What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructional Design Assistant position at ST THOMAS UNIVERSITY INC?
Position Summary
St. Thomas University (STU), a student-centered Catholic institution with rich cultural and international diversity, seeks an experienced Instructional Design Manager (IDM) to join the College of Nursing. This full-time administrative position plays a critical role in supporting the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of nursing curriculum across online, hybrid, and on-ground learning environments.
The Instructional Design Manager works collaboratively with nursing faculty, academic leadership, and institutional partners to ensure that instructional design practices, learning technologies, and assessment strategies support student success, academic quality, and professional nursing standards. The IDM also supports faculty development and instructional innovation while ensuring alignment with accreditation and regulatory expectations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Curriculum Design and Development
- Collaborate with nursing faculty and subject matter experts to design, develop, revise, and maintain undergraduate and graduate nursing courses delivered in online, hybrid, and on-ground formats.
- Support curriculum alignment among program learning outcomes, course objectives, instructional activities, and student assessments.
- Apply instructional design theories, adult learning principles, and evidence-based practices to enhance student engagement, retention, and learning outcomes.
- Assist faculty with curriculum mapping, course sequencing, and continuous curriculum improvement initiatives within the College of Nursing.
- Ensure consistency and academic rigor across multiple course delivery modalities.
Instructional Design Quality and Assurance
- Apply Quality Matters (QM) standards and other recognized best practices to improve the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of nursing courses.
- Conduct instructional analysis and learner needs assessments to inform course design decisions.
- Maintain documentation, course materials, and project records to support continuous improvement and accreditation-related activities.
- Support course reviews, updates, and cadence improvements in collaboration with nursing faculty and leadership.
Faculty Support and Professional Development
- Serve as a primary instructional design resource for nursing faculty, providing consultation on course design, assessment strategies, instructional technologies, and online pedagogy.
- Design and facilitate professional development workshops and training sessions related to instructional design, Canvas, and effective teaching strategies for nursing education.
- Provide ongoing coaching and support to faculty to promote instructional innovation and effective use of educational technology.
Learning Management System and Educational Technology
- Oversee nursing course development and maintenance within the learning management system (Canvas).
- Ensure accurate course builds, content imports, updates, and quality control across nursing programs.
- Collaborate with the Office of Information Technology to address instructional technology needs related to nursing instruction.
- Supervise and mentor work-study students or instructional support assistants who provide Canvas and instructional technology support to nursing faculty.
Collaboration and Accreditation Support
- Collaborate with nursing leadership, institutional effectiveness, and academic support units to support accreditation, assessment, and academic quality initiatives.
- Assist in the preparation and organization of curricular documentation and instructional materials for accreditation reviews.
- Participate in College of Nursing meetings, committees, and initiatives related to curriculum, assessment, and instructional quality.
Other Responsibilities
- Maintain current knowledge of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in instructional design and nursing education.
- Comply with all departmental and university policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the College of Nursing and the University's mission.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Curriculum and Instruction, Education, Nursing Education, or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in instructional design, curriculum development, or online learning.
- Demonstrated experience working with learning management systems; Canvas experience preferred.
- Strong organizational, project management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, administrators, and staff in a higher education environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Experience supporting nursing, healthcare, or other professional academic programs.
- Familiarity with Quality Matters standards and accreditation processes.
- Experience designing or facilitating faculty professional development.
Technology Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Experience developing multimedia instructional materials (video, audio, interactive content).
- Strong technical skills and ability to learn new educational technologies quickly.
Competencies
- Strong instructional design and curriculum analysis skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to academic quality.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
- Flexibility, creativity, and a student-centered approach to instructional design.
Work Environment / Physical Demands
- Work is performed primarily in an office and instructional environment.
- Regular use of computers and communication systems is required.
- May require occasional lifting of up to thirty (30) pounds.
About St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University is a student-centered, Catholic institution with rich cultural and international diversity, dedicated to educating ethical leaders who contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of the communities they serve.