Instructional Designer

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Instructional Designer

Department: Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Work Location: Remote

Reports To: Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL)

FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt 

Salary: $85,000/annual

Position Summary

The Instructional Designer is a member of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) and works collaboratively with faculty, academic leaders, and instructional design colleagues to create exceptional online and hybrid learning experiences. Reporting to the Director of CETL, this position is part of a five-member instructional design team dedicated to advancing teaching excellence, student success, and innovation in learning.

The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in higher education instructional design and a deep understanding of evidence-based online learning practices. This role requires expertise in designing, developing, and continuously improving courses that align with Quality Matters (QM) standards, accessibility requirements (WCAG), adult learning theory, multimedia learning principles, and institutional quality standards.

A significant portion of the role involves partnering directly with faculty through individualized course design consultations. The Instructional Designer serves as a trusted thought partner and consultant, helping faculty with varying levels of technical proficiency design engaging, accessible, and effective learning experiences.

In addition to course development, the Instructional Designer leads and supports faculty development initiatives, including workshops, learning communities, training programs, and special projects that advance the institution's teaching and learning mission.

What You'll Do

Course Design and Faculty Partnership

•Collaborate directly with faculty in one-on-one consultations to design, develop, and enhance online and hybrid courses.

•Apply research-based instructional design methodologies and online learning best practices to create engaging, accessible, and learner-centered experiences.

•Develop instructional materials, multimedia resources, learning activities, and assessments that support meaningful student learning and achievement. 

Guide faculty through course redesign and continuous improvement processes while balancing pedagogical goals, technology capabilities, and learner needs.

Canvas LMS Leadership

•Serve as an advanced Canvas LMS practitioner and consultant.

•Design and build course structures, modules, assessments, rubrics, outcomes, and learning pathways within Canvas.

•Support faculty in effectively leveraging Canvas tools and integrations to enhance teaching and learning.

•Troubleshoot and recommend solutions for instructional and technical challenges within the LMS environment.

Learning Assessment and Continuous Improvement

•Partner with faculty and academic programs to align learning outcomes, assessments, and instructional activities.

•Support the assessment and measurement of student learning outcomes within Canvas.

•Utilize course and program data to inform continuous improvement efforts and accreditation-related initiatives.

•Contribute expertise in learning analytics, outcomes assessment, and evidence-based evaluation practices.

Faculty Development and Strategic Projects

•Design and facilitate faculty development opportunities, including workshops, learning communities, training programs, and consultations.

•Create web-based resources, guides, tutorials, and other instructional content that support faculty growth and teaching effectiveness.

•Lead and contribute to institutional projects related to online learning, instructional innovation, educational technology, and teaching excellence.

•Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies and instructional practices that enhance learning and engagement.

The strongest candidates will bring:

•Significant experience in instructional design within higher education.

•Demonstrated success partnering directly with faculty on course design, course redesign, and online learning initiatives.

•Advanced expertise in Canvas LMS, including course development, outcomes assessment, and instructional technology integration.

•Deep knowledge of Quality Matters (QM), WCAG accessibility standards, adult learning theory, and evidence-based online teaching practices.

•Experience assessing student learning outcomes and using assessment data to improve course quality and student success. 

•Exceptional consultation, communication, and relationship-building skills.

•The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while adapting to changing priorities and institutional needs.

•Strong judgment, professionalism, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

•A commitment to collaboration, service, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications:

•Experience working in a Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) or similar faculty development unit.

•Experience designing and facilitating faculty workshops, learning communities, and professional development programs.

•Experience supporting accreditation, program assessment, or institutional effectiveness initiatives.

•Familiarity with learning analytics and data-informed approaches to teaching and learning improvement.

Application Procedures: 

NDNU is committed to providing an educational environment that supports a diverse student population. In your cover letter, please include information about your experiences in working in a diverse environment, and what qualities you would bring to supporting this commitment to inclusive excellence at NDNU. 

EEOC Policy:

The University is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and in the application of its personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, employment decisions will be made irrespective of the staff member's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the University will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, if the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform all essential functions of the position and if it will be done without undue hardship to the University.