Academic Technology Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the need for Academic Technology Specialists has never been more pronounced.

As educational institutions embrace digital transformation, the demand for skilled individuals who can effectively integrate, manage, and enhance our academic technology infrastructure grows exponentially.

But let’s delve deeper: What does being an Academic Technology Specialist really entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to unravel the intricacies of this role,
• An employer looking to identify the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the fusion of technology and academia,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Academic Technology Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Academic Technology Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Technology Specialists support the use of technology in educational settings, such as schools and universities.

They help faculty and students to effectively use technology for teaching and learning.

The duties and responsibilities of an Academic Technology Specialist include:

• Evaluating and implementing educational technology tools suitable for the academic environment
• Providing technical support and training to faculty, staff, and students on the use of academic technology
• Collaborating with faculty to design and develop online courses and instructional materials
• Researching and staying updated on the latest trends in educational technology
• Maintaining and troubleshooting technology equipment and software in classrooms and computer labs
• Developing strategies to enhance the use of technology in the curriculum
• Assisting in the management of the school or university’s Learning Management System (LMS)
• Ensuring compliance with copyright and other legal matters related to technology use in education
• Creating and maintaining documentation on procedures, guidelines, and best practices for technology use

 

Academic Technology Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Academic Technology Specialist to support and promote the effective use of technology in teaching and learning.

Your responsibilities will include providing technical support to faculty, staff, and students, coordinating technology integration, and assisting in the design and implementation of academic technology projects.

The ideal candidate will have a broad knowledge of educational technology trends, excellent problem-solving skills, and a passion for enhancing learning environments through technology.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist faculty, staff, and students in utilizing technology effectively for teaching and learning
• Design and deliver training sessions on the use of academic technology tools
• Research and recommend new technology tools to enhance teaching and learning
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate technology into course design and curriculum
• Provide technical support for academic technology software and hardware
• Assist in the implementation and management of academic technology projects
• Stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in educational technology
• Ensure compliance with educational technology standards and regulations
• Coordinate with IT department to address and resolve technical issues
• Develop and maintain documentation for users and for technical reference

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Academic Technology Specialist or similar role
• Knowledge of current educational technology trends and tools
• Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g. Blackboard, Canvas)
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students
• Experience in training or teaching is a plus
• BSc/BA in Computer Science, Educational Technology or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Academic Technology Specialist
• Work Environment: University/College campus. May require occasional travel to other campus locations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Academic Technology.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Academic Technology Specialist Do?

An Academic Technology Specialist primarily works in educational institutions like schools, colleges or universities.

They are primarily responsible for the integration and effective use of technology within the educational environment.

This could be through the management of a school’s learning management system, ensuring the smooth running of hardware and software, or assisting teachers in incorporating technology into their lesson plans.

Academic Technology Specialists also conduct training sessions for faculty, staff and students, helping them to understand and utilize various technology tools effectively.

They may be involved in researching and recommending new technology tools that can enhance the teaching and learning process.

They work in collaboration with IT departments and educational professionals to develop, implement, and maintain technology-based educational programs.

In addition, they may also be responsible for troubleshooting any technical issues that arise, ensuring that the technological resources within the institution are up-to-date, secure, and functioning properly.

Academic Technology Specialists are instrumental in shaping the future of education by fostering an environment of digital literacy and tech savviness, ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills for the digital age.

 

Academic Technology Specialist Qualifications and Skills

An Academic Technology Specialist should possess a combination of technical proficiency, educational understanding and interpersonal skills, such as:

• Strong knowledge of educational technology, software, systems and platforms, along with the ability to implement and troubleshoot them effectively in an academic setting.
• Understanding of instructional design principles and familiarity with various online learning methodologies, to integrate technology effectively into the teaching and learning process.
• Excellent communication skills, to clearly explain the technical procedures to educators, administrators, and students who may not have a strong technical background.
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate with teachers, students, and administrative staff to identify their technological needs and provide appropriate solutions.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills to diagnose and resolve any technical issues that may arise in the educational environment.
• Experience with project management, to oversee and manage technology-related educational projects from inception to completion.
• Continuous learning ability to stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in educational technology and apply them effectively in the academic setting.

