Assistant Director of Digital Engagement and Instructional Design

Assistant Director of Digital Engagement and Instructional Design

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Director of Digital Engagement and Instructional Design.

Position Details Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States Division College of Business and Economic Development Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Pay Grade

E10

Posting Close Date September 9, 2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please upload a resume, cover letter, and a list of 3-5 professional references.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Digital Engagement and Instructional Design supports the College of Business and Economic Development's instructional innovation, digital engagement, communications, and reputation-building priorities. Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, the position leads digital media initiatives, including photography, videography, podcast production, and social media, while providing project-based instructional design and educational technology support to faculty. The position collaborates with college leadership, program directors, and faculty to enhance learning experiences, strengthen the college's visibility, and support strategic initiatives related to academic reputation, accreditation, and institutional competitiveness. Priorities may shift based on the college's strategic and operational needs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides instructional design consultation and support to faculty in developing and improving online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses, including the design of engaging Canvas learning experiences while maintaining faculty authority over curriculum and course content.
• Develops and maintains instructional resources and technologies, including shared Canvas course shells, reusable templates, multimedia learning materials, and recommendations for instructional technologies, artificial intelligence tools, media formats, and content-delivery approaches.
• Researches emerging trends and best practices in instructional design, educational technology, artificial intelligence, digital learning, educational media, and evidence-based teaching practices, and recommends applications that advance student success, faculty innovation, AACSB continuous improvement, and college strategic priorities.
• Identifies and supports grant opportunities related to instructional innovation, educational technology, artificial intelligence, faculty development, experiential learning, and student success; collaborates with faculty and administrators in proposal development and supports the design, implementation, and assessment of funded projects.
• Leads photography, videography, and multimedia production for college events, programs, student experiences, academic initiatives, and marketing efforts, including planning, production, editing, organization, storage, archiving, and distribution of digital assets.
• Develops and manages digital media content for the college's website, social media platforms, YouTube channel, podcast, and other communication channels; establishes production standards and coordinates content scheduling, publishing, guest participation, and distribution.
• Monitors and evaluates digital media performance, including social media activity, audience engagement, content effectiveness, and emerging higher education media trends; prepares analytics and recommends strategies to improve reach, engagement, and platform effectiveness.
• Conducts research and supports strategic initiatives related to academic reputation, rankings, accreditation, and institutional competitiveness, including analyzing relevant methodologies and performance indicators, coordinating ranking and accreditation materials, developing peer outreach strategies, and collaborating with college leadership to strengthen academic programs, visibility, reputation, and competitive standing.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in instructional design, business administration, marketing, communications, or a closely related field; two years of experience with professional photography, videography, video editing, and digital asset management; experience using Adobe Creative Cloud or comparable media production software; and the ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and digital collaboration and content management tools.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.
• Knowledge of instructional design principles, educational technology, and effective practices for online, hybrid, and face-to-face learning.
• Knowledge of digital media production, photography, videography, social media, and digital content management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and other digital collaboration and content management tools.
• Strong project management, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, administrators, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing strategic and operational needs.
• Ability to research, analyze, and interpret information related to digital engagement, academic reputation, accreditation, rankings, and emerging trends.

Preferred Qualifications

Doctoral degree in instructional technology, educational leadership, higher education, business, communications, or a closely related field.

Three years of related professional experience in digital media production, instructional design, higher education marketing and communications, or a related area.

Experience working in higher education, preferably within an AACSB-accredited business school or comparable academic environment, and supporting faculty with course design, instructional innovation, technology integration, or learning content development in Canvas or a comparable learning management system.

Experience with research, assessment, data analysis, accreditation, institutional effectiveness, or academic ranking and reputation initiatives preferred.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation''s leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.