Instructional Designer

The Instructional Designer is a full-time professional position reporting to the Instructional Design Manager. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and enhancing high-quality online, blended, and web-enhanced learning experiences. Working closely with faculty and subject matter experts (SMEs), the Instructional Designer applies research-based learning theory, accessibility standards, and instructional best practices to ensure engaging and effective learning outcomes.

This position requires a deep understanding of instructional design principles, strong collaboration and communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Instructional Design and Development

• Designs instructional materials including course modules, multimedia content, and assessments.
• Ensures all course content aligns with accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG 2.2) and universal design for learning (UDL) principles.
• Applies institutional templates and design standards to maintain consistency and high-quality learning experiences.
• Supports the integration of learning technologies and tools into course designs.
• Serves as a liaison with internal and external partners regarding course design and development.

Faculty Collaboration & Course Design

• Collaborates with faculty and SMEs to design and develop engaging and pedagogically sound courses.
• Provides guidance on curriculum structure, learning outcomes, assessment strategies, and alignment with institutional standards.
• Facilitates working sessions and consultations to translate subject matter expertise into effective instructional content and activities.
• Recommends instructional methods, technologies, and tools to enhance student learning and course engagement.

Quality Assurance & Course Maintenance

• Reviews and revises course materials for clarity, alignment, consistency, and instructional effectiveness.
• Participates in internal course design reviews and implements feedback in collaboration with the instructional design team.
• Conducts usability testing and quality checks to ensure the learner experience meets institutional expectations.
• Assists with updates of course content, based on faculty input, data, and student feedback.

Project Support & Communication

• Manages course development timelines and deliverables in alignment with institutional production cycles.
• Communicates regularly with the Instructional Design Manager and cross-functional teams on project progress and needs.
• Supports faculty training initiatives by contributing to resources and delivering short training sessions as needed.

The job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, educational technology, curriculum & instruction, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience designing online courses in higher education or a comparable learning environment.
• Experience working directly with faculty, instructors, or SMEs to develop instructional materials.
• Familiarity with course development processes, LMS platforms, and digital learning tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in instructional design, learning experience design, or a related field.
• Experience applying Quality Matters standards or participating in formal course reviews.
• Familiarity with adult learning theory, competency-based education, or inclusive course design.
• Knowledge of learning analytics and data-informed design improvements.
• Experience with online, asynchronous centralized curriculum.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Solid knowledge of instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM), learning theory, and best practices in online education.
• Experience with Learning Management Systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, D2L).
• Familiarity with course authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Rise, Adobe Captivate, or similar).
• Familiarity with accessibility and compliance standards (e.g., WCAG 2.2, Quality Matters).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and technical staff.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Rate of Pay: $59,404 - $74,254

Compensation Type: Salary at 1.0 full-time Equivalence (FTE)

Grade: 8

Compensation Guidance:

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.  The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

The grade range for this position is $59,404 - $74,254. Each unit typically sets starting pay between the minimum and midpoint upon hire as reflected in the Rate of Pay field above.

Special Instructions to Applicant: The application window is anticipated to close on Thursday, July 30, 2026 (11:59 PM MST).

Career Stream and Level: PC2

Job Family: Instructional Design and Support

Job Function: Instructional and Assessment Services

Clery Language:

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office.

For more information regarding this position, please contact us at Talent@arizona.edu.

Originally posted on Himalayas