Online College Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of digital learning, the role of online college instructors is more important than ever before.

As education evolves, the demand for skilled educators who can adapt, create, and improve virtual classrooms continues to grow.

So, let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from an online college instructor?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring educator looking to understand the nuances of this role,
• An academic hiring committee defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes of online teaching,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable online college instructor job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Online College Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Online College Instructors play a significant role in the academic success of their students by providing instruction in a virtual classroom setting.

They are responsible for developing and delivering educational content, and facilitating a positive learning environment that encourages student engagement and promotes academic achievement.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Preparing and delivering online lessons to students on various subjects related to their field of expertise
• Creating educational content such as notes, slides, assignments, and exams
• Engaging students in meaningful dialogue to enhance learning and understanding
• Using online learning platforms to monitor student progress, participation and performance
• Providing prompt and specific feedback to students regarding their academic performance
• Advising and assisting students with issues or concerns related to their academic progress
• Participating in online faculty meetings and contributing to curriculum development
• Staying updated on current trends in the field of their expertise
• Maintaining a professional, respectful, and inclusive online learning environment
• Adapting teaching strategies based on individual student needs

 

Online College Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Online College Instructor to design, deliver and evaluate online courses in their respective subject area.

The instructor will be responsible for providing quality instruction to students through well-prepared classes, relevant assignments, fair assessment of learning, clear documentation of student progress, and support of the academic success for students.

Our ideal candidates are passionate educators who are committed to student-centered learning, digital literacy and have experience in online learning platforms.

Familiarity with the learning management systems, online course development and online teaching methodologies is required.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver online course content in a clear and concise manner
• Design and implement assessments to gauge student learning
• Provide timely feedback to students on their progress
• Engage in regular interaction with students to support their academic progress
• Maintain updated course material, assignments and syllabi
• Participate in curriculum development and program planning
• Stay up-to-date with latest industry trends and advancements in online education
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of the college
• Assist students with academic questions and issues

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in the subject area being taught or relevant field
• Previous experience in online teaching at college level
• Experience with learning management systems (e.g., Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle)
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Familiarity with online teaching methodologies and tools
• Ability to engage and motivate students in a virtual learning environment
• Experience in curriculum development and instructional design is a plus

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Online College Instructor
• Work Environment: This is a remote position with flexible work hours. Instructors must have a reliable internet connection and a quiet space for conducting online classes.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Academic Dean or Department Head.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Varies depending on the subject area and level of experience.
• Location: Remote
• Employment Type: Full-time or Part-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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a sample of a course syllabus you have designed to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Online College Instructor Do?

An Online College Instructor, much like a traditional college professor, is responsible for teaching students in a specific field of expertise.

However, their role is adapted to an online medium.

They design and implement a curriculum that aligns with the course objectives and the overall learning outcomes of the program.

This might include creating video lectures, presentations, interactive activities, assignments, and tests for students to complete remotely.

Online College Instructors often employ digital tools and platforms to facilitate teaching and learning.

These may include Learning Management Systems (LMS), video conferencing software, online discussion boards, and email for communication.

They are responsible for assessing students’ work, providing feedback, and grading assignments and exams.

They also provide guidance and assistance to students who are struggling with coursework or have questions about the material.

This is typically done via email, online discussions, or virtual office hours.

Online College Instructors also play a critical role in fostering a sense of community within their virtual classroom by encouraging discussion, collaboration, and engagement among students.

Lastly, they must keep up-to-date with advancements in their field of expertise and in the field of online education to maintain a relevant and effective learning environment.

 

Online College Instructor Qualifications and Skills

An Online College Instructor should possess a blend of academic expertise, technical skills, and interpersonal abilities.

Key qualifications and skills include:

• Extensive knowledge and mastery in their field of study to effectively teach course content
• Proficiency in using online teaching platforms and technologies to facilitate learning and communication
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex ideas and concepts in a way that is easy for students to understand
• Strong organizational skills to manage course materials, assignments, and grades in an orderly and systematic manner
• Interpersonal skills to engage with students from various backgrounds and cultures, fostering an inclusive learning environment
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and academic assistance to students, demonstrating patience and empathy
• Adaptability and flexibility to make changes to the teaching plan as needed, and to accommodate different learning styles
• Strong commitment to academic honesty and integrity, setting a positive example for students
• Problem-solving skills to address any technical issues or student concerns that may arise during the course

 

Online College Instructor Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for an Online College Instructor role typically need a minimum of 2 to 3 years of teaching experience, often gained through roles such as Teaching Assistant, Tutor, or Adjunct Professor.

