The Royal Conservatory (RCM) is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world, providing the definitive standard of excellence in curriculum design, assessment, performance training, and teacher certification. It is also a leader in the development of early childhood education programs and arts-based social programs, and presents a diverse range of concerts featuring the finest Canadian and international artists in its magnificent performance space, Koerner Hall. Please visit www.rcmusic.com for more information.
What is the Opportunity?
Reporting to the Manager, Learning Ecosystems, the Systems Administrator will support the Royal Conservatory of Music’s (RCM) Digital Learning team in finding solutions for presenting courses in a manner that goes beyond the standard GUI. You will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Conservatory’s highly customized Moodle LMS platform, including supporting the set-up and delivery of a variety of course types as well as data gathering, analysis and reporting. You understand in detail the Moodle data model and exactly how Moodle functionality maps to that data model. You are well versed in PHP and experienced with Moodle’s modular open-source framework. Customization, out-of-the-box thinking and solution finding are challenges you find rewarding. You will work closely with the IT department to ensure that the LMS is fully integrated with the Conservatory’s Community Management System (Drupal). You possess strong judgement, are consultative by nature and pride yourself on your skills.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Using knowledge of LMS capabilities to recommend delivery strategies that yield a rich, meaningful and dynamic experience.
- Understand how to customize environments and are able to source solutions through the global open-source community.
- Experience with authoring tools and integrating interactive multimedia and media elements.
- Managing and defining all user accounts and roles in cooperation with instructional designers and IT team.
- Ability to read and understand PHP in the context of Moodle’s object oriented design and working closely with developers to ensure that the LMS performs efficiently (in the RCM’s high volume environment) and can also be maintained in an efficient manner.
- Managing course content and backup processes to ensure stability and a seamless user experience.
- Configuring the RCM’s Moodle platform to best support identified educational objectives including installing and maintaining custom or user-contributed plug-ins.
- Comprehensive understanding of the Moodle data model including all core tables, their entities and relationships. The ability to write SQL code to update tables or append to tables in certain circumstances is required.
- Comprehensive understanding and experience with Distributed Version Control Systems and best practice version control processes. Knowledge of Git and Git Repositories is a definite asset.
- Experience in system testing procedures including function, system and integration testing. Able to configure and maintain all functions/processes in the Moodle administration panel to support the Conservatory’s needs in a timely and efficient manner.
- Staying current with Moodle support community; research and share information about updates and features.
- Providing and preparing LMS training and documentation for colleagues who support the faculty and develop online curricula.
- Provide tech support and tech support training to front line staff such as course moderators and Candidate Services.
- Providing day-to-day issue resolution to key stakeholders. Performing other duties as required or assigned.
What We're Looking For
- Five years (minimum) experience as a systems analyst, ideally with CMS/LMS platforms (Moodle preferred), including installation, configuration, maintenance and technical support.
- Proficiency with modular web development concepts (including Model View Controller (MVC), PHP, JavaScript frameworks, MySQL and Ajax).
- Ability to map Moodle processes to the database tables and use that information to help troubleshoot LMS and course presentation issues.
- Proficiency in server administration using the command UNIX (Linux) line.
- Knowledge of API development and integration.
- Experience in the integration of third-party plugins for enhanced functionality.
- In-depth knowledge of course configurations like activities, groups, cohorts, activities, assignments, grades, question banks, etc.
- Knowledge of authoring tools (Captivate, Articulate, SCORM).
- Knowledge of responsive design and accessibility features for AODA compliance would be an asset.
- Experience installing and modifying themes, and creating child themes
- Knowledge of the Drupal CMS and framework would be an asset.
- Knowledge of e-commerce systems such as Shopify would be an asset.
- Strong organizational, documentation and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to juggle multiple projects while delivering quality results within tight deadlines.
- Ability to proactively plan and complete time-sensitive projects.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills.
- Detail-oriented and accountable.
- Proven knowledge of Git version control (Bitbucket/Github).
Salary Range
Additional Information
- Extended periods of PC use and seated work.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and current résumé online (please upload a single file combining both documents) at www.rcmusic.com/about-us/careers-royal-conservatory. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate has been identified.
The RCM is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the RCM’s Anti-Racism, Access and Equity Policy, accommodation will be provided at any stage of in the recruitment and selection process. Applicants are asked to make their accommodation needs known when they have been contacted for an interview.
The RCM thanks all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.