Lead long-term strategic planning for the team, ensuring that
instructional
design, academic technology, and faculty support initiatives are
aligned with
the school’s evolving academic strategy and institutional
priorities.
Establish clear priorities and frameworks that enable the team
to balance
day-to-day execution with longer-term innovation, ensuring
resources are
directed toward the initiatives with the greatest impact on
teaching and
learning.
Champion continuous learning opportunities, fostering an
environment
where staff are supported in exploring and applying emerging
education
technologies and AI tools.
Model the same openness to experimentation and iteration you
expect from
the faculty you support.
Serve as an executive advocate for the team, establishing
overarching
priority frameworks and clear scope boundaries with faculty and
leadership.
Have oversight over the instructional design team budget and
make strategic
budgetary decisions. Advocate for the unit’s budget and resource
needs in
alignment with academic priorities, making strategic financial
decisions by
partnering with the Director of Carlson IT and the associate dean
of academic
innovation.
Maintain a collaborative, strategic partnership with the
Director of Carlson IT
and the broader Carlson IT team to ensure pedagogical needs and
technical
infrastructure are aligned.
Lead Strategic Pedagogy and Assessment (20%)
- Provide strategic leadership for schoolwide pedagogy and
assessment,
ensuring that learning design practices are aligned with Carlson’s
academic
priorities and consistently support high-quality student learning
experiences.
- Serve as the school’s leading thought partner regarding
schoolwide
pedagogy, expertise in assurance of learning, program and
course
assessment, and the measurement of learning effectiveness.
- Translate Carlsons academic priorities into pedagogically
sound, learner-
centered course and program designs.
- Champion a shift from content delivery toward active learning,
meaningful
assessment, and deep engagement for students navigating an
AI-saturated
world.
- Partner with faculty and the associate dean to develop learning
strategies
across undergraduate, graduate, and online programs.
- Serve as a thought partner on how AI tools are changing course
design,
student learning, and faculty practice.
Build Faculty Capacity (20%)
- Communicate effectively with faculty and faculty leaders at the
school
regarding online learning, course standards and expectations,
and
pedagogical approaches that best serve students.
- Design and deliver faculty development programs that meet
instructors
where they are, from skeptic to early adopter, and move them
forward.
- Help faculty understand what AI means for their students, their
assessments,
and their course designs, without being prescriptive or
alarmist.
- Build trust with a faculty population that ranges from
enthusiastic innovators
to deeply cautious traditionalists. Both groups deserve skilled
support.
- Develop programming that builds genuine pedagogical capacity,
not just
familiarity with new tools.
Govern Learning Technology and Accessibility (25%)
- Oversee Canvas administration at the school, oversee Carlson’s
relationship
with the University canvas administrators, learning technology
evaluation,
and the instructional technology ecosystem.
- Lead the long-term planning and continuous improvement of
learning
technology infrastructure, balancing innovation with stability,
usability,
accessibility, and institutional sustainability.
- Ensure all courses and materials meet WCAG 2.1 AA and ADA Title
II
accessibility standards.
- Stay current on emerging tools, including AI-assisted design
platforms, and
make recommendations grounded in evidence and institutional
fit.
- Manage appropriate university-level relationships and serve as
a leader of
online education and instructional design at the university.
- Manage vendor relationships and technology integrations with
care for
faculty experience and student outcomes.
*The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties
to this position*
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- BA/BS degree plus at least 10 years of related experience, or
master’s degree
plus at least 8 years of related experience, or terminal degree
plus 6 years of
related experience.
- Experience managing online program infrastructure at
scale.
- Demonstrated experience working directly with faculty in a
higher education
setting, including faculty who are skeptical of or resistant to
change.
- Deep familiarity with LMS platforms, particularly Canvas,
including
governance, course templates, and faculty training.
- Working fluency with AI tools for learning design: you use them
in your own
practice and can help others do the same thoughtfully.
- Strong project management discipline, including the ability to
manage
competing priorities across a large faculty population.
- Substantive knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA /
ADA Title II) and
how they apply to digital course materials.
- Location and Work Environment: This is a hybrid position and
will require 3 days on
campus (potentially more, depending on business need). Any
in-person work will be
located on the UMN Twin Cities campus.
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters degree in instructional design, educational technology,
learning
sciences, or a closely related field. Doctoral degree a plus.
- Eight or more years of progressive experience in instructional
design and/or
academic technology, with at least three to five years managing
full-time
instructional design teams in higher education.
- Teaching experience at the college or university level.
Understanding what it
feels like to stand in front of a class matters for this work.
- Experience developing faculty AI literacy programs or advising
on AI policy at
the course or program level.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex pedagogical or
technological
concepts for non-specialist audiences.
- Familiarity with business education contexts, including AACSB
accreditation
and assurance of learning processes.
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $140,000.00 - $160,000.00 ; depending on
education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 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
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to
note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This
approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of
each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our
commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to
incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this
position, please click the Apply button and follow the
instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online
application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume
or CV.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please
e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
Priority Application Deadline: November 1, 2026
Diversity
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
Employment Requirements
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.
About University of Minnesota
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
Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer
for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State
(2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence &
Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life
flexibility.
