Instructional Designer

$62,300 - $93,500/Yr

Western Governors University - Salt Lake City, UT

Full-time - Mid Level

Salt Lake City, UT

Educational Services

About the position

As an Instructional Designer at Western Governors University (WGU), you will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experiences of students through the development of innovative and effective online courses. Your primary responsibility will be to manage the course development process for both new and existing courses, ensuring that all academic and quality standards are met in alignment with WGU's mission to expand access to higher education. You will collaborate closely with curriculum program managers during the program review and development process, contributing to the creation of contextually rich, engaging, and objective-driven courses that emphasize applicable real-world skills. In this role, you will apply evidence-based curriculum development strategies to design degree programs that meet the needs of adult learners. You will identify and map learning resources to course objectives and competencies, working in partnership with university stakeholders to ensure that all materials are relevant and effective. Your expertise will be crucial in developing and revising curricular materials, including competency statements and learning objectives, while also reviewing assessments to ensure alignment with intended outcomes. You will be responsible for ensuring that course development is completed on time and within budget, while maintaining high standards of quality. Conducting quality assurance reviews on courses and implementing necessary revisions will be part of your duties, along with performing other related tasks as assigned. This position requires a thorough understanding of instructional design principles, project management, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Manages the course development process for new and existing courses.
• Ensures academic and quality standards as well as WGU's vision and mission are reflected in all aspects of the student experience.
• Consults with curriculum program managers during the program review and development process.
• Assists in the development of contextually rich, engaging, and objective-driven courses that focus on applicable real-world/workplace skills.
• Applies evidence-based curriculum development strategies to the design of degree programs.
• Identifies learning resources and maps learning resources to course or program objectives and competencies in collaboration with university partners.
• Develops and revises curricular materials, including competency statements, learning objectives, and other relevant documentation.
• Reviews learning resources and assessments to ensure proper alignment to the intended objectives and facilitates agreement for necessary changes.
• Ensures course development is completed on time and within budget and meets standards of quality.
• Conducts quality assurance reviews on courses and implements revisions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master's degree in instructional design, educational technology, or a related field of study, or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Three or more years of online university course design experience, curriculum development, and adult learning.
• Experience in online learning technologies and pedagogies.
• Thorough understanding of curriculum development, instructional design, and test development.
• Thorough understanding of project management, needs assessment, and risk management.
• Advanced technical writing and editing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at different stages while meeting deadlines and quality standards.
• Ability to work independently, under minimal supervision.
• Advanced critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis skills.
• Advanced skills in planning, organizing, and self-management.
• Ability to facilitate collaboration, support, and approval from a variety of stakeholders.

Nice-to-haves

• WGU Program Development Experience
• AI Prompt Engineering

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Telehealth and mental healthcare
• Health savings account and flexible spending account
• Basic and voluntary life insurance
• Disability coverage
• Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages
• Legal and identity theft coverage
• Retirement savings plan
• Wellbeing program
• Discounted WGU tuition
• Flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual
• Flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual
• 11 paid holidays
• Other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave