Digital Learning Content Developer

Job Title Digital Learning Content Developer

Faculty/ School/Department Education Development Service (EDS)
Responsible to: Head of Digital Academic Practice
Responsible for: N/A

Job Purpose

Using a range of digital tools to support the development and design of online content and
digital resources to support blended and wholly online delivery. Working together with
Faculty colleagues to engage students in their learning and research, to develop our
course offer to digital formats through the use of established tools, e-content frameworks,
and learning objects.

The role will support our digital transformation plans, embedding knowledge into everyday
working and giving staff confidence to transfer their current practice into high quality digital
formats.

Main activities and responsibilities

Digital Course Content Production

1. To plan, design and support the delivery of online content and activities for
blended and wholly online delivery
2. Use multimedia production tools and techniques to create highly engaging learning
objects, e.g., images, diagrams, infographics, podcasts, videos, animations,
simulations, and games
3. Scope, write and edit content so it is relevant, understandable and accessible
4. Collaborate with other Digital Learning Content Creators and Instructional
Designers to support the continuous improvement of design and development
speed, efficiency and quality
5. Promote and implement appropriate technologies to support and enhance blended
learning and teaching and apply best practice professional knowledge
6. Produce and maintain student and staff instructional guides

Communication and Training

7. Develop, the embedding of e-learning objects and digital content in the provision of
support services including student digital skills development
8. Liaise and work in partnership with other staff in academic and professional
services departments
9. Manage relationships with subject matter experts to make sure content is accurate

Service Delivery
Digital Learning Content Developer

10. Introduce ‘best practice’ processes, systems and performance indicators

11. Develop new or adapt existing technology to make it suitable for use and reuse.
12. Ensure accessibility issues are pro-actively addressed and meet industry
standards and equality legislation
13. Ensure timely delivery of digital content as per the project
schedule

Other

14. Contribute to e-learning and e-support projects across BCU.

15. To keep abreast of technological developments in e-learning support, digital skills
and content development adhering to Copyright and Data Protection legislation
16. Research, collate, organise and edit material for inclusion in reports and other
documents.

Additional Key Requirements:

Communication
Required to communicate fluently orally and in writing, and to present complex technical
information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Collaborative working
Works with and influences team and specialist peers. Influences customers at account
level and works collaboratively with colleagues across the University.
Facilitates collaboration between stakeholders who share common objectives.
May represent the Service at appropriate internal or external meetings and events.

Initiative, problem solving and decision making

Works under general direction within a clear framework of accountability.
Makes decisions which influence the success of projects and team objectives.
Performs a broad range of complex technical or professional work activities, in a variety of
contexts.

Demonstrates an analytical and systematic approach to problem solving.

Has a good appreciation of the wider field of information systems, their use in relevant
employment areas and how they relate to the business activities of the employer or client.
Selects appropriately from applicable standards, methods, tools and applications.
Rapidly absorbs new information and applies it effectively.

Work Environment
Be aware of the risks in the workplace and potential impact on own work and that of
others. Depending on area of work, conduct risk assessments, take steps to reduce
hazards and take responsibility for the health and safety of self and others.

Person Specification
 A degree and/or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject
 Specific experience in creating engaging online content for use in an academic
setting
 Able to evidence use of current and emerging technologies
 Technical knowledge of a range of IT software and e-learning tools
 Broad awareness of pedagogies to support higher education learning
Digital Learning Content Developer

 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to write engaging
instructional materials with the ability to work both independently and with a team
 A high degree of organisational ability with a good eye for detail
 Demonstrable understanding of, and commitment to the continuous improvement
of services
 Commitment to supporting the delivery of customer-focused services
 The ability to innovate

Special requirements
Digital Academic Practice staff are expected to take an active approach to continuing
professional development. They are also expected to maintain the highest levels of
security and confidentiality, and ensure the integrity of all data, systems and networks with
which the post holder is involved. Staff may be asked to work at any of the University’s
campuses.

Travel may be necessary from time to time in order to attend conferences and events, and
effectively represent the University in key professional networks.

Expectations of all staff

Professional standards
All staff employed by Birmingham City University are expected to exhibit high professional
standards which promote and demonstrate the University’s core values of Excellence,
People Focused, Partnership Working, Fairness and Integrity.

Equal Opportunities
All staff are expected to understand and enact the University’s commitment to ensuring
equality and diversity in all activities. This commitment is enshrined in the Equality
Statement and core values.

Dignity at work
Every member of staff has a responsibility to ensure colleagues are treated with dignity
and respect.
The University is committed to creating a work environment for all staff that is free from
harassment, intimidation and any other forms of bullying at work, where everyone is
treated with dignity, respect and professional courtesy.

Health and safety

The arrangements for meeting the University’s health and safety objectives are contained
in the Birmingham City University Health and Safety Policy. This includes the
responsibilities of key staff and procedures covering the main activities of the University.
All staff are expected to take reasonable care of themselves and those that may be
affected by their actions.

Dress code
The University does not operate a formal dress code for its employees, other than for
those who are provided with uniform and/or protective clothing. However, employees must
ensure that their dress is professional, reasonably smart and appropriate for the situation
in which they are working. All staff should ensure that they present a professional image
and one that reflects sensitivity to customer perceptions. This may reflect their ethnicity
and lifestyle, but should not be provocative or cause offence to those with whom they
have contact.
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Citizenship
All staff are expected to adhere to good citizenship, being generous with help and support
to others, collaborating with colleagues and working for the benefit of the University as a
whole. In particular working to provide a positive student experience and achieving
excellence in all the University’s activities.

This job description indicates the expectations of staff at this level. Job descriptions are
not exhaustive and you may be required to undertake other duties of a similar level and
responsibility.

Birmingham City University has adopted the Skills Framework for the Information Age
(SFIA) to describe and manage competencies required of its ICT professionals. Further
detailed information about job requirements, skills and knowledge requirements and
additional work activities can be found in the full SFIA profile for this role.