Instructional Designer, College of the Liberal Arts

Penn State University • University Park, IL

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Learning Design team within the College of the Liberal Arts is seeking an Instructional Designer to oversee all aspects of designing, developing, and managing online course portfolios. This position is not focused on technical support. Instead, the key responsibilities of the Instructional Designer are centered on collaborating closely with faculty authors to ensure course content and assessments enhance learning and support student success. This involves the evaluation of online lesson content and assessments using knowledge of online pedagogy, interdisciplinary research, and evidence-based best practices. Specific tasks include (but are not limited to): Meeting with faculty authors to design and develop content for asynchronous online courses, including those that enroll adult learners. Providing guidance to faculty authors based on established learning frameworks. Reviewing faculty-created course content and assessments and providing research-based recommendations to enhance student learning. Acting as the project manager for courses in development to monitor progress; determine, set, and ensure others on the team adhere to schedules and deadlines. Collaborating with multimedia specialists in the creation of course-related multimedia elements (animations, illustrations, videos, virtual environments) and managing the completion of these elements within an established timeframe. Overseeing the work of Instructional Design Assistants for the setup and maintenance of approximately 35 courses each semester. Ensuring that all course content follows copyright and accessibility standards. Researching and promoting innovative trends and technologies that impact online learning in higher education.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of learning theories, best practices for online learning, and current research in the field.
• Ability to draw from the above knowledge in their course design, reviews, and recommendations.
• Outstanding project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members and faculty partners, as well as being comfortable delegating work to others.
• Experience with Canvas or another learning management system.
• Master's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience

Responsibilities

• Meeting with faculty authors to design and develop content for asynchronous online courses, including those that enroll adult learners.
• Providing guidance to faculty authors based on established learning frameworks.
• Reviewing faculty-created course content and assessments and providing research-based recommendations to enhance student learning.
• Acting as the project manager for courses in development to monitor progress; determine, set, and ensure others on the team adhere to schedules and deadlines.
• Collaborating with multimedia specialists in the creation of course-related multimedia elements (animations, illustrations, videos, virtual environments) and managing the completion of these elements within an established timeframe.
• Overseeing the work of Instructional Design Assistants for the setup and maintenance of approximately 35 courses each semester.
• Ensuring that all course content follows copyright and accessibility standards.
• Researching and promoting innovative trends and technologies that impact online learning in higher education.

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

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