Opportunity Guide
https://www.unity.edu/
Unity Collegeis a leader in sustainability science, educating responsible, optimistic individuals committed to solving the world’s most pressing environmental problems.
For over fifty years, Unity College has been preparing the next generation of environmental professionals and leaders to successfully face real-world challenges. Unity College, America’s Environmental College located in Unity, Maine, serves a broad range of students from all backgrounds across the U.S. — and the world. To be responsive to the rapidly changing needs of students and society, Unity College offers both flagship campus and distance education programs for undergraduate and graduate-level environmental degrees.
Unity College’s distance education unit, started in 2016, extends the effects of a Unity College education to adult learners, and beyond the physical confines of the flagship campus. Unity College Online offers affordable, accredited master’s degrees and non-degree credits, ideal for working professionals seeking to advance their careers, helping students become the change makers the world needs while still honoring their commitments, wherever they are.
On Unity’s flagship campus, the liberal arts curriculum is built upon a unique framework of sustainability science — the first of its kind in the nation. A distinctive approach to learning provides students with an exceptional, high-quality education, enabling them to drive real change with leading-edge knowledge and expertise within any of 17 environmentally focused majors. Unity College’s unique location provides extraordinary opportunities for hands-on learning and research, allowing active and engaged students to work together with forward-thinking faculty to make true community-based learning possible. From 225 wooded acres of farmland in rural Maine, the College prepares each of its students to make a mark on the world. Affordable housing and amenities are available in Unity and in nearby communities, including the more populated centers of Bangor (34 miles away), the state Capitol of Augusta (39 miles away), Belfast (24 miles away) and Waterville (18 miles away).
Unity College seeks to attract employees who share a commitment to the environment and to human diversity, and who have an interest in helping students develop an understanding of the richness and complexity of individuals and society.
The Opportunity: Distance Education Instructional Designer
The Instructional Designer will collaborate with and support content experts in diverse environmental disciplines to design cutting-edge online courses for Unity College’s Distance Education Department. This new position will use best practices in educational pedagogy to design, implement and continually monitor online course outcomes. Energetic and creative candidates with expertise in educational theory and experience designing courses for adult, remote learners are especially encouraged to apply.
Poised for dramatic expansion, Distance Education is a priority initiative of the Unity College President and senior leadership. The program currently includes 26 courses and is growing every term. The Instructional Designer will be a key player in developing the necessary user-friendly, accessible courses to meet learner demand as the program seeks to triple in the next few years. Working with a growing array of technology tools, they serve as architect, project manager, partner, mechanic, translator and guide for all aspects of instructional design for Unity College Distance Education. They will apply the appropriate pedagogy, learning science and technology tools necessary for the design and implementation of excellent online courses. This position reports to the Chief Distance Education Officer and is based in Unity, Maine.
The successful candidate will be an experienced instructional designer for online education, with a deep-rooted understanding of educational theory and pedagogy. Demonstrated experience in instructional design and an understanding of the needs of adult learners are critical for success.
Performance Objectives
Course Design, Delivery and Support
- Provide instructional design services and oversee all phases of the design process, aligning instructional content to learning outcomes while creating instructionally sound and engaging learning opportunities and developing quality assessment tools. Consult and assist with planning, coordinating and supporting course and program designs, redesigns, content and evaluation.
- Apply the appropriate learning and instructional theories necessary for innovative online course design and implementation.
- Facilitate and coordinate administrative aspects of course development, delivery and support.
- Oversee course design revisions and product improvements in existing courses.
- Align all online courses with Universal Design and Quality Matters rubrics.
- Implement quality-control oversight in terms of design, writing and editing
- Identify and provide corrective action when needed in alignment with the Quality Matters program and rubric.
Faculty and Staff Relations
- Collaborate with Distance Education faculty and staff to design and develop high quality, innovative online courses.
- Consult with Distance Education faculty regarding the application of effective online pedagogies to inspire student confidence and enthusiasm. Support the faculty and leadership on the process of instructional design in teaching, research and creative works.
- Develop and communicate course development and implementation schedules.
- Communicate knowledge and application of effective pedagogy and use of academic technologies. Assist faculty and other subject matter experts in navigating the Canvas learning management system and developed course content, in coordination with Instructional Technology staff.
Technology
- Design online content in Canvas and integrate current educational technologies to promote effective teaching strategies and to improve student-learning experiences.
- Act as an expert resource for our Canvas learning management system and related tools. Develop and implement instructor and student support materials, tutorials, orientations, help sessions and workshops, as needed.
- Remain current and have a thorough understanding of the latest industry technology tools and trends in online education. Recommend and implement new technologies as appropriate.
- Work with Information Technology and Instructional Technology staff to develop new services and test new academic and learning technologies.
The Qualified Candidate
Unity College seeks an innovative and proactive instructional designer with a deep knowledge of educational pedagogy and technology. The successful candidate will bring one or more years of experience designing courses with a focus on Distance Education for adult learners. They will be a creative course designer and collaborator with a deep appreciation of the importance of environmental sustainability and the interpersonal skills required to work successfully with a diverse range of stakeholders including students, faculty and staff. A strong record of demonstrated success in setting and achieving goals related to instructional design is required.
Specific Requirements Include:
- Demonstrated passion for Unity College’s mission.
- Understanding of and passion for Distance Education.
- One year of experience that demonstrates success collaborating with faculty to design online courses for adult learners.
- Proven knowledge of instructional design strategies along with the current techniques, tools and procedures used in the design, development and evaluation of technology-enhanced and online courses and programs.
- Familiarity with Universal Design and other accessibility principles to ensure course content is accessible to all learners. Knowledge and understanding of Quality Matters, Online Learning Consortium and similar online learning rubrics.
- Proven ability to stay current with rapidly changing technologies. Familiarity with HTML and CSS required. Familiarity with Canvas and the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite preferred.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Instructional Design, Education or a related discipline required; Master’s Degree preferred.
- Ability to work from an office on Unity College’s campus. This is not a remote position.
This position offers a competitive salary with generous benefits. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.
Unity College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria.
To Apply:
Candidates may apply by clicking the APPLY NOW button below.
Candidates must complete the online application and submit their cover letter and resume.
To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email.
This search is being managed by Alison Lewin, Project Manager of KEES. Questions may be addressed to alewin@kees2success.com.
KEES is a retained search and nonprofit consulting firm that builds transformative teams and leaders. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.
In and Around Unity
Come explore the area in and around Unity, including the Unity College Center for the Performing Arts, the Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, and our Field of Dreams—a beautiful outdoor recreation area just a short walk from campus. If you like local and organic farming, don’t miss the Unity Farmers’ Market or the nationally recognized Common Ground Country Fair, which is held each fall and organized by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.
In and Around Maine
There are also lots of amazing places to explore in and around Maine. Within a two-hour drive from campus you’ll find the breathtaking Acadia National Park—home to Mt. Desert Island and Schoodic Point. You’ll also find Baxter State Park, where you can spend the day climbing Mt. Katahdin, and Reid State Park, with its long, sandy beaches, picnic areas and scenic views. And if you like to ski, be sure to check out Sugarloaf and Sunday River ski resorts, also within a two-hour drive.
Here are some other attractions not far from campus:
Within A One-Hour Drive:
Within A Two-Hour Drive:
- Moosehead Lake:boating, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling
- Popham Beach: swimming, fishing, sea kayaking, birdwatching
- Port Clyde:ferry to Monhegan Island
- Portland:the Arts District and Old Port Historic District
- Rangeley Lakes:skiing and recreation
- Sebago Lake State Park:boating, swimming, camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing
