Instructional Technologies, Specialist

Harvard University 

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Manager for Instructional Technologies, the Specialist for Instructional Technologies provides hands-on support for learning management systems, integrated instructional technologies, and similar platforms, products, and services. This position provides direct support for the portfolio of applications supporting academic programs, professional education, and business units leveraging similar services that provide outreach and education to the HGSE community and its constituents. The role involves considerable technical and analytical skillsets capable of supporting integration efforts, troubleshooting, incident resolution, vendor management, and modest software engineering and development to address customization, branding, accessibility, and visual identity requirements of HGSE. The position is additionally responsible for providing comprehensive training to faculty and their support staff, both in group settings as well as one-on-one appointments. In addition to supporting daily operations, the Specialist for Instructional Technologies maintains awareness of emerging trends in academic technologies and investigates options for determining suitability within the HGSE service catalog under advisement of the Senior Manager Instructional Technologies. 

Position Description

Operations and Maintenance Activities (80%)

• Supports the delivery of instructional technology services to the HGSE community.
• Consults with Canvas users to determine requirements for course websites and assist with:
  • selection of instructional tools,
  • site design,
  • design of course materials, e.g., documents, multimedia, assessment instruments, to ensure compliance with Harvard’s digital accessibility standards.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on the Harvard learning management systems and similar enterprise systems supported by HGSE.
• Provides training for the HGSE community to include faculty, teaching fellows, faculty assistants, PPE program administrators and similar end users through regular training programs and one-to-one consultations.
• Partners with operations and infrastructure teams to share current experiences and contributes to strategic direction and future investments.
• Understands and executes escalation protocols for service issues that cannot be resolved by the service operations team. Communicates issues to HUIT, HGSE Service Owners and others for resolution.
• Ensures the HGSE service center team is appropriately trained and skilled at supporting tier 1 support activities.
• Maintains metrics and key performance indicators related to service delivery.

Strategic Activities (10%)

• Identifies new trends in academic and instructional technologies and makes recommendations for proof-of-concept, prototype, and pilot initiatives.
• Collaborates with colleagues across Harvard to maintain awareness of new initiatives and innovative efforts surrounding academic technologies and outreach.

Perform other duties as assigned (10%)

Basic Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree.
• 2+ years’ related work experience in higher education.
• Familiarity with Canvas or other LMS

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and customer service skills.
• Excellent writing/documentation skills.
• Direct experience with Canvas in higher education.
• Experience with Canvas extensibility features and 3rd part apps via LTI.
• Experience with web design (HTML, CSS, Drupal, WordPress, Microsoft SharePoint).
• Ability to learn and master new technologies as needed.
• Experience with multimedia design and development, social networking tools.

Working Conditions

HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state’s required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship

Additional Information

HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions.  We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.

We do this by:

• Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve
• Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged
• Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation
• Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion
• Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
• Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function: Information Technology

Job Code: 405017 IT Professional (N)

Department: IT

Time Status: Full-time

Union: 55 – Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Department Office Location: USA – MA – Cambridge

Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit:

Salary Grade: 056

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.