One of my goals for growing this Featured Gig series is to highlight early-career opportunities. When I saw on LinkedIn that UConn is searching for an e-learning developer, I reached out to Desmond McCaffrey, director of UConn Online, to learn more about the role.
Q: What is the university’s mandate behind this role? How does it help align with and advance the university’s strategic priorities?
A: The university is committed to expanding and enhancing its online and mixed-mode offerings as part of its strategic priorities. The e-learning developer 1 plays a central role in this effort by collaborating with instructional designers, faculty and staff to design and deliver high-quality courses that meet compliance requirements and research-based standards. Beyond content development, the role supports faculty growth and creates opportunities to integrate new technologies, experiment with innovative solutions and strengthen both teaching and learning. This work ensures that students benefit from inclusive, engaging and flexible educational experiences in an evolving digital environment.
Q: Where does the role sit within the university structure? How will the person in this role engage with other units and leaders across campus?
A: The e-learning developer is part of eCampus and UConn Online, units within the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning dedicated to supporting online and mixed-mode education. While the role works closely with colleagues in eCampus and CETL, it also engages with University IT Services, the University Library and faculty and staff across departments, schools and colleges. Developers contribute as members of cross-unit production teams and committees while also managing individual projects. Along the way, they collaborate on innovative pilots, explore and integrate emerging technologies, and engage with faculty and students to improve learning experiences and to help shape the university’s evolving digital learning ecosystem.
Q: What would success look like in one year? Three years? Beyond?
A: By the end of year one, success means moving beyond basic proficiency into advanced contribution, bringing creative solutions to course design and development, collaborating effectively across units, and helping faculty integrate best practices in accessibility and inclusion. The developer demonstrates growing confidence in evaluating and applying new technologies, employs strong communication skills, and distinguishes effective pedagogical, while building trust as a reliable partner on course and program teams.
By three years and beyond, the e-learning developer is recognized as an innovator and campuswide contributor. They not only design inclusive, high-quality courses and learning objects but also pilot new tools and approaches, engage with faculty to improve learning experiences, and share insights through research and conference presentations. Their role evolves into mentorship and leadership, guiding projects and shaping conversations about digital learning strategy. At this stage, they are seen as a trusted resource and emerging leader who connects pedagogy, technology, and innovation to strengthen UConn’s online teaching and learning environment.
Q: What kinds of future roles would someone who took this position be prepared for?
A: This role provides a strong foundation for advancement into positions such as e-learning developer 2 or 3, instructional designer, faculty development specialist, or educational technology support professional, depending on the individual’s background and career goals. It also opens pathways into broader leadership roles in online education and digital learning. Along the way, developers gain hands-on experience by building courses, experimenting with new technologies, engaging with faculty and contributing to research and conference presentations—positioning them for long-term growth at the intersection of learning, technology and innovation.
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