Instructional Designer

UMass Global

3d • Remote

About The Position

Assist with the development of high-quality, engaging and innovative courses within the D2L Brightspace Learning Management System. Contribute to international and global program development and facilitate the creation and growth of communities of practice. Assist in the development of ADA-compliant, learner-centered materials. Provide training in educational technology and instructional design best practices. Evaluate the accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of course design, create a process for continuous improvement of course delivery, and incorporate principles of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design in all course materials.

Requirements

• Master's degree required in Instructional Design, Curriculum Design, Instructional Technology, Learning Experience Design, or a closely related field (required).
• 2+ years experience in instructional design, course development, or e-learning, within higher education (preferably international) and/or corporate settings.
• Strong project management skills to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, set clear timelines, allocate resources effectively, and ensure timely delivery of scalable, high-quality instructional materials.
• Proficiency in instructional design theories, models (e.g. ADDIE, SAM), and adult learning principles, with the ability to apply pedagogical best practices across diverse learning contexts.
• Experience designing and developing mobile-friendly online courses using e-learning authoring tools, including their AI enhancement features (e.g. Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Vyond, Canva, Camtasia and strong familiarity with learning management system (LMS) platforms (e.g. Brightspace, Strut, Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, etc).
• Knowledge of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles to create intuitive, engaging, and learner-centered digital environments.
• Ability to apply usability testing, learner feedback, and design thinking approaches to optimize the learner journey.
• Understanding of multimedia production techniques, graphic design, and web technologies to develop visually compelling and interactive content that enhances learner engagement.
• Experience designing and adapting instructional materials for global audiences, including cultural localization, multilingual course design, and awareness of international compliance and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with faculty, subject matter experts, and global stakeholders, with the ability to translate complex ideas into learner-friendly experiences.
• Ability to assess instructional needs, diagnose learning challenges, and develop innovative, data-informed solutions that drive measurable outcomes.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and adoption of emerging technologies, methodologies, and global best practices in instructional design, educational technology, and learner experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of accessibility standards, including Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Section 508, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, with experience conducting accessibility audits and creating inclusive, equitable learning experiences for diverse learners.
• Experience applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to instructional design, ensuring that course materials and learning experiences are accessible to diverse learners with varying abilities, learning styles, and preferences.
• Ability to conduct quality assurance and accessibility audits, evaluate course content for accessibility barriers, and implement strategies to create inclusive and accessible learning environments that accommodate learners with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

• Formal training and/or certification in UX/UI design and/or usability testing highly desirable.
• Familiarity with design and prototyping software (e.g., Adobe XD, Figma, or Sketch) for creating learner-centered interfaces and experiences highly desired.
• Graphic design software Such as Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for graphic design and Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar tools for video editing highly desired.
• Use of LMS analytics, Google Analytics, or similar reporting tools to inform decision-making and improve learner experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Course Design and Development, Quality Assurance, and ADA Compliance Collaborate with faculty and subject matter experts to design competency-based online courses and instructional materials that align with learning objectives, pedagogical best practices for paced and self-paced learning, and accessibility standards for delivery across international markets.
• Collaborate with faculty to identify instructional needs, develop learning objectives, and select and/or develop appropriate instructional materials and assessment strategies.
• Apply instructional design principles, learning theories, and technology-enhanced learning strategies to create engaging, interactive, and learner-centered course content.
• Create design templates to ensure consistent program design and adherence to university, school and program guidelines.
• Consult with faculty on best practices for utilizing learning management systems (LMS), multimedia tools, and instructional technologies to facilitate course delivery, enhance student engagement, and promote active learning in online and blended learning environments.
• Evaluate course materials and learning experiences to ensure they are accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities.
• Apply user experience (UX) principles to optimize course navigation, clarity, and engagement. This involves assessing the intuitiveness of content layout, ease of interaction, and overall satisfaction of learners to create an inclusive and user-friendly environment for diverse student needs.
• Remediate instructional materials to ensure they adhere to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
• Advise faculty on strategies for applying universal design principles to create inclusive learning experiences.
• Build courses within the D2L Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS).
• Original Content Creation Support Leverage media development tools such as but not limited to, Articulate Rise, Storyline, Vyond Go, Colossyan, G-Suite, MS Office, etc, to collaborate with Subject Matter Experts to create original instructional content to be used in course delivery.
• Faculty Support and Training Provide technical support and training to faculty and students on the use of LMS features, course tools, and multimedia resources.
• Provide professional development and consultation to faculty members on instructional design strategies, technology integration, and effective teaching practices in online learning international environments.
• Facilitate completion of UMass Global Developer Certification Course (DCC) for faculty developers.
• Work with school leadership (as assigned) to ensure that what is developed and delivered in the way of training and workshops is meaningful for instructors and students.
• Systematic Reviews Conduct systematic quality assurance reviews of courses using a set standard of requirements to evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of course content, learning activities, assessments, and overall user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. This includes assessing how intuitive and accessible the course layout is, as well as how effectively the design supports student engagement and learning outcomes.
• Special Projects Assist with other university-wide initiatives as assigned.

Benefits

• Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with spending account options.
• Work-Life Balance: Remote options, flexible schedules, 1/2 day Fridays (biweekly), generous time off, including paid holidays and a paid winter break.
• Financial Security: Life, disability, accident, legal, identity protection, and student debt support.
• Retirement: 403(b) plan with a Roth option. 3% non-elective contribution and up to 6% match for a 9% total employer contribution!
• Education: Tuition discounts for employees and family and Tuition Exchange program with other universities. PSLF eligible employer.
• Wellness: Counseling services, Free Calm Health subscription and year-round wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

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