Instructional Designer, NNERPP

$75,000 - $78,500/Yr

Rice University - Houston, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Houston, TX

Educational Services

About the position

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research (KIUR) at Rice University is seeking a full-time Instructional Designer to support the National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships (NNERPP). This role is integral to the development of professional learning materials and content that will enhance the capabilities of education research-practice partnerships across the United States. NNERPP, established in 2016, currently comprises over 55 member partnerships that represent a diverse array of research topics and collaboration models. The Instructional Designer will work closely with program directors, staff, and members to identify learning needs and create engaging educational content that meets those needs. In this position, the Instructional Designer will apply instructional design theories and methods, utilizing multimedia tools to enhance the learning experience. Responsibilities include conducting research on instructional best practices, maintaining project documentation, and collaborating with subject matter experts to ensure the materials developed are effective and relevant. The role is hybrid, allowing for both in-office and remote work, which provides flexibility while supporting collaboration among team members. The work schedule is structured as a 3/2 model within Harris County and surrounding areas, and the position is full-time and benefits-eligible, with a salary range of $75,000 to $78,500 based on qualifications and experience. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree and at least three years of experience in instructional design or curriculum development. They should have excellent communication and organizational skills, a strong understanding of instructional design models, and proficiency in various educational technologies. The Instructional Designer will be responsible for creating engaging learning materials, visualizing instructional graphics, and conducting instructional research to ensure that the content developed meets the needs of the target audience. This role is crucial in helping to transform the education research, practice, and policy spaces by providing high-quality professional learning resources.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging learning materials and compelling course content that enhances retention and transfer.
• Work with leadership, membership, and subject matter experts to identify the target audience's professional learning needs.
• Identify instructional end goals and create content that matches them.
• Visualize instructional graphics, the user interface, and the finished product.
• Create and distribute visual, audio, and interactive learning tools.
• Conduct instructional research and analysis on learners and contexts.
• Apply tested instructional design theories, practices, and methods.
• Create supporting material/media (audio, video, simulations, etc.) as needed.
• Maintain project documentation and content folders.
• Implement, evaluate, and redesign existing content to ensure it matches the learner's current needs.
• Revisit and assess learning objectives.
• Identify strategies for production, post-production, and delivery of resources, tools, and equipment necessary for the development of learning materials and experiences.
• Assist with website design and maintenance as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in a relevant field.
• 3+ years of experience in instructional design, curriculum development, or related fields.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize work assignments with a sustained heavy workload.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Demonstrated project management capabilities using established project planning tools and software.
• Proven working experience in instructional design and with instructional technology.
• In-depth understanding of instructional design models and learning theories.
• Ability to navigate learning management systems.
• Proficiency in course development software and current educational technologies, software, and learning platforms.
• Visual design skills (Canva, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator, or similar) and ability to storyboard.
• Ability to write effective copy, instructional text, audio scripts/video scripts.
• Ability to work independently to identify and address problems and issues.

Nice-to-haves

• Basic knowledge of WordPress.
• Prior experience with research-practice partnerships.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee discount programs
• Wellness programs