Job Details
Remote Type
Fully Remote
Position Type
Full Time

Description

Position Purpose
The Instructional Designer & Developer (IDD) at The American College of Financial Services plays a pivotal role in the development and implementation of innovative, effective online courses for academic credit. This position is responsible for applying best practices in instructional design and technology to create engaging, accessible, and pedagogically sound online learning experiences. The IDD collaborates with faculty, subject matter experts, and the educational technology team to ensure courses are designed to enhance student learning outcomes and success in a digital environment.

Organization Role
This is a mid-level exempt professional position in the organization. Reporting to the Manager & Senior Instructional Designer, the Instructional Designer & Developer (IDD) serves as an expert resource to faculty in the organization and creation of new and revised learning materials. This role encompasses the end-to-end process of online course development, from needs analysis and curriculum design to the deployment of courses on the D2L/Brightspace learning management system. The IDD is expected to stay abreast of the latest trends in e-learning and instructional technology, applying innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of online education. The position develops and delivers professional development for staff and faculty.

The Instructional Designer & Developer role does not currently have supervisory responsibilities but may provide leadership and work direction to others on assigned projects.

Job Scope
This position will work closely with others on the EDUCATE team, academic experts, SMEs, faculty, and others throughout Academics. The IDD will lead instructional design projects and is an instrumental contributor on cross-functional project teams.

Expected Contributions
1. INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
Key/Representative Activities:
• Serve as the primary instructional design resource for faculty and subject matter experts, offering guidance on best practices for online teaching and learning for adult students.
• Ensure courses for academic credit have appropriate student-student, student-content, and student-faculty opportunities for interaction to meet requirements for distance learning.
• Manage time and resources necessary for instructional design projects from needs assessment to completion, ensuring effective execution and timely delivery of course design projects.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to identify educational goals, learning objectives, and the target audience's characteristics.
• Design, develop, and implement engaging course content and innovative instructional materials, utilizing eLearning development tools, authoring software, leveraging features and capabilities within the LMS, and other platforms.
• Apply instructional design theories and models, such as ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation), SAM (Successive Approximation Model), or Backward Design principles to develop structured and learner-centered course outlines and materials.
• Ensure all online courses meet accessibility standards and are designed to be inclusive for all learners, adhering to WCAG and Section 508 guidelines.
• Write effective copy, instructional text, audio, and video scripts, and utilize eLearning development tools and software to create instructionally sound learning components in collaboration with academic experts, SMEs, and team members.
• Perform quality assurance reviews of newly created and revised courses to ensure accuracy and functionality.

2. FACULTY COLLABORATION AND TRAINING
Key/Representative Activities:
• Create training content, on-demand eLearning activities, and conduct workshops and training sessions for faculty on the use of the LMS, digital tools, innovative teaching strategies for online courses, and other instructional topics to enhance the learning experience and increase student success.
• Collaborate with EDUCATE team members and leadership to create meaningful and easy-to-use resources for faculty, professional staff, and students.
• Provide ongoing support and consultation to faculty during the course development process and beyond, including troubleshooting and pedagogical advice.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages the sharing of ideas and strategies for enhancing online teaching and learning.
• Identify opportunities for additional learning to support faculty and internal stakeholders and facilitate effective and efficient workflow.

3. ASSESSMENT AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Key/Representative Activities:
• Design formative and summative assessments that accurately measure student learning outcomes and align with course objectives.
• In partnership with faculty, refine assessment strategies and ensure that feedback mechanisms are effective and constructive for students.
• Analyze course evaluation data and student feedback to identify areas for improvement in course design, content, and delivery.
• Utilize analytics and data from the LMS to inform course design decisions and identify opportunities for enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
• Other duties as assigned.

4. RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Key/Representative Activities:
• Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with trends and advancements in instructional design and online education.
• Advocate for innovative teaching and learning practices within the institution by providing resources and support to enhance online education.
• Research emerging industry trends, emerging instructional tools, relevant studies, and current data to guide and drive the future of the department.
• Research and evaluate potential use of innovative eLearning tools and give recommendations to provide the best solution based on the educational need.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Instructional Design, Education Technology, Curriculum Development or related field desired. Three – four years’ progressive instructional design work experience may be substituted for a Bachelor’s degree.
• 2-3 years’ experience in Instructional Design in traditional and online environments with experience in higher education highly desired.
• Proficiency in using eLearning development tools, authoring software, and video editing desired (i.e. Captivate, Articulate, iSpring, Kaltura, etc.).
• Skilled in video creation and editing including audio, video, and graphic content in accordance with branding guidelines to enhance learning materials desired
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and experience in designing inclusive and accessible learning experiences.
• Basic understanding of project management principles and tools to support instructional design projects.
• Focus on designing learning experiences that are engaging, effective, and centered on student success.
• Familiarity with Quality Matters, OSCQR, or other course design quality tools desired.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, work environments, and project scopes, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with college faculty and professional staff.

The College provides an award-winning culture and offers a competitive total compensation package that includes:

• Lucrative Time Off (25-40 Days PTO, Paid Family Medical Leave, 11 Paid Holidays)
• Retirement Savings Plan with Supplemental Contribution and Match
• Tuition Remission and Reimbursement
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellness Benefits
• Company-paid Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible, hybrid, and remote work schedules 
   

The target hiring range is $58,500.00 - $70,000.00

***The salary of the candidate selected for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The hiring range represents The College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting.  Applications for this opening will be accepted through June 20, 2025.

In policy and practice, we encourage diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job. We are committed to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The American College of Financial Services is an E-Verify Employer.