What are the responsibilities and job description for the eLearning Specialist and Developer position at Helena College – University of Montana?
$65,000.00 Annually
Helena College Donaldson Campus
Contract Professional Full-time
202400626
Helena College
Instructional Programs
03/16/2026
4/19/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Exempt
Description
Helena College University of Montana a comprehensive two-year college, provides access to and support of high quality lifelong educational opportunities for our diverse community. Helena College is seeking qualified applicants who wish to become part of a dynamic and creative team for a full-time position as an eLearning Specialist and Developer.
The eLearning Specialist and Developer is a key member of the eLearning & Faculty Development team, reporting to the Director of eLearning & Faculty Development.
This position is responsible for three main areas:
1. Administrative duties related to the LMS (currently Canvas)
2. Instructional design and technologies
3. Technical support for academic programs
In addition, this position collaborates closely with the Director to provide professional development opportunities that strengthen teaching and learning for faculty, staff, and students. This role requires strong initiative, independent decision-making, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that values and respects diversity.
The HC eLearning and Faculty Development department is dedicated to supporting faculty, contributing to teaching excellence, and enhancing student success through professional development, exemplary instructional design, effective application and integration of instructional technologies, interactive digital media development, administration, and enhancement of the college’s learning management system (currently Canvas), and the deployment of innovative emerging technologies.
The eLearning Specialist and Developer reports directly to the Director of eLearning & Faculty Development and is part of the General Education & Academic Support Division.Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
LMS Administrator Duties
- Administer and maintain the College’s Learning Management System (Canvas), including user accounts, course creation, enrollments, system configuration, and data integrity standards.
- Test, validate, troubleshoot, and resolve LMS issues, including system updates, upgrades, outages, and third-party integration problems.
- Implement, manage, and document LMS integrations and technical workflows, collaborating closely with IT and external vendors (e.g., Canvas Support, UM staff) and serving as an escalation point for complex issues.
- Provide comprehensive LMS support and guidance for faculty, staff, and students, including documentation of best practices and system use.
- Represent the College in Montana University System (MUS) LMS discussions, contributing to systemwide planning, coordination, and decision-making.
Instructional Design & Course Development
- Collaborate with subject matter experts to design engaging, accessible, and outcome-aligned courses.
- Develop clear, inclusive learning materials in multiple formats (text, video, audio, visual, Al-assisted).
- Coordinate with Directors or Lead Faculty to develop course templates for programs or specific courses.
- Participate in course design reviews and revise courses as needed across modalities.
Faculty Support & Professional Development
- Provide training and individualized support on LMS, course design, instructional technologies, and effective online teaching practices.
- Partner with departments to promote faculty development initiatives focused on student engagement and success.
- Assist with onboarding and orienting new faculty—both adjunct and full-time—especially those teaching online.
Academic Program Technical Support Duties
- Provide technical support for academic platforms and systems, including CourseLeaf, Degree Works, Explorance Blue, Follett, and other related tools.
- Administer and manage Canvas add-on products and integrations, such as Student and Employee Training, Canvas Credentials, Canvas Catalog, Canvas Trust Accounts, and related services.
Other Responsibilities
- Create and maintain documentation, tutorials, and training resources that support LMS usage, course design and online teaching and learning.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
This on-campus, in-person position is based in Helena, Montana, and supports both the Donaldson and Airport campuses. The role is highly interactive and requires regular engagement with faculty and students. Flexible working hours are available.
This position is not responsible for the supervision or management of classified staff members or contract professional employees.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Technology, Educational Technology, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
- At least two years of experience administering and using a major Learning Management System (e.g., Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard).
- Ability to maintain a regular, physical presence on the Helena College campus.
Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Instructional Technology, Curriculum Development or relevant field or combination of teaching experience in higher education.
- Demonstrate expertise in administrating and managing Canvas LMS.
- Experience designing and developing engaging learning materials and online curricula—including assessments, outcome mappings, and multimedia—using instructional design principles and collaboration with subject matter experts.
- Experience in project management and in designing and delivering training for adult learners.
- Demonstrate experience teaching and developing courses within a learning management system (preferably Canvas).
- Familiarity with Montana University System policies and procedures related to online education and curriculum development.
- Experience creating ADA- and 508-compliant content.
Additional Information
Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE, Contract Professional, Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm schedule. Hours and schedule may vary depending on the needs of the program. Supports both the Donaldson and Airport campuses.
Benefits: Includes a comprehensive group insurance benefits program including medical plan options with prescription drug and dental plan, vision exam coverage, an employee assistance program (EAP), retirement plan, life and disability insurance options, flexible spending and dependent care account options, and optional long-term care insurance. Additional information on benefits can be found by visiting: https://choices.mus.edu/employees.asp
Priority Application Date: Sunday, April, 19, 2026 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)
Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Complete applications must include:
- Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable
- Detailed Resume listing education and describing work experience
- Transcript - (Unofficial transcripts acceptable with application) Official transcripts due upon hire
- Three (3) professional references - names and contact information for three (3) professional references.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Don’t Meet Every Qualification? Apply Anyway!
If you are excited about this role but do not meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We value passion, potential, and a commitment to learning.
Employment Eligibility: Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.
Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.
Salary : $65,000