Instructional Designer for Universal Design and Accessibility

Instructional Designer for Universal Design and Accessibility Posted 1 day ago – apply soon. This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA). This role has a term length of one year plus one day from the date of hire and offers a comprehensive benefits package. The Instructional Designer for Universal Design and Accessibility (UDA) is a shared position between the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and Student Success and Experience (SSE) to support accessibility. Positioned within the Centre for Teaching and Learning, this specialist fosters an inclusive educational environment by empowering instructors and staff to implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessibility principles that support inclusive teaching and learning practices across diverse learning settings at the University of Alberta. Location: This role is hybrid, with a mix of remote and in‑person work, primarily at North Campus, Edmonton. Responsibilities Advocate for and support instructors in implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in course materials to ensure they are accessible and inclusive. Provide ongoing support and consultation to instructors and educational staff in integrating accessibility features and inclusive practices into their courses. Serve as a resource/consultant on student accommodation cases to address barriers in course design. Collaborate with faculty to design or revise curricula incorporating best practices in accessibility and using innovative methods to enhance learning outcomes. Develop a repository of instructional tools, templates, and guidelines for faculty and staff that illustrate best practices in accessible and inclusive education, ensuring that the resources meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Stay updated with provincial and national accessibility laws and standards, ensuring that all educational content developed meets these requirements. Conduct robust needs assessments to identify barriers in existing course designs and develop strategies to address them. Implement systems to gather and analyze student and staff feedback on the effectiveness of accessibility measures and UDL applications. Develop and facilitate training and programming for instructional staff focused on inclusive teaching strategies and the practical application of accessibility tools and resources. Provide regular in-service training for SSE accessibility advisors. Support CTL Educational Developers in developing and facilitating workshops and programming to ensure accessible program design. Assess the effectiveness of training and programming through feedback mechanisms and data analysis, and make recommendations for continuous improvement. Contribute to CTL's operational effectiveness by participating in committees, meetings, strategic planning, and reporting. Attend SSE unit meetings quarterly to discuss current and emerging trends in teaching and accessibility/universal learning. Provide biannual reports to highlight cross-unit collaborations between SSE and CTL. Contribute to/participate in developing and implementing CTL's communication plans regarding the incumbent's portfolio. Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance skills and knowledge in accessibility standards, educational technology, and inclusive pedagogy. Maintain a high standard of professional practice in the postsecondary environment. Qualifications Undergraduate degree in educational technology, adult education, information science, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred. Minimum of 3 years in instructional design and facilitation in a postsecondary context. Practical knowledge of adult learning principles, accessibility pedagogies, and diverse learning-centred teaching strategies. Knowledge of new and emerging digital learning tools and technologies; ability to integrate them into the learning environment. Demonstrated effectiveness in presenting information clearly and adapting communication styles. Strong consultative skills; ability to make confident instructional design recommendations. Exceptional interpersonal skills; ability to positively influence stakeholders and build trust. Strong organizational skills; ability to manage resources and meet deadlines effectively. Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in multimedia applications, video, and graphics editing, would be an asset. Familiarity with U of A institutional policies and learning management systems, particularly Canvas and Moodle. Application Instructions Please submit your resume and cover letter. About Us The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community. The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide. At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. We welcome applications from all qualified persons, including women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, and all genders and sexual orientations. We also welcome French‑speaking applicants. About The Team The Provost and Vice‑President – Academic is the University of Alberta’s chief academic officer and a key leader in advancing the university’s educational mission. The Provost works closely with the President and fellow vice‑presidents to ensure all institutional portfolios and priorities are aligned with the university’s vision and strategic goals. The Provost provides oversight of the infrastructure, services, and administrative units that support teaching, learning, and research excellence, including the Centre for Teaching and Learning. Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Education and Training Industries Higher Education #J-18808-Ljbffr