Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Instructional Technology

Instructional Technology Specialists are key members of the University’s instructional and learning design functions. This role works collaboratively with faculty and instructional designers to enhance the quality of instruction and student engagement; develops engaging and immersive learner experiences by leveraging digital technologies and design principles to create media solutions; produce media assets including graphics, video, and data visualizations; designs virtual learning environments; collaborates with production teams to develop digital materials that align with course objectives.

• Consult with faculty and instructional designers on the selection and application of instructional technologies to support course and curriculum goals
• Evaluate academic program and course needs to develop visual design plans and digital media solutions; curate, design, and produce media for course assets including infographics, illustrations, video and audio composition, animations, diagrams, and models
• Provide technical expertise and pedagogical guidance on the use of learning management systems (LMS), multimedia tools, virtual learning platforms, and other digital technologies
• Partner with instructional designers to co-develop course materials and learning objects that effectively utilize instructional technology
• Ensure that instructional technology implementations align with accessibility standards and quality assurance frameworks
• Research and pilot emerging technologies that support innovative teaching strategies (e.g., AI tools, AR/VR, gamification, etc.); contribute to working groups to explore the feasibility, adoption, and integration of new technologies
• Maintain familiarity with the university’s academic technology infrastructure and assist in the configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of instructional tools
• Serve as a liaison with IT services to ensure seamless integration and support of educational platforms
• Assist in collecting and analyzing data on technology usage, learning outcomes, and faculty/student feedback
• Recommend improvements and provide evidence-based insights to enhance teaching effectiveness and student success
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 10
• Minimum – $61,800.00
• MidPoint – $75,700.00
• Maximum – $89,600.00