Quality Assurance Learning Experience Designer

Covista•Columbia, MD

3d•$61,721 - $108,335•Hybrid

About The Position

The Quality Assurance (QA) & Learning Experience Designer leads the design, review, validation, and continuous improvement of digital learning products, including academic programs, online and hybrid courses, micro-credentials, and competency-based offerings. This role integrates instructional design expertise with rigorous quality assurance processes to ensure learning products meet academic, regulatory, accessibility, and institutional excellence standards. The position serves as a cross-functional partner to academic leaders, subject matter experts (SMEs), product teams, marketing stakeholders, and third-party vendors to ensure all learning assets are pedagogically sound, technically functional, accessible, and aligned to defined competencies and business objectives.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Curriculum Development, or related field.
5+ years of experience in online learning design and development.
Demonstrated experience in structured quality assurance reviews for digital learning products.
Strong copy-editing and content review skills.
Experience applying rubrics, QA checklists, and competency-based models.
Working knowledge of ADA compliance standards and WCAG accessibility guidelines.
Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS).
Strong understanding of adult learning theory, instructional design frameworks, and curriculum mapping.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

PhD in related field.
Experience in higher education or workforce-aligned credential programs.
Experience managing cross-functional or vendor-based development projects.
Familiarity with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements.
Experience with tools such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Rise, or similar.
Certification in Quality Matters (QM), accessibility, or change management a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive QA reviews across all development phases, including: Copy-editing and editorial accuracy reviews
Functional reviews within LMS/LCMS environments
Content alignment and instructional integrity reviews
ADA and accessibility compliance checks
Develop and apply structured QA rubrics, checklists, and review protocols to ensure consistency and scalability.
Ensure alignment between course learning outcomes, program outcomes, assessments, and competency frameworks.
Validate content for accuracy, clarity, inclusivity, accessibility, and alignment with adult learning principles.
Monitor adherence to institutional, accreditation, and regulatory standards.
Design and review learning experiences for multiple modalities, including: Fully online and hybrid courses
Competency-based education (CBE) programs
Self-paced and micro-learning formats
Stackable credentials and workforce-aligned offerings
Apply adult learning theory, andragogy, backward design, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and evidence-based instructional models.
Ensure instructional materials integrate multimedia (text, graphics, video, interactive elements) in ways that enhance engagement and mastery.
Collaborate with SMEs to storyboard, prototype, and refine course materials.
Evaluate and select instructional technologies to enhance learner outcomes.
Ensure all digital learning content aligns with ADA standards and WCAG accessibility guidelines.
Conduct accessibility audits on course materials, multimedia assets, and assessments.
Provide remediation guidance for inaccessible content.
Advocate for inclusive design practices that support diverse learners.
Support organizational adoption of QA frameworks and standardized review processes.
Lead change management efforts related to new development workflows, QA standards, and technology implementation.
Train and onboard SMEs, vendors, and internal stakeholders on quality expectations and review processes.
Identify workflow inefficiencies and implement continuous improvement strategies.
Establish governance structures to support scalable QA practices across portfolios.
Serve as the quality liaison across internal teams, academic partners, and third-party vendors.
Evaluate vendor and contractor deliverables to ensure compliance with design, accessibility, and academic standards.
Facilitate design and review meetings to incorporate feedback and maintain alignment.
Manage competing timelines while ensuring quality benchmarks are met.
Develop and manage project plans that align milestones with QA checkpoints.
Ensure deliverables meet timeline, scope, budget, and quality expectations.
Track review findings and implement corrective actions.
Maintain documentation of review outcomes, version control, and audit trails.