Instructional Design Specialist - Emerging Technologies

Syracuse University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse University, home of SU Global, is seeking an Instructional Design Specialist – Emerging Technologies to design and develop engaging online courses using AI and UX/UI principles. This on‑campus role blends pedagogy with frontier technologies in a dynamic, data‑driven environment.

You will partner with faculty and cross‑functional teams to create accessible learning experiences, evaluate and implement AI tools, and build institutional capacity through training and documentation in our LMS

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field with 3+ years of instructional design experience.
• Hands-on experience with AI tools and applying UX/UI in digital learning.
• Experience with HTML formatting in LMS and accessibility adjustments.
• Familiarity with ADA, UDL, and adult learning principles.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-quality online courses for diverse learners.
• Lead collaboration with faculty and cross-functional teams.
• Implement AI-driven workflows and innovative digital learning solutions.
• Ensure accessibility and compliance in all course materials.

Skills

Instructional design

UX/UI design

AI implementation

HTML in LMS

ADA/UDL accessibility

eLearning tooling

Course development

Education

Master’s degree in ID/UX/EdTech

Tools

Articulate Rise

PlayPosit

Blackboard

Job description

Instructional Design Specialist – Emerging Technologies

• Job # | 043204
• Department Code | 11002-4417
• Department | SU Global
• Job Title | Instructional Design Specialist – Emerging Technologies
• Location | Syracuse, NY
• Campus | New York, NY
• Commitment to On-Campus Experience | Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
• Pay Range | $70,000
• Pay Determination | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
• Staff Level | S5
• FLSA Status | Exempt
• Hours | Standard University business hours
• 8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
• 8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
• Hours may vary based on operational needs.
• Job Type | Full-time
• Unionized Position Code | Not Applicable

Job Description

Syracuse University is building something new. We’re launching SU Global to reimagine how we support and scale accessible online pathways for non-traditional learners, in a dynamic, innovative, and data-driven environment. That means rethinking how we work.

This role requires on-campus presence because the best ideas emerge from real-time collaboration, the mentorship that happens in hallways, and the spontaneous problem-solving that defines startup culture. You’ll work non-traditional hours when needed – evening and weekend coverage, whatever it takes to deliver the best‑in‑class experience. We’re looking for team members who thrive in:

• High-energy, in‑person environments where innovation happens face‑to‑face
• Flexible scheduling that follows student needs, not the clock
• Startup intensity within a world‑class university structure

We’re not looking for people who want a job. We’re looking for builders who want a mission.

The Instructional Design Specialist – Emerging Technologies is responsible for designing and developing high‑quality online courses while serving as an internal expert in emerging instructional technologies, artificial intelligence, and UX/UI design.

This position plays a dual role, contributing directly to course development and leading the exploration, evaluation, and implementation of innovative digital learning solutions. The Instructional Design Specialist – Emerging Technologies collaborates closely with faculty and cross‑functional team members to produce engaging, accessible, and effective learning experiences, while also building institutional capacity through training, documentation, and the development of best practices in emerging technologies.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Instructional Design, User Experience Design, Education Technology, or a related field. At least 3 years of experience in instructional design. At least 3 years of experience applying UX/UI design and/or AI implementation in a digital learning environment. Hands‑on experience with AI tools and applications, including: building or leveraging automations and AI agents to scale content creation, delivery, and evaluating, piloting, and documenting emerging AI tools for instructional use. Experience with HTML for basic formatting and accessibility adjustments within LMS environments. Knowledge of instructional design frameworks and models. Experience with eLearning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Rise, PlayPosit). Demonstrated experience designing and developing online courses, including building content in a Learning Management System (e.g., Blackboard). Experience applying ADA required accessibility standards, adult learning theories, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex or technical concepts for non-technical audiences. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships with faculty, team members, and stakeholders.

Skills and Knowledge

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification or formal training in UX/UI design.
• Certification or formal training in AI.
• Experience developing courses for higher education.
• Experience in teaching/training.
• Experience in programming.

Responsibilities

Instructional Design & Course Development

Facilitate organized, adaptive meetings with faculty to gather information, establish course delivery strategies, and build buy‑in for the development process. Define and outline learning objectives, course structure, content delivery methods, assessments, and complementary learning approaches in collaboration with faculty. Articulate and reinforce course development process and clarify faculty responsibilities, as well as establish milestone deadlines, and maintain accountability throughout the project lifecycle. Utilize eLearning authoring tools to design interactive, engaging learning experiences. Build and update courses in the LMS, ensuring content meets accessibility requirements. Lead and collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including video production team, and multimedia design team to produce draft and final versions of course material. Collaborate closely with faculty and stakeholders to develop course content; maintain strong professional relationships and clear communication throughout the project lifecycle. Track and report the statuses of courses throughout the development process. Manage courses independently with continued support from the development team.

Emerging Technology & Innovation

Serve as an internal subject matter expert on UX/UI, AI implementation, and emerging instructional technologies; translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders and leadership. Research, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies, including Generative AI, in instructional design and content development; document best practices and contribute to institutional innovation strategy. Explore and integrate innovative digital learning solutions into course and program development. Design AI‑driven workflows and automation strategies to improve efficiency in content production, iteration, and delivery at scale.

Training & Professional Development

Provide training sessions, workshops, and resources for instructional designers and related staff to build capacity in UX/UI, AI, and emerging technologies. Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium‑sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro‑area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal‑opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military‑connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class‑leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post‑9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Job Posting Date

11/03/2026

Job Category

Staff