This experience is generally combined with a relevant Master’s or Doctoral degree, depending upon the level of instruction.

Candidates are expected to have competency in online teaching platforms and tools, as well as experience in course development and assessment of student performance.

They must also exhibit strong communication skills and the ability to engage students in an online environment.

For Online College Instructors with more than 5 years of experience, they often have a track record of successful online teaching.

They have experience in curriculum development, academic advising, and exhibit strong leadership skills.

These candidates are well suited to take on more significant roles, such as Department Head or Dean of Online Learning.

In addition to teaching experience, Online College Instructors may also need expertise in their area of instruction.

For example, an Online College Instructor teaching a course in computer science should ideally have industry or research experience in the field.

This ensures that they can provide students with the most up-to-date and relevant information.

Finally, ongoing professional development, such as attending educational conferences or completing additional certifications, is often required to stay current with online teaching methodologies and technologies.

 

Online College Instructor Education and Training Requirements

Online College Instructors typically hold a minimum of a master’s degree, but many institutions prefer individuals with a doctoral degree.

The field of study should be closely related to the subject they intend to teach.

For instance, a person with a master’s degree or PhD in mathematics would be a suitable candidate for an online college instructor in a math course.

In addition to their academic qualifications, online college instructors need to have a thorough understanding of online learning platforms and technology.

They should be able to use online course management systems, video conferencing software, and other tools effectively to facilitate remote instruction.

Many institutions may also require online college instructors to have previous experience in teaching, preferably in an online environment.

They are expected to understand the needs of online learners and be able to cater to a diverse student population.

In some cases, instructors may need certification or training in online teaching methodologies.

This training helps instructors understand best practices in online instruction, including curriculum design, student engagement, and assessment methods in a virtual learning environment.

Continuing education may also be required to stay current with advancements in teaching methodologies, technology, and their subject matter.

This could be through professional development courses, webinars, or conferences.

Lastly, excellent communication skills are crucial for online college instructors since all interaction with students will be via digital channels.

They should be able to facilitate online discussions effectively and provide clear and concise feedback to students.

 

Online College Instructor Salary Expectations

An Online College Instructor can expect to earn an average salary of $62,470 (USD) per year.

However, this amount can fluctuate based on the individual’s level of education, experience, the subject taught, and the location of the college or university.

 

Online College Instructor Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Online College Instructor need?

Online College Instructors should have strong communication and interpersonal skills to connect with students in a virtual environment.

They should also have a deep understanding of their subject matter and the ability to present it in a clear and engaging way.

In addition, they need technical skills to navigate online learning platforms, troubleshoot basic tech issues, and incorporate digital media into their teaching.

 

Do Online College Instructors need a degree?

Online College Instructors typically need at least a master’s degree in the subject they plan to teach.

However, many colleges prefer instructors to have a doctoral degree.

Also, depending on the college, instructors may need to have some professional experience in their field.

 

What should you look for in an Online College Instructor resume?

In addition to educational qualifications and teaching experience, look for any experience with online teaching or instructional design.

This could include familiarity with learning management systems, experience designing online courses, or certifications in online teaching.

Also, consider any professional experience in the field they plan to teach, as this can provide real-world examples to enhance their instruction.

 

What qualities make a good Online College Instructor?

A good Online College Instructor is organized, patient, and responsive to students’ needs.

They should be comfortable with technology and able to adapt to new platforms or tools.

They should also be skilled at fostering engagement and discussion in a virtual environment, and able to provide timely and constructive feedback to help students improve.

 

How can an Online College Instructor maintain student engagement in a virtual environment?

An Online College Instructor can foster student engagement by incorporating interactive elements into their courses, such as discussions, group projects, and multimedia presentations.

They can also provide regular feedback, hold virtual office hours, and create a sense of community through online forums or social media groups.

Finally, they can make the course material relevant and interesting by connecting it to real-world examples and current events.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the fascinating world of an online college instructor.

Guess what?

It’s not just about delivering lectures.

It’s about shaping the educational landscape, one virtual class at a time.

With our detailed online college instructor job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precision-crafted job postings or polishing your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every virtual class is a part of a bigger educational journey.

Let’s shape that journey. Together.

How to Become an Online College Instructor (Complete Guide)

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