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Form of work
SalaryThe salary range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
Pay Range: $59,900.00 - $89,900.00
If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.
Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.
Job Profile Summary:
Student learning is the primary responsibility of WGU faculty. Instructors are subject matter experts who teach and support a caseload of students enrolled in their assigned course(s). Instructors offer specialized instruction on topics in their course(s) aligned with best practices, as well as monitor and support student progress in competency development and course completion. They are responsive to learner needs and vary the type, length, method, and intensity of instruction best matched to the learner’s strengths and goals. Using technology, Instructors may interact with students in both group and one-on-one settings. Instructors collaborate with other instructional and program faculty serving the students in their course to ensure continuity and quality of support. Instructors assigned to support the Creative Impact Programs will work as a collaborative team with specialized Program Mentors and industry experts to enhance the student experience and develop industry skills and key career competencies.
Time Expectations:
Full-Time Instructors are expected to work approximately 40 hours per week, but on occasion it may vary, depending on needs of the assigned group of learners.
Compensation Expectations:
This role is paid as biweekly salary. The salary compensation is intended to cover all hours worked each week. This role is not eligible for overtime pay.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Acts as a steward for carrying out WGU’s mission and strategic vision by demonstrating effective and consistent commitment to learner-centered, competency-based educational support.
- Responsible to monitor the course progress of an assigned group of learners in their course(s) and proactively offer support at key points of the student journey.
- Provides expertise in assigned content area and maintains current knowledge in their field.
- Fosters student learning through innovative, effective teaching practices.
- Responds with urgency to meet student needs and communicates professionally and respectfully with students and all other members of the WGU community.
- Offers timely support and outreach to students, including meeting service level agreements as outlined by their department.
- Uses technology-based teaching and communication platforms to aid students in the development of competencies.
- Supports and manages the course and program community engagement platforms that foster peer-to-peer and faculty interaction for the assigned courses ensuring students can demonstrate competency.
- Collaborates with other professionals within the university to promote a positive, student-obsessed atmosphere.
- Engages in a high degree of collaboration with Program Mentor and other faculty partners to develop students’ academic competency and career development.
- Participates in all required training activities.
- Responds with urgency to changing requirements, priorities, and short deadlines.
- Consistently exhibits WGU Leadership Principles.
- Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as the position evolves.
Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:
- Demonstrated ability to customize instructional support for learners with a variety of needs and educational backgrounds.
- Must demonstrate technological competency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (or similar) applications, virtual instructional platforms, and student management systems.
- Extraordinary customer service orientation, and communication and collaboration skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to present information clearly, concisely, and accurately; friendly, persuasive speaking and writing style.
- Well organized - conscientious and thorough with detail.
- Ability to use data to make decisions.
- Strong understanding, acceptance, adherence and promotion of the tenets of competency-based education in the WGU model.
Competencies:
Organizational or Student Impact:
- Accountable for decisions that impact individual students.
- Creates or facilitates learning experiences that support students’ attainment of knowledge and skills.
- With specific guidance from senior faculty and program leaders, acts independently in executing teaching practice.
Problem Solving & Decision Making:
- Works on diverse matters of limited complexity.
- Receives general direction from their immediate supervisor or manager.
- Effectively utilizes resources to address student concerns and inquiries.
- Supports student needs to help them achieve course or program outcomes at the individual student level.
- Follows university and department established policies and best practices.
Communication & Influence:
- Communicates with students as appropriate to support student questions and needs.
- Communicates with fellow faculty members as appropriate within and outside of the department.
- Provides feedback regarding discipline and practice leadership.
Leadership & Talent Management
- Contributing and collegial member of team.
- Adheres to learning and operational quality guidance and instructions.
- Supports initiatives within the area of specialty.
- Displays a positive attitude toward change and supports change management practices.
Job Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in product design, digital product design, interaction design, UX design, service design, and other related design fields with 2 years of teaching experience (DDes or other Doctorate preferred).
- Minimum of 2-3 years of industry experience in user-centered design and/or design thinking.
- Practical experience with industry tools, such as Adobe and Figma.
- Minimum of 2-3 years experience providing student support and instruction in product design courses; preferably teaching adults in Higher Education in an online distance-based model.
- Ability to work a student-friendly schedule (evenings/weekends)
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse learner profiles.
- Ability to manage a fast-paced schedule with heavy phone work.
- Ability to deliver exceptional customer service (AKA “Student Obsession) to our students.
- Must be able to communicate at a high level verbally and in writing.
- Excellent collaboration skills and ability to work as a member of a team.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Doctorate, or terminal degree
- Strong industry experience in the design and Creative Impact fields solving consumer needs while meeting business goals.
- Strong experience with distance education and distance learning students is preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Disclaimer: This Job Description has been designed to indicate the general nature, essential duties, and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It does not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications that are required of the employee to do this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This Job Description does not constitute a contract of employment and the University may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.
As an equal opportunity employer, WGU recognizes that our strength lies in our people. We are committed to diversity.
