How to Apply
A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, in two pages or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file (because of system limitations).
Who We Are
Through curricular innovation, tools for student success, and educational research and analytics, the University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation is building the future of education. Our vision is a future in which education connects and empowers learners everywhere to reach their full potential throughout their lives. To realize our vision, we make it our mission to collaborate across campus and around the world to create equitable, lifelong educational opportunities for learners everywhere.
About the Online Learning at CAI
The Online Learning domain within CAI comprises five teams that collaborate with colleagues across the Center and the University to design and develop online learning experiences that support the future of education for a global community. We work with faculty and academic unit leaders to envision how they can expand reach and impact, advance innovative teaching, and support greater access and lifelong learning through the design and development of integrated online learning. For more information, please visit our website: Academic Innovation.
Responsibilities*
Canvas Platform Administration
- Administer and configure the Michigan Online Canvas environment under the direction of the Associate Director of Learning Management Platform and Learner Support, ensuring platform configurations align with operational standards and strategic priorities.
- Configure and maintain Canvas course structures, including blueprints, child courses, subaccounts, permissions, enrollment settings, and user roles.
- Support the accurate and timely setup of multiple concurrent learner cohorts across Michigan Online's B2C and B2B offerings.
- Develop, schedule, and maintain automated and ad hoc API-based processes that improve operational efficiency and reduce manual administration.
- Monitor Canvas platform updates, releases, and service communications from Instructure, U-M Information and Technology Services (ITS), and technology vendors; assess operational impacts and communicate recommended actions.
- Support administration and testing activities across production, beta, test, and staging environments.
- Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, configuration standards, and operational procedures that promote consistency, knowledge sharing, and business continuity.
Platform Integration and Learning Ecosystem Operations
- Configure, test, and maintain Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) integrations and other technical connections within the Michigan Online learning technology ecosystem.
- Support integration and interoperability between Canvas and enterprise learning technologies, including Noodle Learning Platform, Accredible, and future ecosystem partners.
- Troubleshoot integration issues, coordinate resolution with internal technology teams and external vendors, and document configuration changes.
- Support API-enabled workflows and data exchanges that facilitate learner enrollment, course administration, credentialing, and related operational processes.
- Collaborate with Platform Strategy, Technology Infrastructure Services, Course Operations, and external partners to ensure reliable platform performance and coordinated technology operations.
Operational Excellence and Quality Assurance
- Conduct quality assurance testing of course configurations, blueprint deployments, permissions, integrations, and operational workflows prior to production releases and course launches.
- Participate in testing and evaluation of new Canvas features, platform enhancements, and third-party technologies within staging and beta environments.
- Monitor platform performance, identify recurring operational issues, and recommend improvements that enhance platform reliability, maintainability, and scalability.
- Support the consistent delivery of learner experiences across multiple product types, delivery models, and technology platforms.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of operational standards, documentation, and repeatable processes that enable Michigan Online's learning ecosystem to scale effectively.
Stakeholder Support and Collaboration
- Provide technical guidance and operational support to internal teams responsible for course production, learner support, faculty engagement, and platform strategy.
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners to implement platform configurations that support new learning initiatives, partnerships, and product offerings.
- Assist in diagnosing and resolving platform-related issues, escalating infrastructure or vendor-related concerns when appropriate.
- Build productive working relationships with university partners, external technology providers, and service vendors to support reliable platform operations.
- Communicate technical concepts, platform changes, and operational recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
What You'll Do
The Center for Academic Innovation at the University of Michigan is seeking a technically skilled Learning Management System Specialist to support the administration, integration, and scalable operation of Michigan Online's Canvas learning environment. Reporting to the Associate Director of Learning Management Platform and Learner Support, the Learning Management System Specialist will manage day-to-day Canvas configuration, integrations, testing, automation, and operational processes that support a growing portfolio of B2C and B2B learning offerings. This role helps ensure that Canvas and its connected technologies operate reliably, efficiently, and consistently for global learners, staff, and organizational partners.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree and 2 or more years of professional experience in learning management system administration, educational technology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience administering Canvas Learning Management System, including course creation, user management, role permissions, blueprint/child course structures, and subaccount management.
- Experience configuring, managing, and troubleshooting developer and LTI integrations.
- Experience with course catalog, enrollment, and purchasing platforms, such as Noodle Learning Platform (NLP) or similar service platforms.
- Experience with integrating digital credentialing platforms such as Accredible or Credly, including connecting course completions to credential issuance.
- Experience with REST API and scripting workflows.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams and external technology partners.
- Experience developing or maintaining internal documentation, SOPs, or technical process guides.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow technical specifications and configurations accurately and consistently.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and platform configurations in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Knowledge of accessibility standards relevant to online learning environments (e.g., WCAG, Section 508).
- Ability to learn and appropriately use new technologies to improve processes, communication, and outcomes, including AI-enabled tools where relevant to the role, consistent with university policy and job responsibilities.
Modes of Work
The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.
Additional Information
Please Note: This is a 5-year term-limited position with the possibility of renewal depending on funding.
Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States.
The mode of work for this position is Hybrid with a minimum of 4 days in the office per week, Monday through Thursday, with an option of remote work on Fridays. On occasion, you may be required and must be available to work onsite on Fridays if necessitated by our center's policy and domain leadership or by your job requirements.
The salary for this position will be based upon the selected candidate's education and experience.
We support the creative, responsible, and ethical use of AI tools to enhance our work, in alignment with institutional policies and best practices.
Excellent benefits are available. For details, see http://benefits.umich.edu/
Organizational Statement on Harassment
We believe all individuals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and have the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and a safe space for collaboration. Any concerns shared with any staff members and student employees in the Center for Academic Innovation will be reported to the Equity, Civil Rights, & Title IX Office to be reviewed and addressed, and the Center for Academic Innovation encourages reporting of any forms of harassment including sexual and gender-based harassment.
Salary Information
The general salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000. Candidates can expect to be paid a competitive and equitable salary. Factors used to determine salary include education level, experience, knowledge and skills for the position and salaries that are currently established within the unit. All candidates are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor alignment and transparency throughout the recruiting process.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
Decision Making Process
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.