Post Introduction

We Include. You Belong.

Our Belonging and Inclusion Strategy aims for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong, and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. Together, our people contribute in different ways towards our common purpose, whichever NCI they work in and whatever their background.

The Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership was set up in 2017 with the mission to ‘develop inspirational leaders who are called, connected, committed to deliver the Church of England vision for education’. Since then, it has operated a wide range of leadership development programmes, networks, research, conferences and events, and published a range of key leadership resources to equip school leaders at every level to put their vision into practice. 

Part of this provision has been as a very successful national provider of NPQ programmes over the last six years. Beginning in 2017 with the delivery of NPQs for Headteachers, our suite of programmes has now expanded to include programmes for Specialist Teachers, Senior Leaders and also Executive Leaders. More recently, a partnership between the Church of England and the Catholic Education Service is also enabling programmes to be delivered more widely as together our school provision represents around 34% of the sector.

To deliver our programmes in a hybrid manner we have introduced the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) which integrates with our Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Asynchronous content is delivered through Blackboard, which also manages communications with participants, records attendance and links to live sessions.

Introduction

We are seeking a Learning Design Assistant to join the Learning Technology team primarily to support with translating course curriculum content into digital content. This will include using interactive learning (SCORM) packages, working with the LMS and the Office suite, particularly PowerPoint. The role will also involve supporting the Learning Specialist with the administration of the Blackboard LMS, responding to participant queries and other systems.

You will be based remotely (from a location in the UK) with some mandatory team days to attend. 

The working hours for this post are 35 hours per week The working arrangements will be discussed further at interview.

The post is offered as a 12-month fixed-term contract.

For an informal conversation please contact luke.watkins@churchofengland.org

The closing date for applications is 21^st February 2024.

Interviews will take place online on 28^th February 2024.

The Church of England is for everyone  and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. Therefore, while of course we welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME)/Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and other under-represented groups.

We offer a unique environment with opportunities for continuous learning, generous annual leave for work life balance, season ticket loans and a range of benefits including discounted entry to attractions and what we feel is a market leading package when it comes to our pension scheme.

The Role

Learning Design

• Assist the Learning Specialist with adapting programme materials into digital learning content across a range of media, including e-learning, audio and visual content.
• Support Programme Leads and Learning Specialist to ensure content is accurate, consistent, visually appealing and works in an online environment.
• Support Programme Leads and Learning Specialist by updating digital content in response to feedback, ensuring this meets accessibility needs and user requirements.
• Assisting the Learning Specialist with training internal and external stakeholders in the use of digital systems and learning design, including via the creation of instructional material or by running live sessions

Blackboard Administration

• Answering inbox queries or triaging these as appropriate
• Setting-up courses on Blackboard as part of the programme recruitment cycle
• Supporting the Learning Specialist in fixing any errors or technical issues

The Requirements

Essential

Knowledge/Experience:

• Evidence-based knowledge of pedagogy/andragogy and approaches to online and hybrid learning
• Knowledge of online or digital content creation
• Knowledge of designing content for those with additional needs or accessibility requirements (e.g. WCAG 2.1)

Skills/Aptitudes:

• Creativity and knowledge of design principles to produce content of a high visual standard
• Ability to develop and improve the visual quality of materials, including those designed by others
• High proficiency with Microsoft Applications, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel and SharePoint
• Time and project management skills

Personal Attributes:

• Organised methodical approach
• High level of attention to detail
• Pride and commitment to high standards
• Collaboration and team support
• Strong use of initiative and ability to escalate observed issues

Desirable

• Knowledge of Learning Management Systems, e.g. Blackboard
• Qualification or certification in learning design or education
• Knowledge of SCORM package creation software, e.g. Articulate or Rise 360
• Knowledge of designing, creating and editing video content, for example using Premiere Pro
• Ability to use graphic design software, e.g. Photoshop

About Us

In the National Church Institutions (NCIs), we support the mission and ministries of the Church of England. We work with parishes, dioceses, schools, chaplaincies and other ministries, and with national and international partners including mission agencies, and other denominations and faith groups.-.  

Find out more about working for the National Church Institutions at Careers | The Church of England

NCI values

• We strive for excellence 
• We collaborate 
• We act with integrity 
• We show compassion 
• We respect others

We believe our commitment to belonging and inclusion fuels our progress and drives us forward.  The NCIs are a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We welcome applications from people of all faiths and of no faith. We want to encourage applications from a diverse group of people who share our values.  Even if you have never thought about working for us before, if you have the skills and experience we’re looking for then we would like to hear from you. 

If there is anything we can do to support you in your application please get in touch via email to hr.recruitment@churchofengland.org.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively look to attract, recruit and retain those of you who are disabled.  

We are a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and welcome applications from those of you who have served in our Armed Forces and their families.