Instructional Designer (Non-Credit)

$51,000 - $74,000/Yr

Pennsylvania State University - State College, PA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - State College, PA

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

Penn State's World Campus is seeking an Instructional Designer who will play a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience for our diverse population of distant students, faculty, and staff. This position involves collaborating with various staff and faculty across multiple World Campus units to design and develop engaging non-credit and professional development courses. The Instructional Designer will specifically support internal initiatives aimed at improving the student experience and online teaching methodologies. Reporting to the Assistant Director of World Campus Online Faculty Development, the successful candidate will be responsible for applying pedagogical principles and leveraging existing and emerging educational technologies to engage learners effectively. The role requires a solid understanding of instructional issues related to online teaching and learning, as well as teaching experience in academic or non-credit settings. The Instructional Designer will demonstrate best practices in online teaching and learning, effectively communicate with stakeholders about various pedagogical techniques, and maintain high course design standards. The ability to work independently while managing multiple projects and ensuring timely completion is essential. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to conduct research on learning theory and pedagogy to continuously improve course content and foster a climate of belonging in online learning environments. This position offers the flexibility to be performed fully remote or as a hybrid of remote and on-site work, with standard working hours aligned with the eastern time zone. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all its forms, fostering a culture that supports broad and specific diversity initiatives. The salary range for this position is between $51,000.00 and $74,000.00, depending on qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with staff and faculty to design and develop engaging non-credit and professional development courses.
• Support internal initiatives focused on improving the student experience and online teaching.
• Apply pedagogical principles and educational technologies to enhance learner engagement.
• Maintain course design standards and continuously improve course content.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders about pedagogical techniques and principles.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and high quality.
• Conduct research on learning theory and pedagogy to inform course revisions.
• Foster a climate of belonging in online learning and course design.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• One year of related experience in instructional design or a similar role.
• Solid understanding of pedagogical principles and learning theory.
• Experience in teaching in academic or non-credit settings.
• Demonstrated best practices in online teaching and learning.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Experience with Learning Management Systems, preferably Canvas.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience leading a portfolio of courses and making independent decisions to improve them.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements (fully remote or hybrid).
• Standard working hours in the eastern time zone.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.