Instructional Technology Specialist

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Reporting to the Senior Director of Academic and Instructional Technologies (Senior Director), the Specialist for Instructional Technologies provides hands‑on, operational support for learning management systems (currently Canvas and LXP), integrated instructional and AI‑enhanced academic technologies, and similar platforms, products, and services. The Specialist is responsible for executing assigned tasks related to instructional technology output (including course content, training materials, documentation, and multimedia) in an accessible manner in alignment with Harvard’s digital accessibility standards, WCAG 2.1 AA.

Working under the guidance and direction of the Senior Director, the Specialist provides direct support for the portfolio of applications supporting academic programs, professional education, and business units that leverage similar services for outreach and education to the HGSE community and its constituents.

The role requires technical and analytical skills to support routine integration efforts, troubleshooting, incident resolution, and basic coding and configuration tasks to address customization, branding, accessibility, and visual identity requirements of HGSE. More advanced technical work is performed under the supervision of the Senior Director or a designated project lead.

The position is additionally responsible for providing standardized training to faculty and their support staff, including Digital Accessibility, the use of instructional and AI supported academic tools, both in group settings and through one‑on‑one appointments. All trainings, training materials, and user documentation must be designed and delivered in accordance with Harvard’s digital accessibility standards. In addition to supporting daily operations, the Specialist for Instructional Technologies maintains awareness of emerging trends in academic and AI‑driven technologies and researches options for determining suitability within the HGSE service catalog under the advisement and direction of the Senior Director.

• Provides day‑to‑day operational support for day‑to‑day operations of instructional technology and AI‑enhanced services to the HGSE community.
• Ensures that instructional technology outputs (including course sites, documents, media, assessments, and other artifacts) and associated workflows meet Harvard’s digital accessibility standards.
• Responds to requests and assists with Canvas and other learning management system users to determine requirements for course websites and assists with:
  • selection and basic configuration of appropriate instructional and AI assisted tools,
  • site design and organization, and
  • design and formatting of course materials (e.g., documents, multimedia, assessment instruments), ensuring compliance with Harvard’s digital accessibility standards and WCAG 2.1 AA.
• Serves as a subject matter resource on Harvard learning management systems, integrated instructional tools, and related AI supported features and services.
• Delivers standardized training to the HGSE community, including faculty, teaching fellows, faculty assistants, PPE program administrators, and similar end…