Course Development Assistant

Position Title:                      Course Development Assistant

Reports To:                         Course Development Manager

Department/Team:        Professional Learning Services/Instructional Product Development

FLSA Status:                        Non-Exempt

Salary Range:                    $20.85 - $23.25 per hour

Location: Lansing, MI office with Hybrid Work Schedule

Posting Range: $20.24 - $22.62 per hour

Are you ready to transform learning into engaging digital experiences? As a Course Development Assistant, you’ll bring lessons to life using cutting-edge tools like Articulate Storyline 360, Camtasia, and Adobe Creative Suite. Collaborating with instructional designers, you’ll create accessible, impactful content that meets learning goals and project deadlines—making a real difference for student and professionals!

About the role: The Course Development Assistant is primarily responsible for converting scripted lessons into static and interactive digital learning content, using tools such as Articulate Storyline 360, Camtasia, and Course Arc. Digital learning content is typically delivered within a learning management system, such as Brightspace, or learning object repository, and conforms to level AA of web content accessibility standards (WCAG) 2.0. The assistant collaborates directly with instructional designers to understand the functionality of the content, produce content to meet instructional and learning goals, and deliver content to meet project deadlines. 

About Michigan Virtual:

Michigan Virtual is a Lansing-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing education through research, innovation, policy, and digital learning solutions.

Our mission is to maximize learning and teaching by bringing together the best in people and technology.

Our vision is to be Michigan's leader in innovation in education.

We serve over 300 full- and part-time employees who are passionate about making a difference for students, educators, and families across Michigan.

Our Culture:

• We believe in a culture of caring. At Michigan Virtual, every team member is welcomed, heard, and valued.
• Our monthly Culture Committee creates opportunities for connection, reviews staff feedback, and champions a positive workplace.
• We emphasize professional growth and continuous learning for all of our employees.
• Our highly collaborative workplace fosters opportunities to use your unique skills, abilities and perspectives in service of our partners and constituents.  

Strategic Focus:

Our strategic plan guides us through 2030 as we help shape a more flexible and equitable K–12 education system in Michigan. To learn more, visit: https://michiganvirtual.org/about/strategic-plan/

What we offer:

• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your date of hire
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• 160 hours of vacation and 40 hours of sick leave annually
• Paid professional development
• Flexible scheduling and hybrid work options
• Social events, like holiday outings, picnics, and volunteer opportunities
• A supportive, people-first work environment

Work That Makes a Difference. Culture That Makes It Possible.

What to expect after you apply:  Apply now and help us build the future of education in Michigan!  A member of our Human Resources team will review applications materials throughout the posting.  Yes, all submissions are reviewed by a real person!  If you are selected to move forward in the process, we will reach out with details.  If you are not moved forward, we will let you know that, as well.  We will start this process after the posting closes in early January.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Produce static and interactive web-based learning content based on scripted lessons;
• Work closely with instructional designers to generate digital content prototypes;
• Ensure produced content conforms to level AA of web content accessibility standards (WCAG) 2.0;
• Provide guidance and specialized knowledge to team members on features and functions of production tools;
• Maintain relevant project documentation, document control, and version history for all projects completed, making them available upon request;
• Document processes and standards in the creation of digital content such as templates, checklists and guidelines;
• Support the ongoing maintenance and updating of courses by participating in departmental initiatives and responding to support requests from instructors.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, & LICENSURES (minimum requirements):
Bachelor’s degree in digital arts, web development, educational technology or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE (minimum requirements):

• Up to 2 years demonstrated experience producing static and interactive multimedia web-based learning content using applications such as Articulate Storyline 2 or 360, Camtasia, H5P, or Adobe Creative Suite;
• Up to 2 years demonstrated experience using markup or scripting language such as HTML/HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript;
• Up to 2 years demonstrated experience creating web content that conforms to web accessibility guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 level AA and WAI-ARIA;
• Up to 2 years demonstrated experience with Learning Management Systems (preferably Blackboard or Brightspace);
• Experience using Microsoft Office and Google Drive applications.

DESIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Developing responsive content for smartphones, tablets, and mobile applications for learning.
• Experience in graphic design and/or user interface design;
• Experience producing assessments using tools such as Articulate Quizmaker, ExamView or Respondus;
• Experience generating math equations with equation editors or markup language (e.g., WIRIS, LaTex, MathML, etc.).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES (minimum requirements):

• Demonstrated ability to manage a complex workload and aggressive schedules, to prioritize and meet deadlines;
• Detail oriented, assuring everything is done and correctly;
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work well with a team;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work  harmoniously with all groups of stakeholders.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Lean processes or agile production methodologies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT and/or PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
• The work environment is that of a typical office and/or classroom setting.
• Sit in a normal seated or standing position in front of a computer for extended periods of time with our without reasonable accommodation.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
• Visual and auditory acuity required.
• Ability to work a standard forty-hour week.