 

Academic Technology Specialist Experience Requirements

Academic Technology Specialists are often expected to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in an educational or technology-related role.

This experience might come from internships, part-time roles, or full-time roles in various educational institutions or technology companies.

These professionals might also have experience in roles such as Educational Technology Coordinator, Instructional Designer, or IT Support Specialist in an educational context.

This experience allows them to understand the specific technological needs and constraints of an academic environment.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience usually have developed their technological skills and knowledge in the intersection of education and technology.

They often have experience managing academic software and hardware resources, providing training and support to teachers and students, and collaborating with educators to integrate technology into the curriculum.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in this field might have leadership experience, including project management and team leadership roles.

These candidates are often well-equipped to handle the strategic planning, budgeting, and implementation of academic technology initiatives.

 

Academic Technology Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Academic Technology Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in instructional design, educational technology, computer science or a related field.

They should have a solid understanding of instructional design theories and learning principles, along with proficiency in utilizing various educational technologies and platforms such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), Educational Apps, and other technology-based learning tools.

Previous experience in an educational setting, either as a teacher or in a similar role, would also be beneficial as it provides a practical understanding of the educational processes and pedagogical methods.

A master’s degree in Education Technology or a related field is often preferred, particularly for more advanced roles.

This further education allows the specialist to delve deeper into the integration of technology within the educational curriculum and enhances their understanding of the latest technological advances relevant to education.

Certifications related to specific educational technologies, software or platforms can also be beneficial.

This demonstrates a candidate’s commitment to continual learning and their ability to stay updated with the ever-evolving field of academic technology.

Furthermore, soft skills such as excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to train and assist others in using new technology are highly valued in an Academic Technology Specialist.

 

Academic Technology Specialist Salary Expectations

An Academic Technology Specialist earns an average salary of $61,287 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, education, and the geographical location of the position.

The organization or institution that employs the specialist may also impact the salary.

 

Academic Technology Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Academic Technology Specialist need?

An Academic Technology Specialist should have a strong understanding of various educational technologies and digital platforms used in the academic sector.

They should have strong problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical staff members.

A background in education or instructional design is beneficial, along with strong project management skills.

 

Do Academic Technology Specialists need a degree?

Typically, Academic Technology Specialists should have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Educational Technology, Information Technology, or Computer Science.

However, a combination of relevant work experience and industry certifications can sometimes substitute for formal education.

 

What should you look for in an Academic Technology Specialist resume?

Key things to look for in a resume would include a degree in a related field, experience in a relevant role, and familiarity with a range of educational technologies and digital platforms.

Specific certifications related to educational technology would also be a plus.

It’s also beneficial if the candidate has experience in an educational setting or has previously worked with educators and students.

 

What qualities make a good Academic Technology Specialist?

A good Academic Technology Specialist should be adaptable and patient, as they’ll often be dealing with users who have varying levels of technical expertise.

They should be proactive problem solvers, able to anticipate and address issues before they become disruptive.

Strong communication skills are also key, as is the ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

 

What are the daily duties of an Academic Technology Specialist?

The daily duties of an Academic Technology Specialist can vary but may include providing technical support to educators and students, managing digital learning platforms, training staff on new technologies, and overseeing technology-related projects.

They may also collaborate with IT and instructional design teams, troubleshoot technical issues, and stay updated on the latest educational technology trends and developments.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an insider’s peek into the dynamic and critical role of an academic technology specialist.

Surprise!

It’s not merely about managing technology.

It’s about shaping the future of education through innovative technology solutions, one step at a time.

Armed with our tailored academic technology specialist job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why stop at readiness?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to resource for creating laser-precise job listings or honing your resume to near-perfection.

Remember:

Every technological solution is a part of the larger educational transformation.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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