Instructional Designer

American University•Washington, DC

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Instructional Designer for The Kogod School of Business will serve as an AI integration specialist, leading the adoption and application of artificial intelligence tools and approaches in the design and delivery of courses for residential and graduate online programs on approximately a 50/50 basis. This role centers on leveraging AI-driven technologies and data insights to create engaging, adaptive, and personalized learning experiences across traditional, online, and hybrid formats. The Instructional Designer collaborates closely with graduate assistants, staff members, and faculty to identify, recommend, and implement innovative AI solutions that optimize pedagogical effectiveness and student outcomes. Expertise in instructional theory, educational technology, and faculty communication is required to ensure the successful integration of AI-powered methodologies within sound instructional frameworks and evolving learning environments.

Requirements

Bachelors or Graduate Degree in Learning Design, Instructional Systems, Educational Psychology OR a related training field that included at least 12 semester hours of course work in the following areas: 1) Instructional design practices: Study of the principles and techniques used in designing training programs, developing design strategy and models, and applying design methods to the improvement of instructional effectiveness. 2) Instructional product development: Study of the techniques appropriate for developing training materials, including identifying learner characteristics, specifying objectives, applying training strategy, validating training materials, and evaluating training.
2 - 4 years of relevant experience.
Working knowledge of instructional design, course development, and technology associated with creating online and blended learning solutions, including experience with artificial intelligence tools that enhance instructional workflows and learner engagement.
Demonstrated through at least 2 years of experience executing the full life cycle of the instructional systems design (ISD) process including developing linear and non-linear technology-based storyboards for programmers and web developers, including graphics concepts, audio scripts, user interactions, navigation, and other related elements.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or equivalent.
Program of study in Learning Design, Instructional Systems, Educational Psychology or closely related field.
3 - 5 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated through at least 2 years of experience executing the full life cycle of the instructional systems design (ISD) process including developing linear and non-linear technology-based storyboards for programmers and web developers, including graphics concepts, audio scripts, user interactions, navigation, and other related elements.
Experience developing instructional content in compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards.
Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS and visual design skills (Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat); visualizing instructional graphics, the user interface, and final deliverables.
Skill in using software for curriculum development including word processing, presentation tools and learning technologies (e.g., Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Connect Pro, Photoshop, Articulate, and Captivate).
Strong technical writing and storyboarding abilities, including the creation of effective instructional text, audio scripts, and video narratives.
Highly effective verbal and written communication skills, adaptable to diverse audiences and instructional contexts.
Proven ability to build relationships and trust, fostering collaboration with faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
Familiarity with artificial intelligence tools and their application in instructional design, including identifying appropriate use cases and supporting faculty in integrating AI into course delivery.

Responsibilities

Support the design, development, and revision of online and hybrid courses, including new course creation and updates ranging from minor adjustments to major redesigns.
Collaborate with faculty to ensure that assignments, activities, and assessments align with their course objectives and promote meaningful learning.
Provide guidance in reviewing, editing, and reorganizing course content, while identifying opportunities to incorporate multimedia elements that enhance engagement.
Additionally, assist and advise faculty in thoughtfully integrating artificial intelligence tools and strategies into their courses, ensuring alignment with instructional goals and fostering innovation in teaching and learning.
Perform course updates in AU’s Learning Management System (Canvas), supporting the setup, maintenance, organization, and revision of course-related content.
Proactively identify upcoming courses for the next semester and reach out to assigned faculty to offer timely assistance in preparing their courses for launch.
Collaborate with faculty to explore and implement artificial intelligence tools in the redesign of assignments and assessments, thereby enhancing instructional effectiveness and learning outcomes.
Support and conduct the course readiness meetings with faculty before delivery of an online and/or hybrid course. The meeting serves as a readiness checklist to coordinate the many online moving components to ensure all parties are aligned before delivery.
Assist new adjunct faculty in becoming familiar with course setup in Canvas, including navigation, content organization, and instructional tools.
Share Kogod’s standardized syllabus and KSB course template to ensure consistency across all courses and provide ongoing support throughout the semester to address instructional needs and promote a smooth teaching experience.
Assist the Online Le, ensuring that learning outcomes are translated and aligned with appropriate coursework and assessments.
Contribute to the development of syllabi, assessment options, and course evaluation methods providing feedback throughout the online course development process.
Leverage artificial intelligence tools to support course design and maintenance—such as generating outlines, assessments, and multimedia content; personalizing learning paths; enhancing accessibility; and analyzing performance data to improve instructional effectiveness and learning outcomes.
Stay informed on emerging research, trends, and innovations in pedagogy, educational technologies, and artificial intelligence as they relate to online and hybrid course design. This includes actively engaging with scholarly articles, professional development opportunities, seminars, and conferences.
Apply this knowledge — particularly in the context of Artificial Intelligence driven tools, analytic methods, and adaptive learning systems — to recommend and collaborate with faculty and course authors in adopting and implementing effective, current strategies and technologies.
Ensure instructional approaches remain pedagogically sound, technologically and AI-relevant, and responsive to evolving online and hybrid learning environments.
Provide faculty training on using HyFlex equipment in the classroom and develop targeted resources to support effective engagement with both in-person and remote learners.
Provide consultation to faculty in the sequencing of educational elements, selection of media, pedagogical strategies, and other components for active and collaborative educational events.
Ensures that the educational events meet learning objectives and are appropriate for the intended audience.