Please Note: Internal Employees, please access the Jobs Hub in Workday to apply for the position.
ABOUT US
University of Massachusetts Global is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts, created to help working adults change their lives through flexible, high-quality education built for real life. Regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the Best Online Programs for 13 consecutive years (2013–2025), the university has a long track record of online innovation. Students across 49 states and internationally can upskill, reskill, and move forward without putting life on hold through technology-enabled, real-world learning. With 55+fully online, career-focused programs designed around the realities of work, family, and constant change, we remain ever-focused on developing future-ready learners who can thrive in a rapidly shifting world.
This position is open to candidates who currently reside in one of the following approved states from which the role may be performed remotely: Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin.
In order to collaborate with nationally distributed colleagues. Employees must be available for collaboration during core hours from 9am to 2pm (PST).
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is a part-time fixed contract position working 20 hours per week with a contract length of 1 year.The Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist supports the University’s commitment to high-quality, accessible, and effective online learning by conducting systematic course reviews aligned with the Course Quality, Consistency, and Effectiveness (CQCE) Standards. This role is responsible for evaluating online courses using the CQCE Course Audit Tool; documenting evidence of alignment, quality, accessibility, and functionality; and collaborating with instructional design, academic leadership, and course management teams to support continuous improvement. The QA Specialist contributes to both course development quality assurance and ongoing course lifecycle maintenance, ensuring that all courses meet institutional expectations for instructional quality, regulatory compliance, accessibility, and learner experience.
TYPE OF SUPERVISION:
Receive general supervision from the Associate Vice Chancellor, Instructional Innovation.
General Supervision — indicates that the incumbent performs a variety of duties; some of which may be complex duties within established policy guidelines; and receives occasional supervision.
POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Conduct CQCE Course Audits
Perform detailed course reviews using the CQCE Course Audit Tool to evaluate alignment with all CQCE standards.
Evaluate course design and instructional quality, including:
Alignment and mapping of outcomes, activities, and assessments
Learning outcomes quality and workforce relevance
Instructional content accuracy, accessibility, and sustainability
Assessment and rubric design
Discussion, engagement, and instructor guidance
Evaluate online courses and materials for accessibility and functionality.
Document Findings and Provide Actionable Feedback
Record audit findings, evidence, and recommendations within the CQCE Course Audit Tool.
Identify strengths, gaps, and compliance issues in course design and delivery.
Provide clear, actionable feedback aligned with CQCE standards to support course improvement.
Support Course Development and Continuous Improvement
Remediate course materials to ensure WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance including but not limited to generating alt text, captions, audio descriptions, color contrast, and supporting keyboard navigation with leveled headings, formatted tables, and predictable navigation.
Remove retiring technologies with new/replacement integrations.
Execute minor course updates.
Collaborate with instructional designers and/or faculty to upload documents, apply basic HTML coding, upload /build quizzes, build LTI integrations and incorporate audio and visual media
Ensure Compliance and Quality Standards
Verify courses meet institutional expectations for:
Accessibility (WCAG/Section 508 compliance)
Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI)
Academic integrity and copyright compliance
Functional LMS design and usability
Contribute to maintaining accurate documentation and audit records that support accreditation and institutional reporting.
POSITION SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES:
Bachelor’s degree in education, instructional design, educational technology, or a related field or combination of experience and education
Minimum 1 year experience in
online course design, instructional design, quality assurance, or academic program support
learning outcomes alignment, assessment design, and online pedagogy
evaluating and remediating online courses/course materials for accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, ADA, Section 508)
Learning management systems (Brightspace, Blackboard, Canvas, etc.)
Preferred
Experience using formal quality assurance frameworks (e.g., Quality Matters, OSCQR, OLC)
Experience conducting course audits or reviews using structured evaluation tools
Familiarity with accreditation standards and regulatory compliance in higher education
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Ability to apply a structured quality assurance framework consistently across multiple courses and disciplines.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate alignment among learning outcomes, instructional materials, and assessments.
Experience reviewing or supporting online courses within an LMS environment (e.g., Brightspace or equivalent).
Ability to analyze course design for accessibility, engagement, and usability considerations.
Strong attention to detail in documenting findings and tracking compliance requirements.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent audits and meet deadlines within defined development and review cycles.
Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams including instructional design, academic leadership, and support services.
Commitment to continuous improvement and data-informed decision-making in course quality.
Ability and willingness to work independently in a team environment, with limited supervision.
Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment within scope of delegated authority.
Machines, Tools, Equipment, Electronic Devices and Software:
Machines/Tools/Equipment: Desktop or laptop computer, mobile devices (smartphones, tablets), peripherals (headset, webcam), assistive technology devices (screen readers, braille displays).
Electronic Devices: Desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones.
Software: Learning management systems (e.g., Brightspace, Canvas, Blackboard etc), video conferencing software (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams), assistive technology software (e.g., JAWS, NVDA), Microsoft Office 365.
Contact with Students: Frequent
Contact with Faculty and/or Staff: Frequent
Contact with Community and Vendors: Occasional
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants for this position are subject to a background check and a criminal history review. This is a part-time fixed contract position working 20 hours per week with a contract length of 1 year.
The hiring range for this position is $25.00 to $31.00 per hour. Offers are determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to geographical location, knowledge, skills, years & depth of experience, and equity with internal team members.
BENEFITS AND PERKS
At the University of Massachusetts Global, we support your total well-being with flexible and meaningful benefits for part-time positions:
Work-Life Balance: Remote options, flexible schedules, generous time off, including paid holidays.
Retirement: 403(b) plan with a Roth option. 3% non-elective contribution and up to 6% match for a 9% total employer contribution!
Education: Tuition discounts
Equal Employment Opportunity – UMass Global is committed to providing an educational and work environment free of unlawful discrimination and harassment in any form. UMass Global prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, race (including hairstyle/texture, protective hairstyles, braids, locks, and twists), color, religion (including religious observance, belief, practice dress and grooming practices), citizenship, pregnancy (including temporary physical or mental limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical conditions), sex, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, legally-protected medical condition, military (past, present or prospective) status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by local, State or Federal law.
Reasonable Accommodation – UMass Global provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the recruitment department at [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in education, instructional design, educational technology, or related field or equivalent combination of experience and education
- Minimum 1 year experience in online course design, instructional design, quality assurance, or academic program support
- Experience with learning outcomes alignment, assessment design, and online pedagogy
- Experience evaluating and remediating online courses/course materials for accessibility standards (WCAG, ADA, Section 508); ensure WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance
- Experience with Learning Management Systems (Brightspace, Blackboard, Canvas, or equivalent)
- Ability to apply a structured quality assurance framework consistently across courses and disciplines
- Demonstrated ability to document findings, provide actionable feedback, and manage multiple concurrent audits to deadlines
- Basic HTML coding skills, experience uploading/building quizzes, and working with LTI integrations and multimedia in an LMS
- Familiarity with assistive technologies and tools (e.g., JAWS, NVDA), and video conferencing/collaboration tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams); Microsoft Office 365
- Experience using formal quality assurance frameworks (e.g., Quality Matters, OSCQR, OLC)
- Experience conducting course audits or reviews using structured evaluation tools
- Familiarity with accreditation standards and regulatory compliance in higher education
What We Do
University of Massachusetts Global is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts system that provides fully online, career-focused degree programs and professional education tailored for working adults.
