Instructional Digital Media Developer

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This role is being offered as a temporary contract that goes until August 31, 2026

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Curriculum Development, the Instructional Digital Media Developer - aka the Developer - is responsible for creating multimedia learning materials, interactions, and interfaces for online WIL Programs is interpreted, shaped, and translated into multimedia in such a way as to provide an effective online learning experience. The Developer must combine technical knowledge of multimedia authoring tools and techniques with visual design and interaction design skills, and remain current with regards best practices for optimal user experience and web accessibility, to ensure that the use of multimedia is effective for all learners.

Key Accountabilities

Perform all tasks related to the production of CUSTOM online course/courseware projects; Demonstrate competencies with SPECIALIST development tools and techniques; Demonstrate ability to apply deeper understanding of online teaching & learning strategies/paradigms.

Pre-Production

· Provide consultation to Senior Manager regarding feasibility, suitability, and potential development timelines, for the development of custom/specialized multimedia development approaches

· Work with the WIL Training Coordinator to complete environmental scan and cost/benefit analysis of atypical development strategies.

· Create lo-fi prototype mock-ups and revise iteratively to meet WIL Programs requirements;

· Provide WIL Programs team with one-to-one technical training as needed (e.g. audio recording, screen recording, multimedia authoring software).

Production

· Use standard rapid authoring e-learning tools to create multimedia materials that meet the instructional goals;

· Create custom interfaces and delivery platforms (websites) both within and outside of the LMS, using standard and non-standard authoring techniques

· Create custom interfaces and delivery platforms (websites) both within and outside of the LMS/CMS, using standard and non-standard authoring techniques

· Develop and apply specialist authoring skills and design knowledge (e.g. advanced programming, video post-production, motion graphics, and illustration);

· Keep informed of, through self-directed study and professional development, and apply deeper understanding of: UX and web accessibility principles beyond WIL Programs -adopted standards; online learning instructional design principles

· Create complex organizational and explanative images and animations addressing difficult concepts from scratch with only minimal guidance from WIL Training Coordinator or Senior Manager

· Revise multimedia iteratively to incorporate revisions recommended by Senior Manager

· Manipulate existing imagery and create simple to moderately complex organizational and explanative images from scratch;

· Upload and organize content materials in LMS;

· Source multimedia from standard legitimate sources (Preferred stock imagery provider, Wikimedia, etc.);

· Complete copyright records for sourced multimedia;

· Contribute to the acquisition of copyright permissions when necessary and determine with WIL Training Coordinator alternate design strategies if copyright issues are restrictive to use;

· Conduct proofing and testing of multimedia components

Communication/Organization

· Present clear, concise language in all communications (oral, written, technical);

· Contribute to project team discussions

· Meet course development milestones and ensure that individual development projects are completed on time, according to established methods and standards;

· Balance priorities in multiple projects;

· Keep informed of, through self-directed study and professional development, and apply deeper understanding of:

o new and emerging multimedia authoring tools and techniques;

o online learning best practices;

o project management processes;

· Contribute to documentation of course features;

· Provide regular reports regarding project progress/status;

· Provide regular status reports to Senior Manager and escalate issues in a timely manner;

· Contribute to wider department discussions with regards course development technologies/methods.

Required Qualifications

Education

· Degree or diploma in digital media design/development, interaction design, or related field

Experience

· Minimum 1 year of multimedia development (including some or all of: web design, graphic design, audio and video editing, motion graphics); with portfolio demonstrating a range of projects and applications.

· Industry experience would be an advantage.

· Experience developing specifically in an online learning context would be an asset.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

· Advanced knowledge of digital media authoring tools and production techniques;

· Passion for web technologies and good understanding of current technology landscape and issues; early adopter of leading-edge technologies;

· Superior verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences;

· Superior organization skills, time management;

· Knowledge of AODA and how to implement WCAG 3.0 guidelines;

· Demonstrated superior work ethic, initiative, ability to work independently with occasional direction; attention to detail;

· Dependability, discretion, a responsible attitude;

· Continuous improvement mindset.

· Understanding of the principles of experiential learning and/or experience with co-operative education an asset.

· Experience with the effective application of a learning management system (LMS) and other e-learning technologies

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.