Instructional Designer (Remote)

An instructional designer at Cornerstone University is a full-time and can work onsite in Grand Rapids, Michigan, or fully remote, or hybrid, and is responsible for aiding in the creation, review, and revision of curriculum for various schools and online platforms within the University. The Designers report to the Assistant Vice President for Online Learning in Academics. Designers will consult with subject matter experts like faculty, and applying design and learning theory, will craft course designs appropriate for an online platform, instructor manuals, student guides, and other materials required for online courses. In addition, successful instructional designers will utilize generative AI tools to help in the content creation of the unique SOAR mobile platform. Cornerstone University employs a subject-matter centric focus for its modular online curricula and designers are expected to be aligned with that focus. The core of Cornerstone University is defined and driven by its Christ-centered mission and Biblical confession.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and designs courses and curriculum according to CU design practices
• Edits and develops online learning materials
• Creates learning experiences and environments in the CU LMS, Brightspace and SOAR platform
• Designs learning activities, assignments, and assessments
• Creates computer-based training (CBT) modules and storyboards
• Develops instructor’s aids, rubrics, and other teaching tools
• Collaborates with subject matter experts to develop course content
• Manages online learning communities and collects student performance data
• Analyzes, updates, and refines existing online content
• Trains instructors, students, and employees in how to use learning technologies
• Communicates effectively and frequently with a variety of constituencies
• If remote, attends important events on campus such as graduation and faculty retreats, up to four times per year
• All Cornerstone University employees will regularly interact with students in a variety of projects, activities, and settings. As such all employees are expected to serve as Christian leaders and mentors by effectively living a gospel-centered lifestyle, ministering and discipling through a biblical worldview.
• Utilizes Generative AI tools to help facilitate the creation of instructional assets.
• Other duties may be assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Master’s degree in instructional design or a related field
• Five years of related experience
• Communication Proficiency
• Initiative
• Personal effectiveness/credibility
• Results driven
• Stress management/composure
• Performance management
• Operational knowledge of Brightspace a plus
• Operational knowledge of Generative AI tools include Gemini, ChatGPT and other LLM’s
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams is essential
• Data collection and organization

• Skills and Characteristics:
  • Strong organizational skills, well disciplined, able to work under pressure of many priorities and meet deadlines
  • Capable of long-range planning processes
  • Results driven
  • Proficient written and verbal communicator
  • Possesses personal initiative and is a self-starter
  • Collaborative
  • Creative problem solver
  • Empathetic and student centered
• Additional Qualifications:
  • This job operates in a remote or hybrid work environment. Successful candidates will have the ability to collaborate through technology and be available during work hours for meetings, collaboration and synchronous chat sessions to facilitate projects to a successful end.
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an active Christian commitment.
• A theology that supports the values and mission of Cornerstone University core commitments evidenced by an ability to affirm and sign the university’s doctrinal statement, “The Cornerstone Confession.”
• Four other foundational pillars, along with the university’s mission and confession, form Cornerstone’s Core Commitments.
  • The Cornerstone Christian World View
  • The Cornerstone Academic Vision
  • The Cornerstone Beautiful Christian Community
  • The Marriage and Human Sexuality Position Statement

These core commitments convey who we are, what we believe and how we live and work together in community. Employees are expected to faithfully attend an evangelical and biblical church whose core beliefs and practices are consistent with Cornerstone’s confession and core commitments.