Instructional Designer

Golden Gate University; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Golden Gate University is seeking an experienced Instructional Designer to design and redevelop engaging online courses and curricula. You will partner with faculty to align outcomes, activities, assessments, and RSI, including in AI-supported large-enrollment courses.

The role emphasizes designing active-learning experiences, ensuring accessibility per UDL/WCAG, and evaluating course effectiveness through learner feedback and data. Remote US-based, with Pacific Time hours.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of instructional design experience.
• Master’s degree in instructional design, education, educational technology, or a related field.
• Higher education teaching experience.
• Hands-on D2L Brightspace course-building experience and RSI/UDL/WCAG familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Design and redevelop online courses and curricula.
• Align outcomes, activities, assessments, and RSI.
• Collaborate with faculty on course development and QA.
• Review AI-generated content for accuracy.
• Test courses in Brightspace and Edvisor.ai and support launches.

Skills

Instructional design

Higher education teaching

Course development

AI in course design

Project management

Education

Master’s degree in instructional design, education, educational technology, or related field

Doctorate preferred

Tools

D2L Brightspace

Edvisor.ai

Job description

Instructional DesignerCourse Design & Learning EffectivenessDepartmenteLearningSalary range$70,304–$78,000 annuallyReports toDirector of Learning Design, Assessment, and Emerging TechnologyScheduleFull time · Pacific Time working hoursLocationRemote (U.S.)Compensation: Placement within the posted salary range is based on relevant experience, demonstrated skills, evidence of work quality, and alignment with the position’s responsibilities. Candidates who demonstrate exceptional proficiency in advanced course design, assessment alignment, higher education teaching, faculty collaboration, and development of engaging online learning experiences may be considered for the upper end of the range. Meeting preferred qualifications does not automatically guarantee maximum pay.About the roleDesign and redevelop engaging, academically rigorous online courses and related curricula in Brightspace, Edvisor.ai, and other supported environments. Partner with faculty to align outcomes, activities, assessments, and regular and substantive interaction (RSI), including in AI-supported and large-enrollment courses.How we workOur instructional designers work closely with faculty and colleagues from initial course concepts through launch and improvement. We share responsibility for problem-solving, step into emerging program and curriculum projects, and make thoughtful design decisions even when source materials or processes are still evolving.Key responsibilitiesCourse and assessment designPartner with faculty to design or revise courses, translating source materials into clear, coherent course design documents.Align outcomes, weekly topics, content, activities, and assessments; identify what existing material to retain or improve.Create active-learning experiences, including discussions, cases, and collaborative or peer activities.Faculty presence and learning qualityDesign regular and substantive interaction (RSI) and practical faculty-presence strategies, including in AI-graded courses.Apply Universal Design for Learning, accessibility, and inclusive teaching practices throughout course design.Evaluate course effectiveness using learner feedback, assessment results, engagement data, and quality reviews.Course development and collaborationBuild, update, and test courses in Brightspace, Edvisor.ai, and other tools; critically review AI-generated content.Collaborate with teammates on multimedia, technology integration, accessibility, quality assurance, and launches.Provide one-off faculty assistance, including activity testing and support for instructional challenges.Contribute to parallel programs, coordinated curriculum, reusable learning resources, and other shared projects.What you bringRequiredFive or more years of instructional design experience and a master’s degree in instructional design, education, educational technology, or a related field.Higher education teaching experience, including direct responsibility for instruction of college or university students.Demonstrated ability to design online courses with aligned outcomes, assessments, active learning, and meaningful faculty-student interaction.Hands-on D2L Brightspace course-building experience and working knowledge of RSI, UDL, and WCAG accessibility standards.Effective use of generative AI in course development, including critical review of accuracy and instructional quality.Strong writing, faculty collaboration, project management, and judgment across concurrent deadlines.PreferredDoctorate or second graduate degree; Edvisor.ai or similar AI learning-platform experience.Experience with adult learners, high-enrollment courses, Quality Matters, or formal course quality assurance.Experience with parallel programs, curriculum mapping, or coordinated program pathways.Professional proficiency in written Spanish.Supplemental InformationTo apply: Please go to http://www.ggu.edu/jobs to submit an application, letter of interest, and a resume.In applying for a position, candidates sign a consent authorizing a broader inquiry which may include reference checks, a motor vehicle check, and a third-party background check.Golden Gate University is an equal employment opportunity employer. We support inclusive excellence and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming community for all.University policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion/creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, gender stereotyping, and gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, taking a protected leave (e.g., family medical or pregnancy leave), or on any other basis protected by applicable laws.The University has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and to maintaining working and learning environments that reinforces these practices. The University welcomes and encourages applications from all demographics.Circa