Online Learning Experience Designer (HR Title: Instructional Designer II)

Southern Methodist University - Dallas, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Dallas, TX

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Online Learning Experience Designer (HR Title: Instructional Designer II) at Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a full-time, on-campus position focused on creating and enhancing online learning experiences for students. This role involves collaborating closely with faculty to design, develop, and teach media-rich, highly interactive online courses that prioritize student engagement and authentic learning experiences. The Designer will be responsible for producing instructional and supplementary materials for online programs, as well as training and supporting faculty in the technical and pedagogical skills necessary for delivering high-quality online content. In this position, the Designer will work with academic leadership and faculty to implement innovative online learning techniques, ensuring that courses meet defined learning objectives. Regular coordination with course production project managers is essential to track progress and ensure deadlines are met. The Designer will also assist faculty in developing assessment tools and strategies that align with course objectives, and will manage requests for media production, including video and graphic content. The role requires a commitment to maintaining course quality and accessibility in accordance with institutional standards. The Designer will stay informed about instructional design trends and technologies, contributing to the continuous improvement of online learning at SMU. This position is integral to the Lyle School of Engineering's mission to lead in digital transformation within engineering education, ensuring that students graduate as confident leaders equipped for the future.

Responsibilities

• Work with faculty to create new courses and revise existing courses for online delivery.
• Design and implement innovative online learning techniques in collaboration with academic leadership and faculty.
• Coordinate efforts and report progress to course production project managers and other leadership.
• Advise, train, and support faculty on tools, media, and instructional strategies to achieve course learning objectives.
• Assist faculty in developing assessment tools and strategies aligned with course learning objectives.
• Submit and coordinate media/video/audio/graphic requests with course production project managers and the online course production team.
• Coordinate activities with faculty throughout the course development life-cycle to ensure deadlines are met.
• Perform technology-based duties such as assisting faculty in building development courses.
• Develop proficiency in SMU instructional technologies as needed for course production.
• Conduct regular course content quality and accessibility checks according to institutional requirements.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree is required; a degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or related fields is preferred.
• A minimum of three years of professional work experience is required, with two years in an academic or training environment focused on online course content development.
• Experience in project management is required.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze and devise solutions.
• Organizational, planning, and time management skills, with the ability to work independently.
• Familiarity with instructional design principles, adult learning theories, and learning outcome assessment techniques.
• Working knowledge of learning management systems (e.g., Canvas) and instructional technologies.
• Proficiency in using audio and video technologies, including video cameras and streaming software.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with modern quality rubrics such as Quality Matters.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Camtasia, SnagIt, and non-linear video editing software.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Access to wellness programs
• Tuition benefits for professional and personal development opportunities
• Retirement programs that benefit employees throughout their working years and into retirement.