Instructional Designer Job at Inside Higher Ed in Albany

We're seeking an experienced, collaborative, and motivated individual to lead the design of course development projects. The Instructional Designer is responsible for designing and developing online courses that align with Excelsior University’s academic standards and best practices for adult learning.

Working closely with SMEs, instructional technologists, media developers, and other members of the Instructional Design and Development team (IDD), the Instructional Designer ensures that course content is pedagogically sound, accessible, and aligns with Excelsior’s course design standards. The ideal candidate has experience in higher education course development and expertise in instructional design principles, online learning technologies, and assessment strategies.

This role plays a key part in maintaining course quality and supporting Excelsior’s commitment to delivering an exceptional learning experience for students. This position is based out of the university’s home office in Albany, NY with the option of considering remote candidates.

Remote employees will have mandatory occasional travel for meetings, conferences, and professional development opportunities. Remote employees are expected to be available during work hours 8 : 30 am – 5 : 00 pm Eastern time. The University will supply necessary equipment to perform the essential functions of this job (e.g., Laptop, docking station).

Employees are responsible for having a workspace where they can participate in virtual meetings without multiple interruptions and noise.

Duties And Responsibilities Collaborate with SMEs to design and develop engaging online courses.

Apply instructional design principles to structure content and create relevant, engaging learning experiences.

Guide SMEs in analyzing and assessing the application of appropriate and effective instructional strategies, tools, and assessments to achieve identified learning outcomes.

Ensure course content aligns with Excelsior’s course design standards, accessibility guidelines, and online learning best practices.

Partner with media developers to create high-quality course materials, including videos, simulations, and interactive elements.

Review and refine course content to ensure clarity, coherence, and alignment with learning objectives.

Collaborate with other instructional designers to enhance Excelsior’s course development methodologies and resources.

Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related field.

3+ years’ experience designing and developing online courses for higher education.

Strong knowledge of instructional design models (e.g., Backward Design, Bloom’s Taxonomy).

Strong relationship-building skills.

Familiarity with best practices for online learning and adult education.

Ability to guide SMEs in structuring content for effective online delivery.

Experience with learning management systems (LMS), preferably Canvas.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related field.

Experience developing courses for non-traditional, adult learners.

Prior experience working in a centralized course development model.

Proficiency in accessibility standards and universal design for learning (UDL).

Experience using data and learner analytics to inform course improvements.

The hiring salary range for this position is $61,000.00 - $68,000.00. Excelsior University offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, retirement, and excellent health insurance.

Excelsior University is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.

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