About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
The Instructional Media Lab Supervisor supervises and leads a team of 5-10 graduate assistants within the Instructional Design, Engagement and Support (IDEAS) group to provide high-quality technical support across a variety of UMass technologies and third-party tools. The Instructional Media Lab Supervisor leads other projects and initiatives and may partner with the faculty development and instructional design groups in supporting University initiatives and goals.
Essential Functions
- Supervises a team of 5-10 graduate assistants.
- Designs and develops training for graduate assistants and IDEAS staff members in troubleshooting and responding to faculty questions and concerns.
- Works to develop a welcoming, collaborative, and productive environment across the IDEAS team.
- Consults and collaborates regularly with University faculty to plan for and design courses (online, hybrid and face-to-face) including, but not limited to, finalizing course goals and learning objectives, course alignment and outlines, and plans for the use of media and instructional technology in the course utilizing a multimodal course design strategy.
- Collaborates with the Associate Director of IDEAS and the Senior Learning Systems Administrator on the enhancement of support workflows and technology use.
- Works with Instructional Designers and technical teams on course design, strategic initiatives, project timelines and documentation. Supports design needs of new programs, including those with unique pedagogical approaches.
- Leads special projects associated with the advancement of support strategies and technological innovations. Manages projects in the assessment and improvement of current online, hybrid and face-to-face courses; and program development and innovative course design and delivery.
- Collaborates, assists, develops, and participates in professional development workshops related to course design and online teaching.
Other Functions
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree plus four (4) years of related professional experience.
- Experience managing students or other staff.
- Experience implementing effective support workflows and course improvements models.
- Proven ability to lead and the capacity to contribute to the growth of a collaborative team.
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to:
- Assess priorities and manage competing deadlines both independently and as a member of a team.
- Define and manage their own work processes towards specific team objectives.
- Communicate technical concepts to a non-technical audience.
- Work independently or with multiple constituencies, manage time and multiple projects simultaneously, set and accomplish goals, meet deadlines.
- Must:
- Be a fast learner and eager collaborator.
- Have a meticulous detail orientation.
- Possess a customer-service driven and team-oriented approach to work.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Master’s degree.
- Experience with:
- Multimedia technologies used for audio, video, screen capture and web conferencing.
- Online Learning Management Systems (LMS) used in higher education (Canvas strongly preferred).
- Public speaking, delivering faculty workshops, and giving professional presentations.
- Producing technical writing and creating technical support documentation.
Work Schedule
- Monday - Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
- This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Typical office environment activity.
Salary Information
Salary Level 28
Exempt Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.