Online Learning Specialist

Department: Library

Classification: Library Specialist 3

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible; up to 2 days telework and 3 days in office

Pay Band: 05

Salary: Salary no less than $53,000, commensurate with education and experience

About the Department:

The Learning, Research, and Engagement Division (LRE) of the University Libraries has primary responsibility for the spectrum of services and programs related to the outward-focused, direct engagement with undergraduate and graduate students and faculty pertaining to teaching, learning, and research, including the assessment (in conjunction with the Libraries' Administrative Services) of such services and programs.

Through the Teaching and Learning team and the three disciplinary teams of subject specialist librarians (Arts & Humanities, STEM, and Social Sciences), the LRE division works continuously with individual faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates on their individual learning and research needs by working closely with academic departments and colleges. We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace, as well as in the systems and services we build, as an inclusive excellence imperative.

About the Position:

The Online Learning Specialist provides all levels of high quality online and face-to-face information literacy instruction on the Teaching and Learning team. In addition to creating online tutorials and learning objects, this position works with the Online Learning Coordinator to identify, maintain, and teach emerging learning technologies to support the University Libraries' online learning initiatives. The Online Learning Specialist provides reference and research support while maintaining a high level of patron satisfaction. Participates in committees and/or workgroups as required to share knowledge, develop best practices, and implement and advance the work of the Libraries.

This position may work a combination of days, nights, and weekends, depending upon the time of the semester.

Responsibilities:

Instruction:

• Teaches library instruction to undergraduate classes, participates in curriculum development, provides support to Mason Libraries' online instruction, and creates and maintains tutorials and other tools and learning objects that support online learning programs of the Teaching and Learning Team. Conducts online research and information literacy instruction sessions for library workshops and some academic courses in line with the Teaching and Learning Team. Creates effective learning materials, tutorials, and other tools and resources for library user education and the Libraries' online presence. Maintains current knowledge of trends and best practices in teaching information literacy skills in higher education, instructional technologies, course management software, citation management software, and makes recommendations as appropriate. Develops and maintains effective relationships within the Teaching and Learning team, the Libraries, Mason Online, and the staff in other offices and academic units on campus. Uses knowledge of media authoring and management tools (i.e., Kaltura, CaptureSpace, Photoshop, and Premier Pro) to create learning objects.

Emerging Technologies:

• Identifies, recommends, and manages technologies and programs related to the creation of online learning objects. Assists and trains librarians and staff in using new online learning tools and technologies. Ensures the use of online learning tools meets the accessibility needs and requirements of the Mason community.

Outreach and Marketing:

• Schedules, plans, and/or conducts orientations, tours, presentations, and campus events to describe and promote the Libraries' online learning services and programs. Designs and oversees the production of promotional materials. Develops and maintains knowledge and use of current social media, multimedia resource development software, and other available instructional technologies applicable to library reference and research services.

Reference and Research:

• Provides high-level reference, research, and information services, research consultations, and point-of-need user instruction to the Mason community, both in person and via chat, text, phone, and email.

Coordination/Project Management:

• Participates in and contributes to University, Libraries', and departmental meetings. Facilitates University Libraries' and departmental-wide projects and tasks, and handles other departmental or library duties assigned, scheduled, or requested. Serves on library, campus, IT, or University committees and working groups as assigned to plan, develop, and implement improvement(s), and to research and select resources. Participates in formulating policies, procedures, and priorities for improving work processes on the Teaching and Learning team. May hire, train, manage the workload, and assess the performance of student workers. Trains new staff in policies and procedures. Serves as the departmental liaison.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;

• Demonstrated experience with online instruction and teaching (both with individuals and groups);

• Demonstrated experience with Learning Management Systems;

• Demonstrated experience creating online information literacy tutorials;

• Experience collaborating across departments;

• Experience managing the work of others;

• Knowledge of library public services, particularly reference, instruction, and user services programs;

• Knowledge of the use of information and research sources (print, electronic), automated library systems, online library catalogs, electronic databases, and Internet;

• Knowledge of library research methods, concepts, and processes;

• Skilled in providing online instruction (individual and group);

• Skilled in technical troubleshooting for online learning problems;

• Effective organizational skills, including the ability to organize, prioritize, and manage competing deadlines;

• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively inside and outside of the department, including diverse populations; and

• Demonstrated customer service skills such as responding to internal/external inquiries, resolving minor issues, referring to appropriate resources, and escalating more complex issues as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field;

• Demonstrated academic or research library experience;

• Demonstrated experience using a variety of citation software;

• Demonstrated knowledge of HTML and/or other web software programs;

• Demonstrated experience managing the work of students;

• Experience using Camtasia or similar tutorial creation software;

• Experience using Canvas as an instructor or course builder;

• Knowledge of the function and role of academic libraries in higher education;

• Knowledge of best practices and requirements for accessibility related to online instruction;

• Knowledge of instructional design principles;

• Knowledge of a variety of citation software; and

• Proficiency in Adobe Suite products.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Online Learning Specialist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Please note: if selected for an in-person interview, please be prepared to show/share live links to one or two online tutorials you have created.

Posting Open Date: July 5, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by: July 21, 2024

Open Until Filled?: Yes