What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructional Design and Technology Lead position at SONORAN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES?
Job Description/Summary
Sonoran University of Health Sciences seeks a collaborative and solutions-oriented Instructional Design and Technology Lead to support faculty in the delivery of high-quality learning experiences across online and on-ground programs. This role serves as the operational lead for instructional technology and design at Sonoran, helping faculty effectively use the university’s learning management system and related educational technologies while ensuring courses meet institutional standards for quality, innovation, usability, and accessibility.
Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Program Innovation this position partners closely with faculty, IT, and academic leadership to support course development, maintenance, and continuous improvement within Sonoran’s learning management system, Canvas. The role leads course quality assurance processes, coordinates course updates and technical implementation, and collaborates with external instructional design consultants and Subject Matter Experts to support new program development and major course redesign initiatives.
In addition to supporting existing practices and standards, the role contributes to the ongoing improvement of course design and instructional technology practices across the university. This includes identifying emerging educational technologies, deploying responsible applications of artificial intelligence, and helping faculty explore practical ways these tools can enhance teaching, learning, and course management.
This position offers an excellent opportunity for an early-to-mid career professional to deepen expertise in instructional design and educational technology while contributing meaningfully to the quality and effectiveness of the university’s learning experiences. The successful candidate will be an engaged member of the Sonoran University community, supporting the institution’s mission, vision, and core values while maintaining high ethical and professional standards.
Key Responsibilities
Educational Technology Support
- Serve as a primary resource for faculty on the effective use of instructional technologies, including Canvas LMS, Panopto, Zoom, MS Teams, and other course delivery tools.
- Provide responsive troubleshooting and support for instructional technology issues in both online and on-ground learning environments, escalating issues to IT when appropriate.
- Support system integrations and course operations, including syllabi management, course evaluations, and coordination between systems such as Jenzabar, Canvas, Zoom, and Panopto.
- Develop and maintain documentation, SOPs, and training resources to support faculty use of instructional technologies and course tools.
- Monitor emerging trends in educational technology, including artificial intelligence, and contribute to identifying opportunities to responsibly integrate AI tools into instructional design, course development, and faculty workflows.
- Assist with ensuring existing and new courses meeting current accessibility standards.
Quality Assurance and Maintenance
- Conduct quality assurance reviews of all courses to ensure courses are fully prepared for student access prior to start of each new quarter.
- Maintain course structures and organization within Canvas in alignment with university standards, policies, and instructional best practices.
- Coordinate and implement course updates in collaboration with faculty and Program Directors, including revisions to modules, assignments, multimedia content, and course navigation.
- Monitor course readiness across programs and proactively address technical or structural issues that could impact the student learning experience.
Instructional Design and Support
- Provide practical instructional design guidance to faculty on course organization, learning activities, and assessment strategies.
- Assist faculty in translating subject matter expertise into clear, student-centered course materials.
- Deliver training and workshops to faculty to strengthen effective use of instructional technologies and course design practices.
- Support faculty in implementing substantive course updates or redesign efforts when needed.
Instructional Support Coordination and External Partner Liaison
- Lead Sonoran’s Instructional Support Team (IST)
- Serve as the primary liaison with external instructional design consultants supporting new program development and major course or program redesign initiatives.
- Coordinate the integration of externally developed course materials into the LMS to ensure consistency with institutional standards.
- Collaborate with academic leadership to identify opportunities to strengthen course quality, accessibility, and instructional technology practices across programs.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Learning Sciences, or a related field.
- Experience supporting instructional design, educational technology, or course development in higher education.
- Experience with the Canvas learning management system.
- Experience supporting faculty in the use of instructional technologies such as but not limited to Canvas, CidiLabs Multitool, Panopto, Zoom, Turnitin, Respondus, Panorama.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to translate technical and instructional design concepts into practical guidance for faculty.
- Familiarity with emerging educational technologies, including AI-supported tools used in instructional design, course development, or faculty productivity.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related field.
- Experience supporting online or hybrid learning environments in healthcare education programs.
- Familiarity with multimedia platforms such as Panopto or similar lecture capture tools.
- Experience implementing accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.2).
- Experience using project management software (such as Smartsheet).
- Knowledge of Canvas Roles, Custom Roles, Subaccounts, and LTI integrations.
- Experience conducting course quality reviews or applying course quality frameworks (e.g., Quality Matters or similar).
- Understanding of online database systems, LTI.
- Proficiency with media development (Storyline, Camtasia, Adobe).
Working environment
This position is remote/online. Subject to extensive periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse. Regular activities require the ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Frequent communication with internal and external individuals is required to perform essential functions.
Background/screening
All candidates offered a position at Sonoran University undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. All employees must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles prior to first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file). Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.
Sonoran University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Sonoran University is a smoke free campus.
* Inclusive Excellence is the standard set by an organization to intentionally integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into its organizational pursuit of excellence.
About Sonoran University
Sonoran University of Health Sciences shapes a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, by enhancing the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and by discovering effective treatments for humanity grounded in the healing power of nature. Our vision is a world that embraces the healing power of nature. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the overall environment is vibrant and dynamic, with passionate students, staff, and faculty.
As a private institution, Sonoran University is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community for all. Sonoran community members embody and promote inclusive excellence (IE*). This includes a commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and continually advancing your understanding and practices around equity, belonging, and support for all students, employees, patients, and our greater community. You will contribute to a campus culture that embraces our core values.
The University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health offer evidence-based programs designed to shape a healthier tomorrow by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
To serve the University’s mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local underserved communities within the Phoenix Metro area. The College of Nutrition’s Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition aims to eliminate traditional barriers to nutritional care by providing personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost via telehealth.
The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art molecular biology/phytochemistry laboratory seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular, and cultural level to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet.
The University’s Clinical Care branch operates two open-to-the-public clinics at the Tempe Campus. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management utilizing treatments ranging from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural pharmacy in Arizona, offering an expansive collection of the highest quality, professional-grade supplements, herbs, and natural health products. Every purchase made at the Medicinary helps support the Sage Foundation and its mission to provide free healthcare to those in need.
Nurture your knowledge, visit sonoran.edu
Benefits
- At Sonoran University, we achieve excellence and shape the future by fostering a workplace where you can thrive and grow!
- Our benefits go above and beyond to support your health, happiness, and lifestyle.
Qualifying employees enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, vacation time, 12 paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with a discretionary match, and employer-sponsored life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage. - Every team member benefits from paid sick time, and exclusive perks like free office visits at our Medical Center and Neil Riordan Center, plus discounts at the largest medicinary in the Southwest — with shipping available!
- Enjoy a delicious meal our onsite café, or unwind in our fully equipped employee breakroom with a full kitchen, coffee, and new snacks every month.
- Prioritize your wellness with free personalized nutritional care, a yoga studio, a fitness center, and covered parking.
- Explore a wealth of knowledge in our library, rock your Sonoran pride on Casual Wednesdays, and be celebrated through our annual Employee Appreciation Day.
Want more? Access exclusive deals on attractions, shows, shopping, and more through Tickets At Work and LifeMart. - With a flexible hybrid work environment and an inspiring culture, Sonoran University is where passion and purpose meet to create a workplace like no other!
Salary : $80,000