Instructional Design Specialist Jobs in Massachusetts

INTRODUCTION

Boston University's Institute for Excellence in Teaching & Learning is focused on elevating and transforming teaching and learning innovation across the entire BU campus community to deliver a superior student experience.

The Institute is seeking an Academic Technology & Innovation Specialist with a strong foundation in understanding learning management systems (particularly relevant assessment technologies), a robust track record of working with faculty across academic disciplines, and an enthusiastic approach to emergent technologies.

Reporting to the Executive Director for Academic Technology & Innovation, the ATIS collaborates closely with Institute staff and BU faculty to bring a thoughtful, systemic approach to educational innovation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Creating a University wide culture of academic excellence and technology innovation by:

• Designing & leading training sessions and workshops tailored to diverse faculty needs on educational technologies, digital pedagogy, and emerging tools (including AI), integrating ethical considerations into all offerings (including data privacy and access/accessibility).

• Creating inclusive, participatory learning environments for faculty around uses of academic technology that encourage critical inquiry, peer learning, and reflective practice.

• Organizing and cultivating communities of practice that sustain ongoing dialogue, experimentation, and collaboration across the University around the uses of academic technology.

• Maintaining awareness of best practices and emerging technologies, with a discerning eye toward both their pedagogical potential and systemic impacts.

• Creating opportunities for faculty to experiment with new pedagogical approaches through deploying academic technology, including iterative course redesign. Documenting and sharing insights from training sessions, workshops, and communities of practice to contribute to institutional learning and continuous improvement.

Engaging with faculty to apply technology solutions to pedagogical challenges by:

• Partnering with faculty and academic staff to design, implement, and refine meaningful, technology-enhanced assessments and reflective learning practices.

• Providing individualized consultations on how digital tools can enhance and improve course design, assessment strategies, and student engagement.

• Collaborating on pilot projects and innovation initiatives, including integrating emerging technologies into curricula.

• Acting as a primary pedagogical support and thought partner for assessment platforms (e.g., Gradescope, ExamSoft, Blackboard grading tools) and ePortfolio systems (particularly Digication).

• Creating inclusive, accessible resources—toolkits, templates, and how-to guides—that support effective use of educational technology across disciplines and modalities.

Contributing to Institute initiatives by bringing academic technology focused insight to the table while demonstrating adaptability, relational intelligence, and a shared commitment to fostering an inclusive and future-ready academic ecosystem. Activities include:

• Collaborating on internal and external communications that highlight innovative teaching practices and institutional efforts.

• Serving as a bridge between faculty creativity and institutional support structures, such as the Faculty Development Office, helping the university move from adoption to alignment in its technology-enhanced teaching practices.

• Developing resources, guidelines, and frameworks that support university-wide initiatives aimed at advancing educational equity, digital fluency, and pedagogical excellence.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in educational technology, education, or a related field.

• Five to eight years of educational technology work experience, with three to five years of experience in a higher education setting.

• Strong knowledge of educational technologies, including media production tools, assessment platforms, and collaborative learning software.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Creative problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and comfort with change in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

• Knowledge of learning design principles and best practices in adult learning.

• Demonstrated collaboration with faculty, academic leaders, and diverse stakeholders.

• Strong empathy and active listening skills to effectively understand and address faculty and learner needs.