Instructional Designer

Notre Dame de Namur University; Belmont (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, CA, seeks an Instructional Designer specializing in Canvas systems and course quality. You will partner with faculty across schools to design and develop high-quality courses, blending pedagogy with technical fluency in Canvas to support learning from concept through ongoing improvement.

This role emphasizes accessibility (ADA/WCAG 2.1), RSI alignment, and course analytics, with responsibilities including audits, training, and collaborating across CETL

Qualifications

• Master's degree in instructional design or related field.
• Advanced Canvas Administrator-level proficiency or certification.
• Experience with Canvas Outcomes and/or program-level assessment.
• Experience with Canvas Course Analytics, or AI integrations within Canvas.
• Certification from QM or the Online Learning Consortium (OLC).
• Demonstrated experience in instructional design, preferably within higher education.

Responsibilities

• Partner with faculty to design, develop, and revise courses using sound instructional design principles and evidence-based pedagogy.
• Build and maintain course content, structure, and functionality within Canvas, ensuring a high-quality student experience.
• Support faculty through consultations, training, and troubleshooting related to course design and Canvas functionality.
• Promote course quality, accessibility (ADA/WCAG 2.1), and RSI and credit-hour alignment.
• Contribute to CETL programming, faculty development initiatives, and institutional teaching priorities.
• Collaborate with CETL, academic schools, and admin units to support institutional goals.
• Stay current on trends, tools, and best practices in instructional design and educational technology.

Skills

Instructional Design

Canvas LMS

Canvas Administration

RSI (Regular & Substantive Interaction

ADA/WCAG 2.1 Accessibility

QM/OLC Standards

Education

Master's degree in Instructional Design or related field

Tools

Canvas Outcomes

Canvas Analytics

QM Certification

OLC Certification

Canvas Integrations

Job description

Title: Instructional Designer- Canvas Systems & Course Quality

Department:Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Work Location: Remote or Hybrid

Reports To: Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL)

FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt

Salary:$85,000- $100,000/annually

Position Summary:

The Instructional Designer partners with faculty across Notre Dame de Namur University's schools and programs to design, develop, and continuously improve high-quality courses and learning experiences. Working within CETL, this role blends pedagogical expertise with technical fluency in the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) to support faculty at every stage of course design — from initial concept through ongoing quality improvement — while advancing CETL's broader mission of teaching excellence, accessibility, and innovation across the university.

Core Responsibilities:

• Partner with faculty to design, develop, and revise courses using sound instructional design principles and evidence-based pedagogy
• Build and maintain course content, structure, and functionality within Canvas, ensuring a consistent and high-quality student experience
• Support faculty through consultations, training, and troubleshooting related to course design and Canvas functionality
• Apply and promote course quality, accessibility (ADA/WCAG 2.1), and regulatory standards, including Regular & Substantive Interaction (RSI) and credit-hour alignment
• Contribute to CETL programming, faculty development initiatives, and institutional teaching and learning priorities
• Collaborate with colleagues across CETL, academic schools, and administrative units to support institutional goals
• Stay current on trends, tools, and best practices in instructional design, educational technology, and higher education pedagogy

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Educational Instructional Technology, or a related field
• Advanced Canvas Administrator-level proficiency or certification, including integrations and troubleshooting at scale (beyond course-building)
• Experience with Canvas Outcomes and/or program-level assessment
• Experience with Canvas Course Analytics, or AI integrations within Canvas
• Certification from Quality Matters (QM) or the Online Learning Consortium (OLC)
• Demonstrated experience in instructional design, preferably within higher education
• Working proficiency with Canvas LMS or a comparable learning management system
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical or pedagogical concepts for varied audiences
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities independently
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive, accessible, and student-centered course design

Specialized Focus:

This position is especially systems-minded, serving as a power user of Canvas up to the administrator level. This person moves fluidly between the technical (integrations, analytics, and troubleshooting) and the pedagogical, working directly with faculty on course structure and content. They think in terms of standards and rubrics when reviewing a course, and compliance is a core part of their approach, including fluency in Regular & Substantive Interaction (RSI), ADA accessibility, and credit-hour alignment. They are the first point of contact for faculty seeking help in Canvas, and are comfortable inviting a colleague to partner in bringing a course up to standard.

Specialized Responsibilities:

• Lead significant course and curriculum design and assessment work within Canvas, including close collaboration with faculty on course creation
• Conduct course audits and quality reviews using OLC or QM standards (or equivalent applied methodology)
• Apply advanced knowledge of compliance requirements, including course-hour/credit-hour standards, Regular & Substantive Interaction (RSI), and WCAG 2.1/ADA accessibility standards
• Serve as the primary point of contact for faculty Canvas support, troubleshooting, and course improvement

EEOC Policy:

The University is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and in the application of its personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, employment decisions will be made irrespective of the staff member's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the University will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, if the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform all essential functions of the position and if it will be done without undue hardship to the University.