Lead Instructional Media Producer (INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER 3)

The Lead Instructional Media Producer is an experienced learning design professional who specializes in translating teaching expertise into engaging digital learning experiences through thoughtfully designed instructional media. In this role, the Lead Instructional Media Producer's curiosity, creativity, and collaboration skills play a key role in shaping how ideas are communicated and experienced in digital learning environments. By combining creative media production with evidence-based learning design, the position helps to bring complex concepts to life and creates engaging media-based learning content that supports student success.

Working in close partnership with instructional designers, faculty, SME's, and academic program teams, the Lead Instructional Media Producer helps to identify and diversify effective media approaches that support course learning objectives and enhance student learning and engagement. Drawing on multimedia learning principles and cognitive load theory, the role helps instructors adapt their teaching strategies for recorded and asynchronous formats while preserving authenticity in their instructional style. In collaboration with campus media services teams, external vendors, and other instructional media support staff, the incumbent leads and liaises to ensure that instructional media production aligns with course design goals, strict production timelines, and project milestones and deliverables.

The incumbent leads the planning and coordination of instructional media production across multiple course development projects and manages the full production lifecycle, including consultation on pre-production planning, filming and recording, and post-production editing and delivery. The incumbent ensures media assets are produced efficiently, meet accessibility standards, and integrate effectively within course environments. The role also develops and, as needed, trains in effective, scalable production standards, asset management practices, and efficient processes/workflows to support consistent instructional media quality across programs.

Apply By Date June 22, 2026 at 11:59pm, PST

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in instructional design, educational technology, digital media, film/media studies, communications, or a related field and/or equivalent experience or training.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of professional experience in media production, instructional design, digital learning development, or related fields. Equivalent experience in professional training organizations, digital learning companies, or media production environments supporting instructional or training content may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience and applied skills in navigating professional studio environments (i.e., green screen, learning glass, podcast, screencast, interview-style, on-location, etc.), including expertise in configuring and operating camera equipment, directing talent, and configuring lighting, A/V, etc. to optimize production and post-production efforts.
• Demonstrated expertise in instructional media production, including recording, editing, and post-production workflows. Proficiency with professional media production software, including Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Photoshop. Demonstrated proficiency in accessibility requirements for instructional media, including captions and transcripts.
• Demonstrated ability in using screen capture and instructional recording tools such as Camtasia, PowerPoint, or ScreenFlow.
• Proficiency in media hosting and distribution platforms such as Panopto, Kaltura, Yuja, Vimeo, Canvas Studio, or similar systems.
• Strong project coordination and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent production timelines and projects. Demonstrated skills and abilities in moving through a start-to-end media production process, including the execution of planning, pre-production, production, post-production, and delivery.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to collaborate and liaise effectively with faculty, instructional designers, vendors, and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education or academic online learning environments.
• Experience supporting the design and development of online or hybrid courses or programs.
• Experience collaborating with instructional designers, faculty, or subject matter experts in educational contexts.
• Proven experience producing scalable instructional media for online courses, MOOCs, or enterprise-level digital learning programs, with an emphasis on quality, consistency, and learner impact.
• Experience in effectively managing and collaborating with external media vendors or cross-functional production teams to deliver high-quality media assets on time and within scope.
• Demonstrated ability to strategically integrate high-quality instructional media within digital learning environments (e.g., Canvas LMS) to enhance learner engagement, accessibility, and outcomes.
• Expertise in leveraging interactive learning technologies (e.g., in-video quizzing, branching scenarios, chaptering) to drive engagement, knowledge retention, and measurable learner interaction.
• Proficiency in utilizing AI-assisted media tools (e.g., HeyGen, Descript, AI voice generation, automated captioning) to increase production efficiency, innovation, and accessibility at scale.
• Proficiency in the application of multimedia learning principles and cognitive load theory in the context of instructional media design.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Instructional Media Design, Production, and Asset Management
• 30% - Project Management and Production Standards
• 20% - Collaboration, Consultation, and Mentorship
• 10% - Instructional Media Innovation

Department Overview

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is the lifelong learning arm of the university. The division maintains the most diverse portfolio on the campus, with programs spanning pre-college, professional continuing education, workforce development, international academic and cultural exchange, and training services for corporate and agency partners. As a global leader in continuing education, CPE serves learners regionally, nationally and globally, and posts more than 55K enrollments annually making it the third largest UC Extension by enrollment. Beyond its community-facing role, CPE serves as the internal hub for online education in support of other academic units on the campus. CPE employs approximately 180 employees and draws on the expertise of approximately 1,700 instructors.

At the center of CPE's online and digital learning ecosystem is the Learning Innovation Department, a multidisciplinary group of instructional designers, learning systems experts, media professionals, and quality assurance specialists who partner with faculty and program teams to design and deliver engaging, accessible, and scalable learning experiences. LIT serves both CPE programs and the broader UC Davis campus as a hub for online learning expertise, innovation, and continuous improvement.

The Learning Innovation Team is driven by a shared commitment to learner-centered design, accessibility, and educational excellence. The team applies evidence-based instructional design practices, emerging educational technologies, and data-informed decision-making to support a wide range of learning experiences-from fully online courses and certificates to hybrid and innovative program models. LIT values thoughtful experimentation, ethical and purposeful use of AI, and strong project discipline to ensure learning experiences are not only engaging but also delivered on time, within scope, and at scale.

Designers in the Learning Innovation Department work in close partnership with faculty, instructors, and subject matter experts, serving as trusted collaborators who translate instructional vision into meaningful online learning experiences. The team fosters a culture of continuous learning, shared standards, and professional growth, where individuals are encouraged to refine their craft, learn from one another, and contribute to evolving best practices that raise the quality of online education across the organization.

Joining the Learning Innovation Department means contributing to a mission-driven environment where learning experience design is both a craft and a catalyst-supporting equitable access to education, advancing teaching and learning innovation, and helping learners achieve meaningful outcomes at every stage of their educational journey.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $69,600/annually - $124,200/annually
• Salary Frequency: Annually
• UC Job Title: INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER 3
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Manager will advise
• Location: Sacramento, CA.
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Position is based in Sacramento at the Aggie Square facility. Employees are expected to attend meetings within the greater Sacramento area. Work occasional overtime. Ability to work flexible hours.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks