Higher Education Instructional Designer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of higher education, the focus on instructional designers has never been more acute.

As education continues to evolve, there is an increasing demand for innovative minds who can design, develop, and enhance our educational structures and systems.

Let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a higher education instructional designer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of instructional design in higher education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable higher education instructional designer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Higher Education Instructional Designer Duties and Responsibilities

Higher Education Instructional Designers work to create, modify, and optimize the educational materials and methods used by colleges and universities.

They blend a deep understanding of pedagogy and educational technology to improve student learning experiences.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with faculty and subject matter experts to identify target audience’s training needs
• Analyze learning needs and goals to design course content
• Create engaging learning activities and compelling course content that enhances retention and transfer
• Apply tested instructional design theories, practice and methods to provide exercises and activities that enhance the learning process
• Develop assessments to measure learner’s progress and mastery of the material
• Use multimedia technology and authoring tools to design, create and deliver educational content
• Revise, rewrite and restructure existing educational materials to meet new educational objectives or to update materials
• Stay up-to-date with latest technology, instructional design theories and learning management systems to ensure course materials are current and effective
• Provide faculty training and support for best practices in instructional design and use of learning management systems

 

Higher Education Instructional Designer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a motivated and creative Higher Education Instructional Designer to assist in the design and development of engaging and innovative learning experiences for our students.

The Instructional Designer will be responsible for creating effective online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses.

Our ideal candidate understands the unique challenges and opportunities of higher education and can employ a range of pedagogical strategies and technologies to create high-quality, engaging educational experiences.

 

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty to design and develop online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses.
• Apply instructional design theories, practice, and methods to create engaging and effective learning environments.
• Create course materials that cater to different learning styles and accessibility needs.
• Identify and implement emerging educational technologies that enhance the learning experience.
• Develop assessment tools and strategies to measure the effectiveness of instruction.
• Provide training and support to faculty on the use of instructional technology and best practices in instructional design.
• Assist in the development of instructional policies and procedures.
• Ensure all courses and materials comply with copyright, accessibility, and privacy laws and regulations.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an instructional designer, preferably in higher education.
• Strong knowledge of learning theories and instructional design models.
• Ability to design and implement a variety of assessment methods.
• Experience with Learning Management Systems (e.g., Blackboard, Canvas).
• Proficient in course development software (e.g., Articulate, Captivate).
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• MA degree in instructional design, educational technology, or similar relevant field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Higher Education Instructional Designer
• Work Environment: This role is based in an office setting on a college/university campus. Some remote work may be possible.
• Reporting Structure: This position reports to the Director of Instructional Design or similar.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Higher Education Instructional Designer Do?

Higher Education Instructional Designers work closely with faculty and other academic stakeholders in universities or colleges.

They are primarily responsible for creating engaging, innovative and effective learning experiences for students in higher education.

Their job involves understanding the learning objectives of the curriculum and designing learning materials to meet those objectives.

They create lesson plans, instructional materials and assessments that enhance student learning and engagement.

Instructional Designers often utilize digital technology and multimedia to design online or blended courses.

They help faculty integrate technology into their teaching and ensure the accessibility and usability of online course materials.

Furthermore, Instructional Designers constantly evaluate the effectiveness of the instructional methods and materials they design.

They collect and analyze data, and use the findings to make necessary revisions to improve student learning outcomes.

They also keep abreast of the latest trends and advancements in instructional design and educational technology, and introduce these new methods and tools into the curriculum when appropriate.

Often, they will provide training and support for faculty in using the designed instructional materials and technologies.

In sum, Higher Education Instructional Designers play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of education and learning experiences in higher education institutions.

 

Higher Education Instructional Designer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Higher Education Instructional Designer should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong knowledge and experience in instructional design theory, adult learning principles, and educational technology to develop effective and engaging learning experiences.
• Proficient skills in utilizing instructional design tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas or Blackboard.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with faculty members, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders to design and revise courses.
• Ability to analyze learning needs and learner characteristics, and convert complex information into easy-to-understand instructional materials.
• Project management skills to oversee the design process from the initial concept to the finished product, ensuring projects are completed within the stipulated time and budget.
• Strong problem-solving skills to address educational challenges and come up with innovative solutions.
• Experience in designing assessments that effectively measure student learning outcomes.
• Continuous learning mindset to stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in the field of instructional design and education technology.

 

Higher Education Instructional Designer Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the position of a Higher Education Instructional Designer typically hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, or a related field, and have 1 to 2 years of experience in curriculum development or instructional design.

This experience may come from internships, part-time roles, or direct involvement in designing instructional materials or courses in an educational setting.

Mid-level Higher Education Instructional Designers typically have 3 to 5 years of experience in the field.

They often have a Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a similar field.

They may also have experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS), such as Canvas or Blackboard, and multimedia development tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite.

Those with over 5 years of experience are generally considered senior level and may have experience leading teams or managing large-scale projects.

They may also have a deeper understanding of a range of pedagogical theories and models and be able to apply them to the development of educational materials and courses.

Higher level roles such as a Director of Instructional Design often require more than 7 years of experience, with proven leadership skills and a track record of successful instructional design projects.

A doctoral degree in a related field may also be beneficial for such roles.

 

Higher Education Instructional Designer Education and Training Requirements

Higher Education Instructional Designers typically hold a master’s degree in Instructional Design, Education Technology, or a related field.

They need a robust understanding of teaching and learning theories, and expertise in course and curriculum development.

Additionally, they should have proficiency in eLearning technology and digital tools such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), multimedia software, and online course authoring tools.

Some positions may require Instructional Designers to have teaching experience, especially in an online environment, to understand the needs and challenges of both educators and students.

Professional certification programs, such as Certified Instructional Designer or Technology-Enhanced Learning certification, are also available for those seeking to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field.

Continued learning and staying updated with the latest trends and developments in instructional technology and online education is critical to success in this role.

 

Higher Education Instructional Designer Salary Expectations

A Higher Education Instructional Designer earns an average salary of $62,270 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary based on factors such as years of experience in the field, educational background, the prestige of the institution, and geographical location.

 

Higher Education Instructional Designer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Higher Education Instructional Designer need?

Instructional Designers in Higher Education need strong technological skills, as they often work with various learning management systems and other educational technology.

They should also have excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with faculty and administrators.

Instructional Designers should be creative problem solvers, detail-oriented, and have a strong understanding of pedagogical theories and practices.

 

Do Higher Education Instructional Designers need a degree?

Typically, Instructional Designers in Higher Education need at least a Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related field.

However, some institutions may consider candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and significant work experience.

Most positions also require experience in course development and design, particularly in an online or hybrid environment.

 

What should you look for in a Higher Education Instructional Designer’s resume?

In addition to a relevant degree, look for experience in designing and implementing educational programs or courses, especially in a digital environment.

Experience with specific learning management systems, multimedia production tools, and accessibility standards can also be advantageous.

Evidence of strong communication skills, collaboration, and ability to adapt to changing educational technologies is also important.

 

What qualities make a good Higher Education Instructional Designer?

A good Higher Education Instructional Designer is innovative, adaptable, and able to envision how a course’s content can best be presented for optimal student learning.

They should have a deep understanding of instructional theories and be able to apply them in practical ways.

Effective Instructional Designers are also excellent collaborators, able to work well with faculty and administrators to create effective and engaging learning experiences.

 

What are the daily duties of a Higher Education Instructional Designer?

On a typical day, a Higher Education Instructional Designer may meet with faculty to discuss course objectives, review course content to suggest improvements, develop instructional strategies, and design assessments.

They may also create multimedia educational materials, troubleshoot technical issues with the learning management system, and stay updated on the latest trends in educational technology and pedagogy.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricacies of what it truly means to be a Higher Education Instructional Designer.

Surprised?

It’s not just about creating course materials.

It’s about shaping the future of education, one learning module at a time.

With our detailed Higher Education Instructional Designer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But don’t stop there.

Delve even further with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting precise job listings or honing your resume to absolute perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every learning module is a part of a larger educational framework.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Higher Education Instructional Designer (Complete Guide)

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