Education Specialist (INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER 4)

Under general direction and reporting to the Executive Director, the Education Specialist serves as a instructional and pedagogical expert within the UC Davis Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE), providing advanced leadership in
accessible and inclusive teaching practices, online and hybrid pedagogies, and faculty pedagogical development. The incumbent applies substantial subject-matter expertise and independent judgment to design, implement, and evaluate high-impact faculty development initiatives that advance teaching excellence, equity, and student success.

The Education Specialist consults with faculty, academic units, and campus partners on complex instructional challenges, including course and curriculum redesign, assessment alignment, and the application of evidence-based teaching practices. The position functions as a campus resource for instructional accessibility, supporting compliance-informed and learner-centered approaches to course design while promoting institution-wide adoption of Universal Design for Learning principles.

The role operates with a high degree of autonomy and discretion, contributing to scalable and sustainable teaching and learning initiatives with programmatic and campus-wide impact, without direct managerial responsibility.

Apply By Date March 11, 2026 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Master's degree, or the equivalent combination of education, instructional design, learning sciences, educational technology, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Experience working in or supporting a research-intensive (R1) university environment and understanding the instructional needs of faculty, graduate instructors, and teaching assistants.
• Two years of teaching as the instructor of record in a postsecondary educational setting, preferably in teaching synchronous and asynchronous courses.
• Experience designing, facilitating and evaluating educational development programs that advance equitable and inclusive teaching and learning, such as workshops, institutes, colloquia and learning communities, and other teaching activities for faculty and/or graduate students.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing hybrid and/or online educational development initiatives, programs, and/or projects.
• Knowledge of best practices in instructional design for post-secondary institutions, project management skills, including the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines consistently.
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills across modalities (e.g., written, verbal, web-based).

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a STEM field. Doctoral candidates with a timely established defense date will be considered.
• Three + years of experience in teaching synchronous and asynchronous online courses in a post-secondary educational setting.
• Experience working within a teaching and learning center or equivalent. This includes a STEM teaching and learning center or STEM education organizations.
• Knowledge of ADA compliance, evaluation protocols for user experience, accessibility, and impact to guide project development.

Key Responsibilities

• 30% - Faculty Consultation and Pedagogical Development
• 20% - Accessibility & Inclusive Teaching Leadership
• 20% - Faculty Development Programming
• 20% - Online & Hybrid Pedagogy Innovation
• 10% - Collaboration & Strategic Contribution

Department Overview

Located in the Office of Undergraduate Education, the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) works collaboratively and creatively with instructors and university academic administrators to foster, build, implement, and institutionalize evidence-based and equitable instructional practices at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). This work is in direct alignment with Goal 1 and Goal 3 of the UC Davis To Boldly Go Strategic Plan (https://leadership.ucdavis.edu/strategic-plan). CEE seeks an Education Specialist with exposure to hybrid/online pedagogies, and accessibility. CEE invites candidates who can contribute to a culture of equity-mindedness and a strengths-based outlook both to student learning and the teaching community at UC Davis.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $85,500/annually - $157,300/annually - Please note: This position is subject to a departmental maximum budgeted salary of: $92,900/annually; commensurate with education and experience.
• Salary Frequency: Annually
• UC Job Title: INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER 4
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday -Friday, 8am - 5pm
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Flexible work schedule and work setting (e.g., hybrid). In-person and on-campus work is expected 2-3 days a week and may vary based on operational needs.Occasional work during evenings and weekends to meet operational needs.Restricted vacation during peak workload periods.Employee is personally responsible for following safety procedures/guidelines.Manage and complete projects in an open workspace environment of interruptions, background distractions, traffic, and noise from computer printers, copier, ringing telephones, and conversations.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

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