Instructional Designer-Accessibility/WCAG

Job Details: Job Location: McMinnville Campus - McMinnville, OR, Position Type: Full-Time, Education Level: Master's Degree, Salary Range: $0.01 - $0.01Salary/year, Travel Percentage: None, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Learning Support Services, Instructional Designer – Accessibility / WCAGDepartment: Academic AffairsReports to: Director of Lifelong LearningClassification: Exempt, StaffLocation: McMinnville, OregonJoin Linfield University!Linfield University is seeking a collaborative, innovative, and accessibility-focused Instructional Designer – Accessibility / WCAG to join our Academic Affairs team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape inclusive, engaging, and high-quality online learning experiences while supporting the university's commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success.As part of Linfield's Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant initiative, the Instructional Designer will play an important role in expanding accessible online education, including the development of a fully online Master's in Education program with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Special Education tracks, as well as additional workforce-aligned programs.If you are passionate about accessible education, instructional innovation, and helping faculty create meaningful learning experiences for all students, we encourage you to apply!Position SummaryThe Instructional Designer – Accessibility / WCAG partners with faculty, academic departments, and university colleagues to design, develop, evaluate, and enhance high-quality online and hybrid courses and programs.With a primary focus on digital accessibility, universal design for learning (UDL), and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), this position serves as an internal resource and subject-matter expert in creating inclusive and accessible digital learning environments.The Instructional Designer supports effective online pedagogy by aligning program and course learning outcomes with instructional activities, assessments, AI literacy, and evidence of student learning. The position also promotes regular and substantive interaction (RSI), learner engagement, and continuous course improvement through established instructional design principles and quality assurance practices.Working collaboratively across the university, this position will support the development and enhancement of programs associated with Linfield's 2026 Strengthening Institutions Program grant, contributing to expanded educational opportunities and improved student learning experiences.Key ResponsibilitiesInstructional Design and Course Development Collaborate with faculty and subject-matter experts to design, develop, revise, and evaluate online and hybrid courses using evidence-based instructional design principles, including backward design and constructive alignment. Ensure alignment among program and course learning outcomes, instructional activities, assessments, and evidence of student achievement. Develop and configure course components within Linfield's learning management system (Blackboard), including learning modules, assignments, rubrics, multimedia, and instructional resources. Create and maintain accessible course templates, design blueprints, instructional guides, and other resources that promote consistent, engaging, and learner-centered course experiences. Evaluate online courses and digital learning materials for instructional quality, accessibility, usability, learner engagement, and effective integration of educational technology. Apply established quality assurance frameworks, such as Quality Matters or equivalent standards, to assess course effectiveness and recommend improvements. Use learning analytics, student feedback, and assessment data to inform course enhancements and continuous improvement. Support instructional strategies that promote meaningful faculty-student interaction, student engagement, and effective online learning experiences. Digital Accessibility and Universal Design Serve as an internal resource and subject-matter expert on digital accessibility, universal design for learning, and WCAG standards. Review and support the development of online courses and instructional materials to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.2 Level AA, Section 508, and university accessibility policies under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Integrate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles into instructional design projects, emphasizing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression. Develop, evaluate, and remediate accessible digital content, including documents, presentations, multimedia, videos, and interactive instructional materials. Promote accessibility best practices for video captions, transcripts, audio descriptions, screen-reader compatibility, and keyboard navigation. Conduct accessibility audits using tools such as Blackboard Ally, WAVE, axe, and manual accessibility testing methods. Document accessibility findings, recommend remediation strategies, and collaborate with faculty and university partners to implement improvements. Partner with disability services, accessibility personnel, and other campus stakeholders to advance inclusive learning environments and support equitable access to educational resources. Faculty Collaboration and Development Partner with faculty and academic departments to transition courses and programs from traditional face-to-face instruction to effective online and hybrid learning environments. Consult with faculty to evaluate and enhance existing courses using current instructional design practices, with particular emphasis on accessibility and student engagement. Provide guidance on the development of meaningful assessments, grading rubrics, and authentic learning activities that demonstrate student achievement. Support faculty in the effective use of Blackboard, multimedia authoring tools, and other instructional technologies. Share accessibility standards, universal design principles, and instructional design best practices through individualized consultation, resources, and collaborative development opportunities. Build positive working relationships with faculty and colleagues, recognizing and supporting varying levels of experience and comfort with instructional technologies. Grant Program Support and Continuous Improvement Support the design and development of online courses and programs associated with Linfield's Strengthening Institutions Program grant, including the online Master's in Education program with ESOL and Special Education tracks. Collaborate with academic leadership, faculty, and project stakeholders to support the development of additional workforce-aligned educational programs identified throughout the grant period. Contribute to instructional design projects that advance university priorities for accessible online learning, educational innovation, and student success. Maintain organized project documentation, accessibility review findings, course development resources, and records of instructional improvements. Manage multiple course development and accessibility projects while meeting established priorities, timelines, and quality expectations. Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current with emerging accessibility requirements, instructional technologies, AI literacy, and best practices in online education. Required Qualifications Master's degree in instructional design, instructional technology, curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, learning sciences, or a closely related field. Minimum of two years of professional experience in instructional design, course design, faculty development, educational technology, curriculum development, or a closely related area. Strong understanding of learning theories, effective teaching practices, and established instructional design models. Demonstrated working knowledge of WCAG 2.x, Section 508, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), including practical experience applying accessibility standards to instructional materials. Proficiency with learning management systems and multimedia authoring tools. Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities. Excellent communication, consultation, and relationship-building skills. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and colleagues who have varying levels of experience and confidence with instructional technology. Ability to ask thoughtful questions, provide constructive recommendations, and influence positive change through collaboration rather than formal authority. Commitment to inclusive teaching practices, accessibility, and continuous improvement in student learning experiences. Preferred Qualifications Professional certifications or specialized training in Quality Matters, instructional design, online learning, accessibility, or related areas. Experience in higher education, including teaching, instructional design, or faculty development. Experience with HTML/CSS, video production, or the use of learning analytics and assessment data to improve course effectiveness. A professional portfolio demonstrating accessible instructional design and online course development. Experience using Blackboard Ultra and Blackboard Ally. Experience with Kaltura Media or similar multimedia platforms. Position Details and Grant FundingThis is a full-time, exempt staff position funded through an external Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant.Grant-Funded Employment Notice: This position is contingent upon the continued availability of external grant funding, including any required grant renewals. The current grant funding period is scheduled to end on September 30, 2031. Continued employment is dependent upon funding availability, and Linfield University reserves the right to modify or eliminate the position if grant funding is reduced or ends for any reason.Why Join Linfield University?At Linfield University, education is more than a degree—it's a commitment to lifelong learning, personal growth, and meaningful impact. As a member of our Academic Affairs team, you'll help expand access to innovative, high-quality education and support faculty in creating inclusive learning experiences that help students thrive.Founded in 1858, Linfield is a private, comprehensive university with campuses in McMinnville and Portland, Oregon, and a strong tradition of academic excellence, personalized learning, and community engagement. We value collaboration, creativity, and the unique perspectives each employee brings to our university community.Join us in making education more accessible, engaging, and impactful for every learner.How to ApplyInterested candidates are encouraged to submit an application through Linfield University's employment opportunities website.Application materials may include: A current resume or curriculum vitae. A cover letter describing relevant instructional design experience and commitment to accessibility and inclusive online education. A portfolio or examples of instructional design work demonstrating accessible course development, if available. Linfield University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community.Qualifications: