Instructional Designer I

Everspring•Chicago, IL

7d•$70,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Instructional Designer Everspring is a leading provider of education technology and service solutions. Our advanced technology, proven marketing approach, research-based instructional design services, and robust faculty support deliver outstanding outcomes for our university partners, powering their success online. Made up of production, instructional design and quality assurance, the Learning Design team inspires, engages and empowers each other to create the next generation of learning. This collaborative team works to translate traditional courseware into online formats in innovative and compelling ways to create innovative online courses for our university partners. The Instructional Designer I works within a multi-disciplinary course production team to translate university courses into online formats in innovative and compelling ways. This role reports to the Director of Learning Design and is located in Chicago, offering a hybrid work environment with a minimum of 3 days required in the office every week and additional days as business needs arise. The ideal candidate: Brings curiosity and sound judgment in using AI tools to support instructional design work (e.g., brainstorming learning activities, drafting course elements), while ensuring outputs meet partner standards and quality expectations. Is motivated by a passion to create outstanding learning experiences Has a demonstrated track record creating engaging, effective online programs, courseware or products Is an excellent and patient communicator, comfortable communicating with university professors, curriculum developers, and academic technologists Has experience and is comfortable working with a wide range of academic content Is a natural collaborator, but is capable and comfortable moving projects forward and driving results with empathy for the needs of multiple stakeholders Displays the highest levels of integrity Operates with a strong work ethic, requiring minimal supervision Interacts with others using sound judgment, good humor, and consistent fairness in a fast-paced environment Wants to build and be part of a great team, doing meaningful work Has a curious and creative mindset – enjoys change!

Requirements

2-4 years’ outstanding work experience in instructional design, learning design, or academic technology
Earned Master’s degree firmly required, preferably in instructional design, curriculum and instruction, educational technology, or human-computer interaction
Demonstrated ability to use AI-enabled tools responsibly to support instructional design workflows, including protecting sensitive information, verifying accuracy, and producing polished deliverables aligned to established course standards.
Demonstrated expertise in course design principles and practices
Experience designing courses using varied delivery models and the full range of multi-media content delivery tools and techniques
Superior ability with computers and software required; LMS experience preferred (Canvas, D2L, Blackboard)
Outstanding oral and written communication skills
Demonstrated meticulous attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to hit challenging deadlines while creating high quality work
Has experience leading people and/or processes to successful results
Full vaccination – as defined by the CDC – is required

Responsibilities

Use AI tools, when appropriate, to streamline course design and production tasks (e.g., generating first-draft outlines, prompts, rubrics, and revision options) and then refine and validate deliverables to meet Learning Design accessibility and quality specifications.
Design and build assigned courses, creating innovative online courses that meet Learning Design’s accessibility and quality specifications and align to the standards and parameters established with our university partners
Manage concurrent projects effectively, demonstrating understanding of and attention to deadlines, priorities, and communication with relevant stakeholders
Communicate with faculty at our partner universities, guiding them in best practices for course development, honoring their subject matter expertise and preferences, and ensuring on time completion of the course according to the production schedule
Collaborate with faculty to adjust content for available delivery methods to support desired learning outcomes and high levels of student engagement, moving from a high-level course plan to a detailed course design format
Collaborate with the Creative Services team to produce and/or source high quality multimedia that aligns with the objectives of the course
Participate in the refinement of frameworks, templates, and prototypes for course design
Participate in the creation of Instructional Design team development materials, such as training, pedagogy, academic technology, multimedia production, accessibility, research, etc.
Perform standard course maintenance tasks on a term-to-term basis, following established processes and completing requisite documentation.
Support faculty in course revisions using a continual improvement process.
Provide ongoing faculty support through the faculty help desk during the workday, in addition to occasional evening and weekend hours.
Contribute to an environment that values continuous improvement, curiosity, and learning by doing.
Travel to partner university locations occasionally. upon supervisor’s request
Perform other duties, as assigned