LX Designer

San Diego State University Research Foundation • San Diego, CA

15h • $5,910 - $6,460 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place on March 16, 2026
The starting salary range for this position is $5910.00 - $6460.00 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable
FUNCTION OF THE UNIT
Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of San Diego State University School of Social Work, was established in 1996 with the goal of revolutionizing the way people work to ensure the world is a healthier place. Our services integrate culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practices into our daily work to promote healing and healthy relationships. Providing approximately 50,000 learning experiences to health and human service and justice system professionals annually, the Academy provides a variety of workforce development solutions in Southern California and beyond. With seven programs, three divisions and over 100 staff, the Academy’s mission is to provide exceptional learning and development experiences for the transformation of individuals, organizations, and communities.
As a member of the Academy team you will be engaging in communal development of heart, mind, and practice. You are expected to foster culturally responsive practice behaviors to promote well-being and a culture that focuses on healing, healthy relationships and changed behaviors.
The Learning Experience Designer position is housed in the Strategy, Development, & Organizational Advancement Division (30 employees) within the Learning and Brand Development Unit (15 employees) which is responsible for strategic development of learning, products, and practices that strengthen our organizational culture, brand identity, and ability to fulfill our promise. Specifically, the position will be part of the Learning Experience Design Team (7 employees). The overall Division nurtures organizational health and facilitates innovation by building responsive and proactive evaluation, strategy, and system solutions grounded in data, best practice, and collaborative partnerships.
Responsibilities
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
Under the general direction of the Learning Experience (LX) Design Supervisor, the LX Designer is responsible for designing and developing asynchronous learning products that effectively serve intended audiences. This role integrates heart, mind, and practice to foster holistic learning experiences.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
This is a 40-hour-a-week hybrid with remote flexibility position, typically working M-F from 8:00 to 4:30 p.m. and is based on contract funding subject to annual renewal. The position may be subject to intermittent overnight travel and work shifts outside of normal business hours, including weekends and evenings if needed.
This position requires that you reside within California throughout the duration of your employment and live within a commutable distance from the worksite your work supports. Positions are typically assigned to either our Riverside or San Diego office for any on-site work.
Note: some duties may include working with and/or exposure to sensitive/traumatic topics or material dealing with child abuse, abuse against older adults and adults with disabilities, and/or issues and scenarios related to mental health, substance use, or racism.
The Academy is a project of the San Diego State University Research Foundation, which is grant-funded and serves as an auxiliary to the University. The Academy is based near, but not on campus, and does not have direct responsibilities for working with or teaching college students.
The Academy is currently going through a reclassification process. If this position’s classification changes during this process, it would not change the role, responsibilities, or compensation of the position.

Requirements

• Extensive technical proficiency with eLearning authoring tools (Articulate 360: Storyline and Rise) and Microsoft and Google solutions (PowerPoint/Slides, Word/Doc, etc.).
• Comprehensive understanding of adult learning theories and universal design principles.
• Excellent ability to consult on curriculum outcomes, learning objectives, and assessment strategies for adult learners.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including instructional writing clarity, strong English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated proficiency in project management skills including planning and executing technical, relational, and operational project activities within the LXD team and across Academy teams.
• In-depth understanding of culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practices.
• In-depth knowledge of accessibility standards and mobile learning solutions.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills (verbal, written, and visual design) that are responsive to diverse engagement styles.
• Ability to demonstrate cultural responsiveness, including listening skills and emotional intelligence.
• Strong ability to produce and refine audiovisual assets, recording and editing voiceover, cutting video, and integrating sound design to support clear, learner-centered storytelling.
• Strong ability to provide and receive constructive, collaborative feedback to ensure high-quality products.
• Strong ability to prioritize competing requests and handle interruptions well.
• Skilled at collecting, interpreting, and translating data and nuanced information.
• Strong ability to create and deliver high-level communication assets that translate complex information into digestible, easy-to-follow information.
• Proven ability to effectively handle interpersonal interactions at all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to interact effectively with staff, service providers, partners, and potential customers.
• Ability to assess problems, identify solutions, and engage in collaborative problem-solving in nuanced, cross-functional settings.
• Ability to adapt to new and emerging technologies.
• Understanding of SCORM and Learning Management Systems (LMS) functionalities.
• Understanding of technical metadata details (codecs, containers, resolution, framerate, file formats).
• Ability to initiate, manage tasks, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to apply sound judgment, discretion, and initiative to identify and resolve problems.
• Ability to understand and follow work rules, protocols, and procedures.
• Demonstrated motivation, strong work ethic, and professional accountability.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, educational technology, communications, or related field or similar certified coursework in applicable field of study.
• Two-years of progressively responsible work experience.
• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).

Responsibilities

• Digital Learning Product Design and Content Development
• Media Production and Technical Delivery
• Quality Assurance and Accessibility
• Manage all phases of eLearning project deliverables, including timeline management, coordination of storyboard review cycles, compilation and integration of internal and external partner feedback, assigning of project responsibilities, and ensuring timely, successful project completion.
• Engage partners and UX Designers throughout the project lifecycle to clarify learning objectives, product goals, and timelines; adjust timelines as needed.
• Consult and present strategic concepts and creative recommendations to partners.
• Research new learning development tools, updated software features, and trending technologies that improve design processes and drive innovation.
• Improve, experiment, problem-solve, and test new educational technology tools to engage intended Academy audiences.
• Create detailed documentation that addresses technical challenges and supports effective knowledge sharing across the team.
• Present and demonstrate research findings, solutions, and prototypes to teammates and in consultation with program leads and potential business partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned which are in the best interests of the Academy for Professional Excellence.
• Travel to off-site locations for Academy and Program meetings (primarily in Riverside and San Diego).

Benefits

• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.

What This Job Offers

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