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Western Governors University

Instructional Designer

🇺🇸 Salt Lake City, Utah 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $74K - $110K 💻 Instructional Design 🗓️ October 28th, 2026
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Edtech.com's Summary

Western Governors University is hiring an Instructional Designer. The role involves developing engaging educational experiences aligned with program outcomes and instructional best practices, managing the course development process with stakeholders, and incorporating learning strategies to improve student success. The position requires managing multiple projects, assessing risk, and fostering collaboration for continuous improvement.

Highlights
  • Develop high-quality, engaging educational experiences aligned with program outcomes and best practices.
  • Manage course development processes and evaluate curricular materials in collaboration with key stakeholders.
  • Apply evidence-based learning design strategies and maintain quality standards across projects.
  • Manage multiple concurrent projects, assess risks, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
  • Strong knowledge in instructional design principles, curriculum development, adult learning theory, and project management.
  • Proficiency in technical writing, editing, and use of technology and digital tools for instructional design.
  • Minimum qualifications: Master’s degree in related field or equivalent experience, plus 3 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Preferred qualifications: Experience with adult learners, online learning environments, competency-based education, learning management systems, digital authoring tools, UX principles, and agile development processes.
  • Compensation range: $73,500.00 to $110,200.00 annually.
  • Offers full-time benefits including bonuses, health coverage, retirement savings plan, paid time off, and parental leave.

Instructional Designer Full Description

If you're passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you're committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Job Description

Location: This is a full-time, in-office position requiring 5 days per week in

Salt Lake City, UT. Designed to foster the collaboration and connection that fuel our best work.


WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Candidates should bring a strong understanding of:

• Instructional design principles, curriculum development, and adult learning theory

• Scope and sequence, measurable learning outcomes, and real-world application

• Designing engaging, inclusive experiences for diverse adult learner

• Evidence-based design strategies informed by learning science and behavioral research

• Assessment design, learning resource integration, and alignment to program and course competencies

• Project management, risk assessment, and managing multiple concurrent projects

• Technical writing, editing, and translating complex concepts into clear, actionable content

• Critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, and problem-solving with a learner-first mindset

• Building collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders and cross-functional teams

• Navigating ambiguity and change with adaptability, resilience, and sound judgment

• Using technology and digital tools to enhance instructional design and learning delivery

• Continuous learning and applying innovation to improve student experiences


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


Education:

• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, Educational Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field. Relevant experience may substitute for education requirements.


Experience:

• 3 years of professional experience designing and developing instructional materials or learning experiences within higher education, corporate training, or a similar environment.

• Curriculum development

• Course design

• Collaboration with subject matter experts

• Cross-functional collaboration


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS


• Experience designing for adult learners

• Experience with online learning environments

• Experience with competency-based education models

• Familiarity with learning management systems

• Familiarity with digital authoring tools

• Familiarity with UX principles within learning environments

• Experience working in agile or iterative development processes



Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.


This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.

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Position & Application Details

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It's not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.