JOB SUMMARY
The Instructional Designer is responsible for designing and developing engaging, accessible, and performance-first online learning experiences that promote authentic application and student success. This role applies evidence-based instructional design principles to create aligned course content, meaningful learning activities, and assessments that support measurable learning outcomes.
Working collaboratively with Program Chairs, faculty, Subject Matter Experts, multimedia professionals, Builders, and academic leadership, the Instructional Designer leads instructional planning and content development while contributing to academic initiatives, quality assurance, technology innovation, and continuous improvement.
This is a 12-month position, working remotely in the United States, with hours corresponding to the Eastern Time zone.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Instructional Design & Content Development
- Apply evidence-based instructional design principles, adult learning theory, and performance-first design practices to create engaging, rigorous, and accessible online learning experiences.
- Develop course roadmaps, student-facing instructional content, authentic scenarios, interactive activities, guided and independent practice, and meaningful feedback.
- Design aligned learning objectives, formative and summative assessments, and authentic performance tasks that support measurable student learning.
- Design cohesive instructional sequences that progressively develop knowledge and skills while ensuring purposeful activities, appropriate workload, and meaningful opportunities for application.
- Prepare detailed instructional content and development specifications, maintain instructional ownership, and collaborate with Builders and multimedia professionals to ensure accurate implementation of approved learning experiences.
2. Academic Partnership & Collaboration
- Partner with Program Chairs, faculty, Subject Matter Experts, and academic leadership to translate academic requirements into effective learning experiences.
- Serve as an instructional design consultant within assigned academic schools, supporting curriculum alignment, program outcomes, online pedagogy, assessment strategies, and continuous improvement.
- Participate in Course and Program Reviews (CPRs), academic school meetings, Design Labs, and other collaborative planning initiatives.
- Collaborate with multimedia professionals and Builders to design, develop, and refine interactive, scenario-based, and immersive learning experiences.
- Communicate instructional recommendations, project expectations, and development needs clearly and professionally while fostering productive stakeholder relationships.
3. Learning Technology, Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
- Demonstrate working knowledge of Blackboard Ultra, Articulate Rise 360, SCORM, HTML, and other institutionally approved instructional technologies.
- Use artificial intelligence responsibly to support instructional planning, content development, assessment design, quality review, and workflow efficiency.
- Critically evaluate and refine AI-generated content for accuracy, rigor, accessibility, and alignment while adhering to institutional policies for data privacy, intellectual property, and responsible AI use.
- Design learning experiences that align with the capabilities and limitations of available technologies, ensuring appropriate functionality and usability.
- Participate in testing, piloting, and evaluating new educational technologies, AI tools, LMS features, and digital learning products, recommending solutions that enhance teaching and learning.
4. Quality Assurance, Accessibility & Continuous Improvement
- Apply institutional quality assurance standards, instructional design rubrics, and accessibility requirements throughout course development.
- Review and test instructional content, assessments, multimedia assets, interactive activities, and completed course components for accuracy, alignment, accessibility, and functionality.
- Participate in peer reviews, quality calibration, and course improvement initiatives, incorporating feedback and verifying that identified instructional issues are resolved.
- Collaborate with faculty, Builders, multimedia professionals, and other stakeholders to identify and resolve instructional and technical issues.
- Use quality review findings, course feedback, and available learning data to recommend improvements to instructional experiences and departmental practices.
5. Project Management & Professional Growth
- Manage multiple concurrent course development projects, meeting established timelines, milestones, and quality expectations.
- Maintain accurate project documentation, proactively communicate progress and challenges, and coordinate effectively with stakeholders.
- Participate in departmental meetings, collaborative development processes, and initiatives that improve workflows and team effectiveness.
- Maintain current knowledge of instructional design, accessibility, learning technologies, artificial intelligence, and emerging practices in higher education.
- Engage in ongoing professional development, demonstrate adaptability, and contribute to a collaborative, accountable, and innovative team environment.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director of Instructional Design.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, Educational Technology, or a related field.
- Five or more years of experience in online instructional design, course development, or learning experience design.
- Demonstrated ability to apply instructional design principles, adult learning theory, and performance-focused learning practices.
- Experience developing online instructional content, learning activities, assessments, and meaningful feedback.
- Working knowledge of learning management systems and interactive content development tools, including Blackboard Ultra, Articulate Rise 360, SCORM, and basic HTML.
- Proficiency in using generative AI tools to support instructional design and content development, including critical evaluation of AI-generated materials.
- Knowledge of accessibility standards, copyright, fair use, intellectual property, and academic integrity considerations.
- Strong instructional writing, communication, collaboration, organization, and project management skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment.
- Demonstrated creativity, adaptability, problem-solving, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Education, Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, Educational Technology, or a related field.
- Higher education teaching experience, preferably in online or adult learning environments.
- Experience developing or modifying interactive learning experiences using Articulate Rise 360, SCORM, and HTML.
- Experience designing authentic, scenario-based, interactive, or immersive learning experiences.
- Experience collaborating with multimedia developers, technical teams, and academic stakeholders.
- Experience facilitating instructional design consultations, Design Labs, or academic planning initiatives.
- Familiarity with quality assurance frameworks, peer review processes, and accessibility evaluation.
- Experience with AI-assisted instructional design workflows and testing or evaluating emerging educational technologies.
