Instructional Designer (Associate or No Prefix)

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Position Title:Instructional Designer (Associate or No Prefix)
Job Category:Academic Staff
Employment Type:Regular
Job Profile:Teaching, Learning, and Technology Specialist II
Job Duties:
The Instructional Designer (Assoc. or No prefix) will work in close collaboration with senior instructional design staff to assist with or support the design, development, and enhancement of instructional activities, programs, and curricula. The Instructional Designer works in close collaboration with various stakeholders to obtain content, apply learning theories and instructional design models, employ sound project management practices, and appropriately engage internal and external resources to meet learner and organizational needs.
The Instructional Designer is responsible for creating courses in the learning management system (LMS) and ensuring the content of those courses meets high quality standards. Title placement will be dependent on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Key Job Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of senior instructional design staff, meet with faculty members and/or subject matter experts to create and manage a curriculum development plan for online courses
Build strong, collaborative relationships with constituents through face-to-face and remote interactions (e.g., emails, webinars, conference calls)
Assist with the development of training materials and provide professional development to faculty regarding current research related to best practices for the development and teaching of online courses
Assist with the selection, review, and integration of educational technologies to support pedagogical aims
Provide training to faculty on the use of the learning management system and other associated educational technologies
Coordinate with media staff on the creation of a media plan and associated content
Assist with the identification and communication of opportunities to improve the learning experience for all students, especially those related to accessibility, and collaboratively work with faculty to carry out this work
Aid faculty in locating and evaluating educational resources, and provide guidance on issues related to copyright and fair use guidelines
Maintain a commitment to practitioner scholarship by keeping abreast of emerging theories and practices
Perform other duties as requested
Department:
The Office of Online & Professional Learning Resources is committed to providing service and support to the Universities of Wisconsin Administration and all 13 UW universities in online and continuing education, teaching, learning, and workforce skills training and resources.
OPLR works in partnership with all 13 UW universities to develop and deliver online semester- and competency-based degrees and a broad array of credit and non-credit certificates, courses, and other credentials to help adult and professional learners achieve their academic and professional development goals and to develop the workforce of Wisconsin.
Compensation:
The Instructional Designer (Assoc. or no-prefix) is a full-time salaried (exempt) academic staff position.
Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $50,000 - $67,000 commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree
Demonstrated knowledge of learning theory and instructional design models
Experience working with learning management systems and related educational technologies
Experience establishing professional relationships with stakeholders/clients to help meet their objectives while providing excellent customer service
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience applying project management strategies to meet project goals and deadlines
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in instructional design, curriculum and instruction, educational technology, adult learning, continuing education, or a related field
Knowledge of current learning/instructional design theories pertaining to online education
Proficiency in the Canvas learning management system
Proficiency in the use of basic programming related to online learning (e.g., HTML, XML, ActionScript, JAVA or JavaScript)
Experience working collaboratively with other instructional designers
Experience working in higher education on instructional design projects for others
Work Location:
The office is located at 780 Regent Street, Madison, WI. Telecommuting or hybrid work options may be available, with a minimum in-office expectation of two days per month. However, depending on business needs, there may be occasions when additional in-office presence is requested. Residency in/relocation to the state of Wisconsin is required. Telecommuting agreements are subject to change at any time.
How to Apply:
Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through November 8, 2026. However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled.
To receive full consideration, interested applicants are required to apply online and provide:
Resume (PDF Format)
Cover letter addressing your experience and education as it applies to all minimum and preferred qualifications (PDF Format)
Failing to submit the required application documents may disqualify your application.
Contact Information:
Questions may be addressed to Kristina Williston, HR Generalist at kristina.williston@wisconsin.edu.
Accommodation Request
If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request by contacting uwshr@wisconsin.edu.
Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy
This offer of employment is conditional pending the results of a criminal background check and a reference check process that includes questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. If you have prior work history within the past 7 years with the Universities of Wisconsin, your personnel file will also be reviewed for employee misconduct. If the results are unacceptable, the offer will be withdrawn or, if you have started employment, your employment will be terminated.
Employment Authorization
Please n