THECB - Technical Writer III, Junior Instructional Designer

The agency is located at the George Herbert Walker Bush State Building located in the Capitol Complex at 1801 N. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701.

General Description:

This position supports the creation of engaging, effective learning experiences that help students and adult learners gain the skills needed for educational and professional success. Work involves assisting with the development, revision, and maintenance of online instructional content and resources while ensuring materials align with accessibility and institutional standards. The position involves applying established instructional methodologies, educational technologies, and digital content development practices across multiple initiatives to support learner engagement and course effectiveness. Additional responsibilities include using WordPress and Umbraco to update learner-facing websites and digital platforms such as My Texas Future and Texas OnCourse.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, adaptable, and interested in furthering their expertise in digital learning, accessibility, and instructional technologies. The position collaborates with internal staff, subject matter experts, and external stakeholders.

This role works under general supervision with limited latitude for independent judgment, and reports to the Assistant Director of Instructional Design.

This position is authorized for a hybrid telework schedule. Employees are required to work in the office two (2) days per week, with the remaining three (3) days eligible for telework. Specific in-office days may be determined by the department to meet business needs.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Instructional Design and Content Development

·        Support the development of instructional materials by drafting module objectives and reviewing content to ensure alignment with learning objectives and assessment questions.

·        Assist in designing assessment questions (e.g., multiple choice, true/false, matching) that effectively measure a range of cognitive levels.

·        Develop engaging online instructional activities using established instructional design frameworks, templates, and digital authoring tools.

·        Contribute to the development and maintenance of electronic learning (eLearning) courses in Canvas LMS and H5P, applying standard instructional design principles to promote learner engagement.

·        Assist with writing and revising instructional text, scripts, and lesson plans for online modules and videos.

·        Apply established multimedia and adult learning design practices to assigned projects.

·        Provide accessibility reviews to and remediation of digital materials, multimedia, documents, and Canvas LMS content to meet compliance requirements.

Project Support and Collaboration

·        Work closely with subject matter experts, instructional design staff, and external partners to support the development of instructional materials.

·        Assist with revising and updating content in collaboration with the Content and Engagement team to ensure materials remain relevant and accurate.

·        Maintain and update digital platforms, including My Texas Future and Texas OnCourse websites, using content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress and Umbraco.

·        Create a high-quality and consistent user experience within the Texas OnCourse Academy by updating existing modules.

·        Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for improving instructional content and processes.

Skills Development and Team Contribution

·        Build on proficiency with instructional tools and platforms (e.g., Canvas LMS, H5P, video editing software).

·        Seek opportunities for cross training and skill building to broaden knowledge of instructional design practices.

·        Complete assigned tasks and provide high-quality products by being adaptive and applying initiative.

·        Collaborate effectively with peers, share resources, and contribute to a positive, team-oriented environment.

·        Apply feedback from senior staff to improve skills and deliverables

·        Performs other related duties as assigned to support the goals of the College and Career Advising division and agency priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

·        Knowledge of learning theories and current trends in instructional design and technology.

·        Skills in applying learning theories and instructional design models.

·        Skills in working with clients or learning management systems.

·        Expertise in collaborating with project-based teams involving higher education content experts, consultants, and technology developers.

·        Ability to write and revise effective instructional text, scripts, and assessments.

·        Knowledge of digital accessibility standards and compliance requirements.

·        Ability to verbally communicate complex information in a clear, organized, and concise manner.

Military Crosswalk:  Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Information and Communication

Required Minimum Education and Experience:

·        Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

·        Two years of related experience in instructional design, educational technology, training, pedagogy, or curricular development in secondary or postsecondary educational settings.

·        May substitute six months of additional relevant full-time work experience for 15 semester credit hours of required education, for up to four years.

Preferred:

·        Master's degree in educational or instructional technology, instructional design, curriculum and instruction, higher education, or related field.

·        Five or more years of related experience in instructional design, educational technology, training, pedagogy, or curricular development in secondary or postsecondary educational settings.

·        Four or more years of experience supporting WordPress or other CMS platforms.

·        Experience writing assessment questions for K-12 student and adult learners. Experience designing and developing interactive modules in a learning management system.

·        Experience creating audio narration and publishing videos to YouTube.

·        Experience with the design thinking methodology.

·        Experience applying accessibility standards to instructional or web-based content.

·        Experience collaborating with subject matter experts in educational or state agency environments.

Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a standard office environment and requires:

•  Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at work;

•  Frequent use of personal computer, copiers, printers.

•  Frequent sitting;

•  Frequently working under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.

Workforce:

Must be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of customer service deliverables.

• Show flexibility and adaptability toward changes in assignments and work schedules, working extended hours as necessary.

• Adhere to the organization’s internal management policies and procedures.

• Contribute to the agency’s performance measures and mission.

Application Requirements:

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A State of Texas application is required to apply. For more information on how to apply for this position, go to the Coordinating Board’s employment opportunities website at  Careers - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board participates in E-Verify for each new employees’ Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For questions, please call the HR Department at 512-427-6190. For vocal and/or hearing assistance call 7-1-1.

Notes to Applicant:

If you require any reasonable accommodation for the interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls to schedule your interview. This position has been designated as a security sensitive position. A criminal background investigation will be conducted on the final candidate for this position.

Your job application must be completely filled out. Your application must contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer and a description of duties performed in a way that demonstrates you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes do not take the place of the requirement to include this information on the application. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete.

Veterans Information: THECB is committed to hiring Veterans. To receive Veteran’s Preference, a copy of the FORM DD214 -member #4, must be attached when submitting your application.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: THECB does not discriminate on the basis, of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

Job offer and continuation of employment with THECB is contingent upon:

• Proof of education and experience listed on the application.
• Eligibility/authorization to work in the U.S.
• Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Compliance with the Selective Service Law for males ages 18-25. Please be advised that under Texas law, names and other information concerning applicants or nominees may be subject to disclosure upon request.

THECB does not allow dual employment with other state of Texas agencies or institutions.

Skills assessment may be conducted at time of interview

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.