Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Course Developer

Department: KYSU Global

Reports To: Director of Online Education

Classification: Staff-Temporary

Effective Date: TBD

Location: Remote

Employment Status: Part-Time

Employment Classification: Exempt

Job Summary:

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Course Developer is responsible for designing and developing high-quality academic course content for Kentucky State University's accelerated online academic programs. Working collaboratively with instructional designers and academic leadership, the SME creates engaging, academically rigorous, and accessible online learning experiences that align with university standards, program learning outcomes, accreditation expectations, and applicable federal and state requirements. This position is project-based and does not include instructional responsibilities unless separately appointed.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop complete online courses aligned with approved program and course learning outcomes, including syllabi, measurable learning objectives, instructional materials, lectures, readings, learning activities, discussion prompts, and assessments.
• Design authentic assessments, including papers, projects, examinations, presentations, and grading rubrics, that effectively measure student learning and competency attainment.
• Collaborate with instructional designers to prepare course materials for asynchronous online delivery through the University's learning management system while incorporating accessibility standards and effective online instructional practices.
• Ensure course content reflects current scholarship, professional standards, and industry best practices.
• Complete curriculum mapping and other documentation necessary to support institutional assessment and accreditation requirements.
• Incorporate practical applications, case studies, and learning activities appropriate for adult learners.
• Participate in course review and revision processes by incorporating feedback from academic leadership, instructional designers, and peer reviewers.
• Ensure all instructional materials comply with copyright, fair use, accessibility, licensing, and intellectual property requirements.
• Submit completed course materials according to established development schedules and project milestones.
• Maintain confidentiality of University information and course development materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the assigned academic discipline and current professional standards.
• Knowledge of curriculum development, instructional design principles, and online learning best practices.
• Knowledge of learning management systems, preferably Canvas.
• Strong written, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex subject matter into engaging instructional content.
• Ability to develop measurable learning outcomes and meaningful student assessments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and consistently meet established deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with instructional designers, faculty, and University personnel in a remote environment.
• Ability to use standard computer software and educational technology platforms.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

Other Duties:

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Kentucky State University reserves the right to revise or assign additional duties as operational needs require.

Qualifications:

• Earned graduate degree in the applicable discipline from a regionally accredited institution. A terminal degree may be required depending upon the academic program and accreditation requirements.
• Demonstrated subject matter expertise through graduate-level teaching, scholarly research, publications, professional practice, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience teaching or developing graduate-level curriculum.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to develop high-quality instructional materials.
• Experience using learning management systems and educational technologies.
• Ability to independently manage projects and meet established deadlines.
• Expertise in one or more of the following disciplines is required:
• Public Policy, Public Administration
• Public Affairs, Public Management
• Government Administration
• Government Studies
• Public Sector Management
• Political Science
• Master of Public Administration
• Civic Leadership
• Public Health
• Master of Public Health
• Community Health
• Health Policy and Management
• Health Systems Management
• Social Determinants of Health
• Aerospace and Defense
• Military Science
• Aeronautics
• National Security Studies
• Homeland Security
• Security Studies
• Sports Analytics
• Sports Science
• Sports Business Analytics
• Sports Informatics

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing accelerated or compressed-format online courses.
• Formal training or certification in instructional design, Quality Matters (QM), ACUE, or comparable instructional quality frameworks.
• Experience writing measurable learning outcomes and criterion-referenced grading rubrics.
• Familiarity with higher education accreditation standards, curriculum mapping, and institutional assessment processes.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed remotely using University-approved technology.
• Requires prolonged periods of sitting, typing, reading, and viewing computer screens.
• Requires reliable internet access and the ability to participate in virtual meetings during normal University business hours.
• Ability to communicate effectively through written and verbal communication.
• Ability to operate a computer and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to review, prepare, and maintain detailed electronic documents.

Additional Information

This is a temporary, project-based appointment and is not eligible for University benefits. Compensation is provided upon successful completion of course development in accordance with the executed development agreement. Course development assignments do not guarantee future teaching appointments or continued engagements with Kentucky State University. All course materials developed under this appointment become the sole property of Kentucky State University upon completion and payment in accordance with University policy and the applicable development agreement.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.