Learning Design Specialist

Ajman University; Ajman; On-site; AED 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates seeks an experienced Instructional Designer to collaborate with faculty on designing engaging courses and implementing evidence-based instructional design models.

You will design learning structures, outcomes, and assessments aligned with standards, and deliver workshops on pedagogy, technology use, and assessment strategies in Arabic and English.

Qualifications

• Ability to translate pedagogical theory into practical, faculty-facing training and support.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and inclusive design practices.
• Proficiency with Learning Management Systems (Moodle) and authoring tools (Articulate, H5P, Captivate, etc.).
• Strong facilitation, presentation, and coaching skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse academic environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Collaborative and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty and subject matter experts to design and develop engaging courses.
• Apply instructional design models (ADDIE, SAM, Backward Design) to create course structures and outcomes.
• Design and deliver workshops, seminars, and short courses for faculty on pedagogy, learning theories, and tech tools.
• Provide individual consultations and coaching to faculty on teaching practices and course development.
• Review and enhance existing courses to align with accreditation standards and inclusive teaching principles.
• Collect and analyze feedback to inform continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
• Keep abreast of trends in instructional design and higher education teaching innovation.
• Pilot and recommend new approaches to enhance student learning and faculty effectiveness.

Job description

Job Description:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with faculty and subject matter experts to design and develop engaging and effective courses.
• Apply evidence-based instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM, Backward Design) to create course structures, learning outcomes, instructional materials, and authentic assessments aligned with institutional standards.
• Design and deliver workshops, seminars, and short courses for faculty on:
  • Pedagogy and learning theories
  • Classroom facilitation techniques
  • Learning design principles
  • Assessment strategies and feedback methods
  • Use of educational technologies and digital tools
• Provide individual consultations and coaching to faculty on teaching practices and course development.
• Review and enhance existing courses to ensure alignment with best practices, accreditation standards, and inclusive teaching principles.
• Collect and analyze feedback from faculty and students to inform continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
• Keep abreast of emerging trends in instructional design, learning technologies, and higher education teaching innovation.
• Pilot and recommend new approaches to enhance student learning and faculty teaching effectiveness.
• Contribute to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) through internal/external presentations and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with librarians, multimedia specialists, and IT teams to design integrated learning experiences.
• Manage multiple projects, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
• Develop and share templates, frameworks, and best practices with the teaching community.

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Technology, Instructional Design, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in learning design and faculty development within higher education.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and facilitating professional development sessions or workshops for faculty in both Arabic and English.
• In-depth knowledge of instructional design models, adult learning principles, and pedagogical frameworks.
• Experience with quality assurance frameworks (e.g., Quality Matters).
• Experience in designing competency-based and/or experiential learning programs.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Ability to translate pedagogical theory into practical, faculty-facing training and support.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and inclusive design practices.
• Proficiency with Learning Management Systems (Moodle) and authoring tools (Articulate, H5P, Captivate, etc.).
• Strong facilitation, presentation, and coaching skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse academic environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Collaborative and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior environment.
• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Working remotely is not permissible.

SUPERVISION:

• Reports to: Director, Teaching and Learning Center (TLC)
• Subordinates: None

Requirements: