Manager of Media Production & Instructional Technology (Hybrid Opportunity)

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450 acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Manager of Media Production and Instructional Technology leads the media production team to support the creation of engaging and effective instructional content for both online and in-person courses. The Manager oversees the creation of high-quality multimedia content, ensuring alignment with educational goals and fostering innovative use of instructional technology. The Manager guides the team in producing a wide range of multimedia elements, such as animations, videos, graphics, and interactive content, that enhance the students' educational experience. They work closely with the instructional design team, faculty, and other stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into engaging and effective multimedia content that is visually appealing and pedagogically sound to support various academic disciplines and enhance student learning outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Works closely with faculty to help (re)design courses and lectures with a strong commitment to creating pedagogically sound content. Advises faculty and instructional designers, offering creative suggestions for media assets.
• Documents trends in multimedia-enhanced learning experiences, promoting adoption of new multimedia tools and applications in conjunction with learning design expertise, and disseminates research, policy, and best practices in high-quality online and hybrid education.
• Facilitates collaboration between the media team, instructional designers, information technology professionals, and other groups on campus to ensure that educational media follows best practices in instructional design. Provides mentoring and training to media staff.
• Collaborates with instructors on storyboards and planning documents to facilitate effective integration of inclusive online learning content, learning management system, slides, and student assessment.
• Coordinates instructional media design projects from inception to completion, maintaining files and records, and ensuring appropriate branding and accessibility guidelines are met.
• Offers guidance to faculty in effective uses of multimedia to create inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse student needs and backgrounds, fostering an equitable learning experience.
• Ensures that projects are completed on time and meet high pedagogical and production quality standards.
• Collaborates in the design, development, and delivery of workshops and training to faculty and staff.

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet IDEAS and University goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree with more than five (5) years of progressively responsible experience OR a Master's degree with more than three (3) years of progressively responsible experience.
• Proficiency in motion graphics design, video production, video editing, and audio recording.
• Experience working in studio settings involving lighting design, working with green screens, and operating professional camera and sound equipment.
• Knowledge of utilizing video for online channels and social media platforms.
• Proficiency in animation and media production software and tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere and Aftereffects, Camtasia, etc.) with a strong understanding of animation principles, storytelling, and visual communication techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and public relations skills. Must possess a customer-service and team-oriented approach.
• Ability to contribute toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts to a non-technical audience, work independently and/or with multiple constituencies, and speak or make presentations before groups.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience working with instructors in a higher education environment.
• Knowledge of online Learning Management systems used in higher education (e.g., Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, Desire2Learn) or similar systems.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., minimum three days per week on campus.
• Some night and weekend work may be required.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Salary Information

Level 29

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.