Instructional Designer

Details•San Diego, CA

17d

About The Position

This is a full-time temporary, benefit-based position with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026. The appointment is renewable at the discretion of the University and dependent upon performance and continued funding. The Instructional Designer (ID) is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of online courses for University of San Diego. The Instructional Design will consult and collaborate with faculty, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and other key stakeholders (internal and external) to create high quality, academically rigorous, and engaging online courses across various disciplines. ID’s will utilize expertise in Universal Design for Learning, adult learning theory, and online pedagogy to development curriculum for course and program level alignment with adherence to USD’s standards of quality. In addition, ID’s will be responsible for conducting thorough reviews of academic courses and providing evidence-based recommendations in consultation with academic leads. ID’s should demonstrate good judgment in selecting methods, technologies and standards of practice for designing meaningful learning experiences (i.e. lectures, interactions/activates, assessments, etc. Utilizes an iterative process in the program and course development cycle in collaboration with Instructional Technologist.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in educational technology, instructional design or related area required. (Substitution: Bachelor’s degree with 2 additional years’ experience in Instructional Design; Instructional Design portfolio preferred)
Three or more years of demonstrated work experience as an instructional designer in a higher education or related institution/environment required.
Demonstrated experience in designing, developing, implementing, and revising for credit online courses and course materials in a higher education environment.
Demonstrated experience consulting on adult learning theory, online pedagogy, Universal Design for Learning and/or Backward Design.
Demonstrated technology skills (LMS- Blackboard, Synchronous learning tools – Zoom/Bb Collaborate, Rapid eLearning Tools- Adobe Creative Suite, Articulate Storyline and graphical layout, digital audio and video, HTML coding and editing, etc.) required.
Strong command of academic-level writing. With experience editing and writing clear, engaging, and compelling content in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences required.
The ability to organize and manage multiple concurrent projects.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate and communicate effectively through various formats/modalities (e.g. email, in person, video conferencing, etc.)
Thorough knowledge of and skill in delivering online educational programs
Knowledge of instructional design pedagogy (i.e. adult learning theory, universal design for learning, backwards design, etc.)
Thorough knowledge of design best practices for multiple online modalities, (synchronous/asynchronous, online, hybrid, etc.)
Thorough knowledge of current higher educational programs and online learning trends.
Thorough analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.
Thorough and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills and presentation skills.
Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
Thorough knowledge of appropriate editorial style and publication guidelines.
Thorough skills to write clear, lively, engaging and compelling copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences and/or the broader public, while ensuring adherence to the campus message.
Thorough skills to conduct needs assessment and development of new presentations/courses to meet organizational needs.
Skill in using business software systems in the completion of work assignments; i.e. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint.
Thorough attention to detail, project management and organizational skills.
Demonstrated technology skills (LMS, Synchronous learning tools, Rapid eLearning

Nice To Haves

Quality Matters certified (preferred)

Responsibilities

Leads curriculum and instructional design efforts for new programs and course revisions in collaboration with faculty and SMEs.
Proactively consults with SME’s on program, course and module level alignment, providing best practices based on USD and industry standards.
Effectively designs course layout, learning activities, and assessments and implements them in the learning management system.
Creates design documents (e.g., course outlines, storyboards, design mock ups, etc.) to guide the course development process.
Ensures clarity, organization, accuracy, style, logical flow, and quality of all course content.
Reviews curriculum based on review and analysis of student/faculty/internal/external feedback and quality assessment standards.
Provides recommendations based on USD and industry quality assessment standards (e.g. Quality Matters)
Authors original content and modifies existing materials in coordination with SMEs and other stakeholders.
Project management for program and course development.
Monitors and prompts action to maintain the production schedule for all development projects.
Coordinates the collection of lecture, text, graphics, and other learning materials with key stakeholders.
Conducts team quality assurance reviews and projects.
Provides training or mentoring to online instructors.
Advises faculty SMEs and other stakeholders on best practices in instructional design, online pedagogy, Backward Design, adult learning theory, UDL, accessibility standards, etc.
Other duties as assigned.