Instructional Designer

Position Title:

Instructional Designer (Learning Design Center)

Position Type:
Administrator, Information Technology Services;
Status:
Full-time temporary

Location:

San Diego

Posting #: 5462

This is a full-time temporary, benefit-based position with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026. The appointment is renewable at the discretion of the University and dependent upon performance and continued funding.

The Instructional Designer () is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of online courses for the University of San Diego. The  and collaborates with faculty, SMEs, and other stakeholders to create high quality, academically rigorous, engaging online courses across various disciplines. The  expertise in Universal Design for Learning, adult learning theory, and online pedagogy to develop curriculum aligned with USD’s standards of quality.

The  conducts thorough reviews of academic courses and provides evidence-based recommendations in consultation with academic leads.

• Leads curriculum and instructional design efforts for new programs and course revisions in collaboration with faculty and SMEs.
• Proactively consults with SMEs on program, course, and module level alignment, providing best practices based on USD and industry standards.
• Effectively designs course layout, learning activities, and assessments and implements them in the LMS.
• Creates design documents (e.g., course outlines, storyboards, design mock‑ups) to guide the course development process.
• Ensures clarity, organization, accuracy, style, logical flow, and quality of all course content.
• Reviews curriculum and makes recommendations based on USD and industry quality assessment standards (e.g., Quality Matters).
• Authors original content and modifies existing materials in coordination with SMEs and other stakeholders.
• Monitors production schedule and coordinates collection of learning materials.
• Conducts team quality assurance reviews and projects.
• Provides training or mentoring to online instructors.
• Advises faculty on best practices in instructional design, online pedagogy, Backward Design, adult learning theory, UDL, accessibility standards, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Quality Matters certified (preferred)

Successful completion of a pre‑employment background check.

Persons offered employment will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification.

• Master’s Degree in educational technology, instructional design or related area required (or Bachelor’s degree with 2 additional years of experience).
• Three or more years of experience as an instructional designer in higher education.
• Experience designing, developing, implementing, and revising online courses.
• Experience consulting on adult learning theory, online pedagogy, Universal Design for Learning, and/or Backward Design.
• Technology skills: LMS (Blackboard), synchronous tools (Zoom, BB Collaborate), eLearning tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Articulate Storyline), HTML, audio/video editing.
• Strong academic-level writing and editing skills.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills across formats.

• Thorough knowledge of online educational programs and learning trends.
• Analytical skills to conduct needs assessment and develop recommendations.
• Verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation communication skills.
• Skills in using business software systems (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Proof‑reading and attention to detail.
• Technology skills: LMS, synchronous tools, rapid eLearning.

$5,858.67 – 6,666.67 per month.

The University of San Diego offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, and access to on‑campus fitness centers.

The salary range reflects expected pay; actual compensation depends on experience.

Resume and cover letter required. Upload both to your application profile.

37.5 hours per week.

February 10, 2026

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available diego.edu/safety/documents/. Contact clery for a paper copy.