Instructional Designer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Instructional Designer (ID) provides instructional design, course development, and project leadership support within the Instructional Design and Development team, a unit of Erikson’s Institutional Effectiveness division. Reporting to the Director of Instructional Design and Development, the Instructional Designer partners closely with faculty and other subject matter experts to design, develop, and continuously improve high-quality online, hybrid, and on-campus courses aligned with Universal Design and Backwards Design frameworks.

The Instructional Designer serves as a lead contributor on complex course initiatives, applying evidence-based instructional design practices, adult learning theory, and learning science to create inclusive, engaging, and accessible learning experiences. The role also provides training and consultation to faculty and staff on effective teaching practices and the use of Erikson’s learning management system (Canvas), while managing multiple projects with competing timelines in a collaborative, service-oriented environment.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

The Instructional Designer will collaborate with faculty and other subject matter experts in the course mapping, design, development, and implementation of high-quality online, on campus, and hybrid courses, following Universal Design and Backwards Mapping frameworks. This role involves applying instructional design, adult learning, and learning science principles, leveraging educational technologies, to ensure that courses meet the institution's academic standards and goals.

Under the leadership of the Director of Instructional Design & Development, implement the following instructional design and development components:

Instructional Design & Course Development

• Collaborate with faculty and other subject matter experts to map course- and program-level learning outcomes to learning activities, instructional materials, and assessments.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of high-quality online, hybrid, and on-campus courses that align with Erikson’s institutional standards.
• Apply instructional design theory, adult learning principles, Backwards Design, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks to create inclusive learning experiences that meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Develop engaging learning materials, including videos, presentations, handouts, interactive activities, and assessments, using a variety of educational technologies.

Quality Assurance, Accessibility & Accreditation Support

• Conduct course quality, accessibility, and alignment reviews using established rubrics and standards (e.g., UDL, Quality Matters, WCAG 2.2).
• Identify gaps and recommend actionable improvements to enhance instructional effectiveness, accessibility, and learner engagement.
• Ensure adherence to institutional policies and regulatory requirements, including ADA accessibility, FERPA, copyright, academic integrity, data governance, and relevant accreditation standards (e.g., HLC, IACET).
• Document instructional design processes, decisions, and outcomes to support institutional knowledge sharing and accreditation reporting.

Faculty Development & LMS Support

• Provide consultative support and training to faculty on best practices in course design, inclusive teaching, assessment, active learning strategies, and the responsible use of AI in education.
• Develop and deliver Canvas trainings, workshops, and orientations for faculty, staff, and students, as needed.
• Offer semester-based LMS support to faculty using Erikson’s support ticketing system, meeting established service-level expectations for responsiveness and resolution.
• Create job aids and self-service resources (e.g., guides, templates, videos) to reduce support friction and promote adoption of instructional best practices.

Project Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Manage multiple instructional design projects concurrently, coordinating timelines, deliverables, and communication with faculty, staff, and project team members.
• Analyze support desk data and prepare monthly reports to identify trends, recurring issues, and opportunities for proactive training or process improvement.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend enhancements to instructional technologies and support desk tools, including knowledge base articles and workflow improvements.
• Stay current with emerging trends, research, and technologies in instructional design, online learning, and educational technology, and apply relevant innovations to practice.

Other Responsibilities

• Assist with the integration and effective use of the learning management system (Canvas) and related educational technologies.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of instructional excellence and institutional effectiveness.

HUMAN RELATIONS SKILLS

• Highly skilled at collaborating with diverse functional areas across the Erikson business units.
• Discretion, strategic thinking, and compliance with rules and laws.
• Highly skilled at clear communication across multiple communication methods.
• Commitment to continued individual growth and development and that of colleagues.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in education, instructional design, learning sciences or related fields.
• 2-4 years of experience in instructional design, preferably in higher education.
• Proficiency in adult learning and instructional design in education
• Proficiency with LMS platforms (e.g., Canvas, Brightspace, Moodle).
• Strong knowledge of instructional design models (e.g., Backwards Design, Universal Design for Learning, Understanding by Design).
• Experience with multimedia authoring tools (e.g., Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Demonstrated ability to partner with content creators, faculty members and other subject matter experts.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and customer-service skills; including relationship building, communication and managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. Expert organizational skills, ability to estimate effort, define deadlines and timelines, and meet individual and team goals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related field.
• Academic bilingualism/biliteracy.
• Proficiency/expertise in child development core principles
• Proficiency/expertise in adult learning and instructional design in higher education
• Experience with quality assurance standards for online education (e.g., Quality Matters).
• Familiarity with accessibility standards and tools (e.g., WCAG, JAWS).
• Skills in multimedia production (e.g. audio/video, interactive media) and light graphic design.
• Exposure to generative AI in teaching and learning (policy development, ethical use, faculty coaching)
• Familiarity with learning analytics and data-informed decision making in educational settings.
• Experience supporting online and hybrid programs.

Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.

About Erikson Institute

We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.

Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.

Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).

To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu