Associate Instructional Designer

Western Governors University • Raleigh, NC

1d

About The Position

The Associate Instructional Designer is a faculty learning design professional who, with guidance from other instructional designers, develops high-quality, engaging educational experiences that align with program outcomes, instructional best practices, and each course's intended scope and sequence. In conjunction with key stakeholders, this role engages in the course development process and evaluates curricular materials. Consistently applies quality standards throughout development and across projects. Passionate about learner success, this individual collaborates across teams to research, design, and refine impactful learning experiences. Supports multiple concurrent projects, tracks progress and communicates effectively with stakeholders to promote accountability and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Basic understanding of instructional design principles, curriculum development, and adult learning theory, emphasizing scope and sequence, real-world application, and measurable learning outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to learn design and develop engaging, inclusive, and objective-aligned learning experiences for diverse adult learners.
• Experience utilizing generative AI and other emerging technologies appropriately.
• Working knowledge of learning resource integration and alignment to program and course competencies.
• Strong technical writing, editing, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, actionable content.
• Adept at working both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced environments.
• Skilled in critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, and problem-solving with a learner-first mindset.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Able to demonstrate adaptability, resilience, and sound judgment in navigating ambiguity and change.
• Committed to continuous learning and applying innovations that enhance instructional quality and student experience.
• Strong interest in exploring human-centered uses of emerging technologies, including AI, to improve learning experiences.
• Bachelor's degree in Education, Learning Sciences, Educational Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field; related experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• 2 years of professional experience designing and developing instructional materials or learning experiences in higher education, corporate training, or a similar environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree with less than 1 year of related experience.
• Familiarity with learning management systems, digital authoring tools, or UX principles in learning environments.
• Experience working in agile or iterative development processes.

Responsibilities

• Supports the course design and development content for new and existing courses, ensuring alignment with instructional best practices, scope and sequence, and defined learning outcomes.
• Designs and develops engaging, contextually rich, and objective-driven learning experiences that reflect real-world application and support diverse learner needs.
• Applies evidence-based instructional and learning experience design strategies, including scoping and sequencing with best practices in UX/UI and accessibility, to create high-quality educational experiences.
• Collaborates with faculty, internal teams to ensure instructional alignment, technical feasibility, and consistency in course design.
• Evaluates, develops, and revises curricular materials, learning resources, and assessments to ensure alignment with program objectives and learner competencies.
• Conducts quality assurance reviews and implements continuous improvement processes to maintain high standards of academic and instructional quality.
• Ensures timely completion of course development projects within established timelines and budget parameters.
• Stays current with trends in learning science, instructional design, digital learning technologies, and learner behavior to inform and enhance design practices.
• Leverages system capabilities and emerging tools to enhance the overall learning experience and contribute to innovation in design and delivery.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare
• health savings account and flexible spending account
• basic and voluntary life insurance
• disability coverage
• accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages
• legal and identity theft coverage
• retirement savings plan
• wellbeing program
• discounted WGU tuition
• flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level