Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) Specialist (1099)
Location: Kensington, MD
Remote | 1099 Contract Position
General Description
Responsible for system design, online optimization, technical management, and day-to-day support of the Blackboard LMS. The LMS Specialist provides user support in the investigation, analysis, and resolution of technical problems and develops effective work-around solutions for various technological issues to ensure continuous online course delivery.
Summary
Responsible for system design, online optimization, technical management, and day-to-day support of the Blackboard LMS. The LMS Specialist provides user support in the investigation, analysis, and resolution of technical problems and develops effective work-around solutions for various technological issues to ensure continuous online course delivery.
Core Responsibilities
Oversee the day-to-day operation of the Blackboard/Cybervance LMS. Monitor system performance, utilization, and system configurations to ensure uninterrupted operations and proper access for government end users (students, instructors, program/project managers).
Identify, diagnose, and resolve LMS technical problems, including error messages, login difficulties, integration problems, and other system issues affecting end users.
Provide support via phone, email, and/or in-person.
Implement effective and highly responsive remediation efforts and/or work-around solutions to ensure continuity of instruction. Escalate advanced technical issues to proper authorities and follow up on forwarded cases to full resolution.
Create and maintain new course shells and maintain existing shells to ensure proper functionality, user accounts, access, roles, and user privileges.
Collaborate with Cybervance staff, government clients, and instructors to support a positive training experience and support delivery to ensure program performance objectives are met per delivery schedules and plans.
Analyze user needs in relation to current LMS functionality to determine system specifications for course and program deliveries. Provide any necessary technical assistance to help instructors and ISD staff to meet their course design goals.
Support Cybervance Program Managers to review faculty documentation to ensure adherence to distance education teaching qualifications/LMS interactions. Collaborate with IT staff and instructors to coordinate use of key programs (i.e., cyber range, WebEx, Teams, etc) to plan, test, implement, and support system design changes, modifications, and updates to the LMS. Coordinate LMS integrations with external systems.
Develop and post up-to-date documentation and resource guides for end users on operational procedures, changes, and policies. Maintain currency in new developments and technologies in Blackboard LMS enhancements, changes, upgrades, and software. Network with professional counterparts to stay informed of new technologies. Make recommendations to management regarding technology changes based on developments in field and operational needs. Serve on appropriate internal and external work groups as required to integrate LMS into projects/programs.
Conduct hands-on training seminars for end users as needed to support instructional program delivery and data collection. May serve as a back-up trainer for other related workshops or serve as a proctor for open lab sessions. Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.
Job Qualifications
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in instructional design and technology, education media design, or other related field and at least three years of directly related experience. Knowledge/Areas of Expertise: Knowledge of BlackBoard LMS and instructional courseware used in online training. Knowledge of current technology and learning principles used in distance education. Knowledge of operating systems, application design, and system analysis. Knowledge of universal web design concepts for faculty and students with disabilities.
Skills and Abilities
Configure a BlackBoard LMS to support online, hybrid, and blended instruction.
Exercise discretion and independent judgment within scope of delegated authority.
Successful and willing to work independently, with limited supervision.
Strong initiative in providing technical support and high levels of customer service.
Skilled and willing to research and resolve technical problems.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others including students/trainees, Cybervance technical and management team, government clients, and instructors.
Interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures with tact.
Skilled at communicating, verbally and in writing, technical information in terms understandable to non-technical end users. Analyze and troubleshoot technical hardware and software issues.
Skilled at training others on how to use technical software.
Cybervance is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.