<Lead Instructional Digital Media Developer>

Department:

Centre for Extended Learning

Effective Date:

August 1, 2012

Grade:

USG 10

35 hr/wk

Reports to:

Manager, Course Production

General Accountability

Reporting to the Manager, Course Production, the Lead Instructional Digital Media Developer (aka Lead Developer) performs all duties that constitute the base Instructional Digital Media Developer role (Job Code: 4030), with the addition of elevated responsibility and leadership duties that represent up to 40% of their overall portfolio. Base workload is reduced appropriately to compensate for time spent on lead duties.

The primary responsibilities of the Lead Developer are twofold: (1) To take a principal role in the development, maintenance and communication of production standards and procedures, and (2) to coordinate student staff on a day to day basis. While the Manager continues to coordinate overall workload and the assignment of major projects, the Lead Developer is the first point of contact for student staff on a day to day basis, providing advice, guidance and technical direction, acting as a mentor and coach for best practices in the workplace. The incumbent also coordinates student on-boarding, training and assists the Manager in the assignment of tasks.

During peak periods and during the Manager’s absence the Lead Developer will be responsible for assisting the Developer team by providing problem solving and providing the day to day leadership required to ensure that all activities are maintained.

Nature and Scope

Led by the Manager, Course Production, the Course Production group is responsible for the development and preparation of all CEL online courses. Course Production includes a number of Instructional Digital Media Developers, LMS/QA Specialists, a Lead LMS/QA Specialist and a number of Digital Media Production Assistants (student staff).

The work of Developers is project based and the nature of projects and associated timelines vary greatly. All projects do however share two things: production standards and procedures, and production resources, in the form of Production Assistants.

Statistical Data

The Centre for Extended Learning has a staff of over 45 involved in the design, development, delivery, and management of over 300 online learning course offerings with approximately 18,000 student course registrations annually, at both the undergraduate and graduate level, and this number is growing steadily.

Approximately 40 - 45 online courses are newly developed or re-prepared annually by CEL, and many more undergo revisions. Each Developer typically works on 2 – 3 courses per term.

Specific Accountabilities

Fulfills all aspects of Developer base role (Job Code: 4030) - minimum 60% of overall workload;
Coordinator/Principal contributor in the development of CEL production standards and procedures;
Provides technical advice and guidance to staff with regards production processes, methods and standards (mentoring, coaching, training);
Reviews/approves all Developer group authored process documentation;
Coordinates new staff on-boarding/training;
Participates in the recruitment and hiring of new Developer and Production Assistant staff;
Provides student staff with day-to-day guidance and coaching; monitors quality and quantity of output; assists Manager in the assignment of tasks;
Contributes in the performance appraisal of student staff;
Coordinates Course Fix Request list;
Coordinates production equipment loans (microphones etc.);
Facilitates team meetings in absence of Manager; Manager alternate for working groups/committees within CEL and beyond;
Creates a continuous improvement environment by providing input and best practice recommendations regarding improvements to processes/procedures to course development/delivery activities;
Encourages and models standards-based development practices.

Working Conditions

Much of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position with frequent opportunity to move about. Located in a comfortable indoor area. There is a frequent need to give close attention to various stimuli such as written material and information given verbally to co-workers. The work is varied. There are deadline pressures, while at the same time there is a demand for thoroughness and accuracy