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University of Washington

Instructional Designer

🇺🇸 Hybrid - Renton, Washington 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $84K - $94K 💻 Instructional Design 🗓️ August 18th, 2026
ADDIE Canvas WCAG

Edtech.com's Summary

University of Washington is hiring an Instructional Designer. This role involves partnering with faculty and program leadership to design and improve graduate-level courses, support faculty through coaching and workshops, and coordinate curriculum changes while ensuring accessibility and instructional quality.

Highlights
  • Design and develop multi-modal graduate courses using Canvas LMS aligned with accessibility standards and active learning principles.
  • Observe courses and provide faculty feedback to enhance instructional practices and facilitate modality transitions.
  • Analyze student feedback and evaluation data to inform course improvements and instructional effectiveness.
  • Coordinate curriculum changes and manage approval processes through UW Curriculum Management systems.
  • Develop curriculum and instructional materials for corporate and external learning engagements.
  • Require proficiency in Canvas LMS and experience with instructional design methodologies like backward design, ADDIE, and SAM.
  • Must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least three years of instructional design experience in higher education or nonprofit environments.
  • Support accessible course design compliant with ADA and WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
  • Salary range from $84,000 to $93,600 annually with benefits available.
  • Frequent collaboration with faculty, staff, and graduate students while managing multiple projects.

Instructional Designer Full Description

Instructional Designer
Hybrid (telework 2 days or less per week)
Renton, WA
Full time

Job Description
The Global Innovation Exchange team has an outstanding opportunity for an Instructional Designer to join their team.

About this Opportunity
Reporting to the Academic Director for MSTI, the Instructional Designer partners with faculty and program leadership to enhance graduate-level learning experiences through instructional design, curriculum development, and continuous course improvement. This role supports teaching excellence through faculty coaching, curriculum governance, and the development of innovative learning solutions for academic and external audiences.

Key Responsibilities
Multi-modal Course Creation (35%)
  • Partner with MSTI faculty to create multi-modal courses for the MSTI program.
  • Design, implement, and maintain Canvas course templates aligned with graduate teaching models, accessibility standards, and MSTI instructional expectations.
  • Apply backward design, active learning strategies, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards across course designs.
Teaching Development (20%)
  • Attend and observe MSTI courses to assess instructional practices, course structure, and learning activities.
  • Provide design-focused feedback to faculty to support instructional improvement and future modality transitions.
  • Design and deliver faculty workshops and instructional development sessions based on program needs and observed trends.
Course Evaluation Review and Recommendations (15%)
  • Review mid-quarter student feedback and course evaluation data to identify instructional trends and opportunities for improvement.
  • Partner with program leadership to provide instructional design insights and recommendations for future instructional enhancements.
  • Contribute instructional design expertise to discussions regarding instructional effectiveness and program quality.
Curriculum Change Coordination (15%)
  • Serve as the primary coordination point for curriculum changes affecting MSTI courses.
  • Prepare and submit curriculum actions through UW Curriculum Management (UW CM/Kuali), including new course and course change proposals.
  • Coordinate curriculum review and approval processes with university committees and stakeholders.
Curriculum Development for External Engagements (15%)
  • Partner with faculty and GIX leadership to design curriculum for corporate engagements and external learning initiatives.
  • Translate industry and partner needs into pedagogically sound learning experiences.
  • Develop instructional materials, learning activities, and assessments for professional and corporate audiences.

Required Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Communication, or a related field.
  • Minimum of three years of instructional design experience in higher education or nonprofit settings.
  • Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Additional Qualifications
  • Expert or near-expert proficiency with the Canvas Learning Management System.
  • Demonstrated experience applying instructional design methodologies such as backward design, ADDIE, SAM, rapid prototyping, and active learning strategies.
  • Experience supporting accessible and inclusive course design and compliance with ADA and WCAG standards.
  • Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and coaching skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Desired Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Communication, or a related field.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of instructional design experience in higher education or nonprofit settings.
  • Expert or near-expert proficiency with the Canvas Learning Management System.
  • Demonstrated experience applying instructional design methodologies such as backward design, ADDIE, SAM, rapid prototyping, and active learning strategies.
  • Experience supporting accessible and inclusive course design and compliance with ADA and WCAG standards.
  • Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and coaching skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Working Conditions
  • Frequent interaction with faculty, staff, and graduate students.
  • Position requires managing multiple concurrent initiatives and deadlines.
  • Partial remote work may be available based on operational needs and supervisor approval.

Cover Letter Requirement
  • An introduction
  • State the specific position for which you are applying
  • A summary of how your qualifications, skills, and experiences align with the key responsibilities and requirements of the position.

About the Team
The Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) is an engineering-and-business institute for emerging and established technology leaders. GIX inspires innovators to solve real-world challenges through the responsible application of advanced technologies, aiming to increase the capacity of innovative leaders to create value, transform organizations, and improve the world. For more information about GIX please visit https://gix.uw.edu/

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:$84,000.00 annual
Pay Range Maximum:$93,600.00 annual
Other Compensation:-
Benefits:For information about benefits for this position, visit 
https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/
Shift:First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?This is a regular position
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):100.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit:Not Applicable

About the UW 
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law