational data within Blackboard, including updating course properties, creating and cloning course templates, enrolling users, and backing up course data.
• Collaborate with IT to plan and deploy updates, patches, plug-ins, and system configurations.
• Provide training on college software, third-party content, and hardware for new faculty, staff, and students.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.
• As an Amarillo College employee, seek knowledge of and pledge to actively engage in a culture of caring, striving to serve students, peers, and the community by embracing the AC Core Values: Wow, Family, Fun, Innovation, and Yes!

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of instructional technology in higher education.
• Knowledgeable in pedagogy and student engagement across various modalities.
• Knowledge of learning management systems, preferably Blackboard.
• Knowledge of Google for Education and HTML/CSS.
• Knowledge of the latest trends, tools, and best practices in educational technology.
• Knowledge of instructional design principles and curriculum development methodologies.
• Familiarity with LMS platforms and their functionalities to support online learning.
• Skilled in effective teaching and learning strategies for both traditional and online environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to have clear communication skills to convey complex instructional concepts and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to provide training and support to faculty and staff in the use of educational technologies.
• Ability to give effective presentations.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Committed to continuous learning and professional development in instructional design and technology.
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic, good judgment, and the ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple tasks.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work under pressure.
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team, demonstrating self-sufficiency.
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality regarding sensitive information.

Salary: Amarillo College follows a lag pay strategy, with starting offers typically between the minimum and midpoint of the pay grade, rarely reaching the maximum to support long-term growth within each position.Pay grade 12(salary is determined by Human Resources based on education, work experience and internal comparisons).Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to travel between offices and buildings, and requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull and/or maneuver office supplies as needed.Working Conditions: Must be willing to work a flexible schedule (days, nights, weekends, holidays, and varying events if necessary.)Work Environment: This position operates in a professional office environment, routinely uses standard office equipment (i.e. computers, phones, copy and fax machines, filing cabinets) and is in a high traffic area with continual interruptions. Software commonly used includes Microsoft Office, Colleague, and various other educational applications. Work may also be performed outside of the office and with little to no supervision. Notice of Background: Applicants selected for employment will be required to undergo a pre-employment criminal history background check and possibly a pre-employment drug test.Commitment Statement: Amarillo College is dedicated to building a workforce that embraces a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, fostering a culturally aware team at every organizational level. Our goal is a faculty and staff that mirrors the distinctiveness of our community and is continually enhancing their skills and knowledge to better serve our entire student population.Promotional Opportunity Policy: Under the Amarillo College Promotional Opportunity Policy, only current appointed or part-time non-appointed employees will be considered for a position during the first five (5) working days from notice or posting.Amarillo College offers benefit packages, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages available through ERS. Amarillo College provides (at no cost to the employee) a long-term disability policy. In addition to retirement savings through Teachers Retirement System - TRS (pension plan) or Optional Retirement Plan -ORP (403b), the college offers the AC Retirement Plan - additional 403(b) with a generous matching contribution. Amarillo College Employees and their dependents are eligible for reduced or free tuition for Amarillo College courses. Employees have free access to the fitness center located on the Washington Street Campus. We also offer a generous holiday schedule, For more information about the benefits please visit our