Instructional Design Specialist Jobs in California

INTRODUCTION

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

BENEFITS

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

JOB SUMMARY

Point Loma Nazarene University is seeking a collaborative and service-oriented Instructional Technology Support Specialist to support innovative teaching and learning across Traditional Undergraduate programs. This role partners closely with faculty, academic departments, and instructional technology teams to develop high-quality learning experiences, maintain master course content, support instructional technologies, and ensure compliance with evolving accessibility standards.

As part of PLNU's commitment to academic excellence and student success, this position plays a critical role in helping faculty leverage technology to create engaging, accessible, and effective learning environments. The ideal candidate is passionate about educational technology, enjoys solving problems, and is committed to supporting faculty through consultation, training, and ongoing instructional design support.

SALARY

Pay range $24.90 - $26.89

Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement working both in-person and remotely.

JOB STATUS

Full time

JOB DESCRIPTION

What We're Looking For

• Passion for leveraging technology to improve teaching, learning, and student success
• Understanding of instructional design principles and effective course development practices
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and a commitment to creating inclusive learning environments
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and academic departments
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to supporting faculty success
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to research, evaluate, and implement emerging instructional technologies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth
• Knowledge and experience working with a diverse population is preferred

What You'll Be Doing

• Consult with faculty on instructional design strategies and the effective use of technology to support student learning outcomes for traditional undergraduate courses
• Assist faculty in the development and enhancement of instructional materials and course content
• Collaborate with academic departments to create, maintain, and distribute master course content
• Support faculty in implementing instructional technologies and learning tools appropriate to their courses and disciplines
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of courses, including accessibility and ADA compliance reviews
• Partner with faculty to implement recommended course improvements and accessibility enhancements
• Provide training and support for Canvas and other instructional technology platforms
• Respond to instructional technology support requests through established ticketing systems and communication channels
• Research emerging educational technologies and instructional design trends
• Identify and share best practices related to course design, accessibility, and educational technology
• Collaborate with other technology support teams to implement instructional technology solutions
• Support university efforts to meet evolving accessibility requirements and compliance standards
• Contribute to instructional technology documentation, training resources, and process improvements
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Technology, Educational Technology, Adult Learning, Education, or a related field
• Knowledge of ADA compliance for accessible course design
• Proficiency with Google Workspace applications
• Working knowledge of instructional technologies and Canvas LMS
• Working knowledge of HTML
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, negotiate, and deliver projects according to established timelines
• Attentive and active listener with the patience to hear people out and accurately restate opinions and ideas of others
• Strong customer service skills and commitment to supporting faculty and students
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU's Community Life Covenant
• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Instructional Technology, Educational Technology, Adult Learning, Education, or a related field
• Certification in Instructional Technology, or two years of instructional design, course development, teaching, or educational technology experience
• Knowledge of ADA accessibility requirements (WCAG 2.1)
• Knowledge of adult learning theories and instructional design methodologies
• Experience supporting faculty development or higher education teaching and learning initiatives

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time
• Regular use of computer equipment including keyboard, mouse, and monitor
• Ability to read digital and printed materials, including detailed documents and reports
• Ability to communicate effectively with others in person, virtually, and by phone
• Ability to stand, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, and move throughout campus as needed
• Occasionally lift and move items weighing up to 30 pounds

At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential.

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.