Ux Design Specialist

Employee Name:TBD Position Type: Certified
Job Title: UX Design Specialist Effective Date: July 1, 2024
Reports To: Director of Design & Development Contract Length: 240
Closing Date: Sunday, March 3, 2024 (12:00 am CST)
ABOUT VIRTUAL ARKANSAS: Virtual Arkansas's (VA) mission is to equip, engage, and empower students through unique digital opportunities. As the State of Arkansas's Virtual School (SVS), we partner with local schools to provide course opportunities to students that might not otherwise be available with local resources. Virtual Arkansas is not an online school or a diploma-granting institution but serves as a resource for supplementing the education of local students. Virtual Arkansas's program is implemented through a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Education Service Cooperatives.
Job Summary: The Virtual Arkansas UX Design Specialist uses a research-based methodology to improve overall stakeholder experiences with digital learning content. As a key member of the VA Design and Development team, this individual captures, reports, and acts on data related to user experience, especially that of students and instructors. Using that data, the UX Design Specialist plans, coordinates, and implements improvements to VA course content and design-related assets such as the addition of learning objects that promote a more interactive and engaging learner experience. Examples include high-quality media, 3D and immersive experiences, and digital manipulatives.
Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Establish and implement procedures, protocols, and best practices in user experience design to advance the educational goals of stakeholders in coordination with the Directors of Design and Development and Curriculum and Instruction
• Continually evaluate user experience with digital assets to ensure quality, accessibility, and copyright compliance
• Demonstrate by example the proper use of any technological tools used to create content and enhance courses; evaluate new software and developing technologies on a continual basis, looking for scalable tools to enhance user experience
• Coordinate the growth and improvement of the Virtual Arkansas Learning Object Repository (VALOR) and other resource-sharing platforms.
• Collaborate with other staff and faculty in a cooperative, professional manner, including: reviewing courses for quality of user experience, suggesting or demonstrating tools and technologies, and evaluating design processes to make user experience part of the VA ecosystem
• Develop both formal and informal training sessions for stakeholders in best practices for UX design and participate in faculty meetings and/or educational training sessions as scheduled
• Collaborate with specialists, agencies, designers, and developers in a phased approach for producing quality digital content appropriate to grade level
• Participate in collaborative team meetings and professional development for personal growth and skill acquisition related to project needs
• Pursue partnerships with local and national entities to acquire relevant and engaging learning resources.
• Develop or assist with developing learning objects, videos, and other learning content
• Design a variety of digital resources to support student learning based on research-based best practices
• Attend course planning and design meetings whether virtual or face to face
• Prioritize and adapt to meet required deadlines
• Abide by all Virtual Arkansas and applicable Arch Ford ESC policies and/or regulations
• Teach a course section if needed
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and customer service skills
• Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Efficient time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to learn and adapt to new and emerging technologies
• Ability to adapt and adjust in a high-tempo environment

Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

• Master's degree from an accredited college/university, preferably in instructional design or related field
• IHE or Industry recognized training in UX design
• Three or more years of blended/online teaching experience
• Demonstrates high-quality verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrates creative writing and research abilities
• Experience creating online course content
• Experience providing professional development to stakeholders
• Knowledge and experience of basic coding and technology systems
• Knowledge and expertise in accessibility and copyright

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Periodic travel requirements
• Sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch
• Use hands to handle or feel, type, and pick up objects, and reach with hands and arms;
• Talk or hear to communicate effectively
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Other Information:

• This position will be hired through the Arch Ford Education Cooperative
• This position will require a combination of telework and colocated work. A/B (50% ESC office/50% home office) if possible or an A/B/C office schedule if not possible due to lack of office space. Which schedule will be determined by the Executive Director.
• Attend scheduled and required in-person meetings with the understanding that these required meetings do not necessarily qualify for travel reimbursement.