Instructional Designer

Job Duties:

The Instructional Designer (Assoc. or No prefix) will work in close collaboration with senior instructional design staff to assist with or support the design, development, and enhancement of instructional activities, programs, and curricula. The Instructional Designer works in close collaboration with various stakeholders to obtain content, apply learning theories and instructional design models, employ sound project management practices, and appropriately engage internal and external resources to meet learner and organizational needs.

The Instructional Designer is responsible for creating courses in the learning management system (LMS) and ensuring the content of those courses meets high quality standards. Title placement will be dependent on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of senior instructional design staff, meet with faculty members and/or subject matter experts to create and manage a curriculum development plan for online courses
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with constituents through face-to-face and remote interactions (e.g., emails, webinars, conference calls)
• Assist with the development of training materials and provide professional development to faculty regarding current research related to best practices for the development and teaching of online courses
• Assist with the selection, review, and integration of educational technologies to support pedagogical aims
• Provide training to faculty on the use of the learning management system and other associated educational technologies
• Coordinate with media staff on the creation of a media plan and associated content
• Assist with the identification and communication of opportunities to improve the learning experience for all students, especially those related to accessibility, and collaboratively work with faculty to carry out this work
• Aid faculty in locating and evaluating educational resources, and provide guidance on issues related to copyright and fair use guidelines
• Maintain a commitment to practitioner scholarship by keeping abreast of emerging theories and practices
• Perform other duties as requested

Department:

The Office of Online & Professional Learning Resources is committed to providing service and support to the Universities of Wisconsin Administration and all 13 UW universities in online and continuing education, teaching, learning, and workforce skills training and resources.

OPLR works in partnership with all 13 UW universities to develop and deliver online semester- and competency-based degrees and a broad array of credit and non-credit certificates, courses, and other credentials to help adult and professional learners achieve their academic and professional development goals and to develop the workforce of Wisconsin.

Compensation:

The Instructional Designer (official title: Teaching, Learning, and Technology Specialist I or II) is a full-time, salaried (exempt), academic staff position. Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within the range of $49,000 - $66,000 commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated knowledge of learning theory and instructional design models
• Experience working with learning management systems and related educational technologies
• Experience establishing professional relationships with stakeholders/clients to help meet their objectives while providing excellent customer service
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience applying project management strategies to meet project goals and deadlines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in instructional design, curriculum and instruction, educational technology, adult learning, continuing education, or a related field
• Knowledge of current learning/instructional design theories pertaining to online education
• Proficiency in the Canvas learning management system
• Proficiency in the use of basic programming related to online learning (e.g., HTML, XML, ActionScript, JAVA or JavaScript)
• Experience working collaboratively with other instructional designers
• Experience working in higher education on instructional design projects for others

Work Location

The business location is 780 Regent St., Madison, WI. Employees are expected to work in the office at least twice a month. However, depending on business needs, there may be occasions when additional in-office presence is requested. Flexible Work agreements are subject to change at any time.

Application Information:

To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials as soon as possible. Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through 11:59 pm, November 18, 2025. However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled.

Contact Information:

Questions may be addresses to: Kristina Williston, HR Generalist, at kristina.williston@wisconsin.edu