Instructional Designer I

Albany State University; Albany (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Albany State University is seeking an Instructional Designer I to support the Office of Distance Learning by collaborating with faculty to design and deliver high-quality online and blended courses. This role emphasizes evidence-based instructional design, RSI, OER adoption, and accessibility standards.

This position focuses on ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and quality frameworks such as Quality Matters, with opportunities to contribute to faculty development and innovative

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of instructional design theory, online and blended learning models, and adult learning principles.
• Awareness of accreditation standards, including SACSCOC requirements, regulatory compliance for online education, and RSI.
• Knowledge of ADA/WCAG accessibility standards and digital accessibility practices; familiarity with OER adoption and integration.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty to design, redesign, and deliver online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced courses with RSI integrated.
• Ensure alignment of courses with accreditation requirements (SACSCOC), ADA/WCAG, and Quality Matters standards.

Skills

RSI compliance

OER adoption

Instructional design

LMS proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design

Tools

Quality Matters

ADA/WCAG tools

Job description

Job Title: Instructional Designer I
Location: Albany State Rec. Location
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 305725

About Us

Albany State University is a fully accredited senior unit of the University System of Georgia. Employees receive benefits provided by the University System of Georgia, including, but not limited to, medical and major medical insurance, group life insurance, participation in the Georgia Teachers' Retirement System, Optional Retirement Plan (Faculty and exempt employees only), Social Security and Tuition Assistance Program after six months of employment.

Location

Our West Campus is located at 2400 Gillionville Road, Albany, GA 31707. Our East Campus is located at 504 College Drive, Albany, GA 31705. The Human Resources office for both campuses is located on the West Campus in Building K, Suite 209.

Job Summary

The Instructional Designer will support the Office of Distance Learning¿s mission to elevate distance education at Albany State University by collaborating with faculty and academic units to design and deliver high-quality online and blended courses. This role will focus on applying evidence-based instructional design practices, promoting the use of Open Educational Resources (OER), and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards, federal regulations, and institutional policies, including SACSCOC requirements, regular and substantive interaction (RSI) standards, ADA/WCAG accessibility, and quality design frameworks such as Quality Matters. Working under the guidance of department leadership, the Instructional Designer will contribute to innovation in online learning, support faculty development, and help ensure that all courses and digital content meets standards of excellence and accessibility.

This is a Title III funded position and is contingent upon the availability of external funding. Employment in this role is for a limited term and will be reviewed annually based on funding and needs.

Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty to design, redesign, and deliver engaging online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced courses, ensuring regular and substantive interaction (RSI) is integrated into course design.
• Ensure alignment of courses with accreditation requirements (e.g. SACSCOC), federal regulations (ADA/WCAG), and quality assurance standards (e.g. Quality Matters), with attention to RSI compliance.
• Assist with the development and delivery of professional development sessions on online teaching, instructional design best practices, OER adoption, accessibility, and emerging technologies.
• Promote and support the integration of Open Educational Resources (OER) to improve course quality, accessibility, and affordability.
• Contribute to university-wide instructional design projects and initiatives under the direction of departmental leadership.
• Update and maintain compliance with WCAG requirements for digital content related to the Office of Distance Learning.
• Stay current with research, trends, and innovations in instructional design, online teaching and learning, OER, and educational technology.
• Collect and analyze feedback from faculty and students to inform improvements in instructional design practices.
• Assume additional responsibilities as needed to support departmental operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, Adult Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of professional experience in instructional design or course development, with a focus on online learning environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, Adult Education, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in instructional design and development for online or blended learning.
• Experience with accreditation review processes, quality assurance frameworks (e.g. Quality Matters), or OER integration.

Proposed Salary

Salary is commensurable with education and experience.

Required Documents to Attach

• Cover letter.
• Resume.
• Unofficial transcripts.
• A list of at least 3 professional references with their contact information.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• Solid understanding of instructional design theory, online and blended learning models, and adult learning principles.
• Awareness of accreditation standards, including SACSCOC requirements, regulatory compliance for online education, and regular and substantive interaction (RSI).
• Knowledge of ADA/WGAC accessibility standards and digital accessibility practices. 0Knowledge of Open Educational Resources (OER) adoption and integration into course design.
• Proficiency in learning management systems and instructional technologies.
• Familiarity with Quality Matters or similar quality assurance frameworks.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to design and develop engaging, learning-centered online courses that incorporate RSI standards.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with faculty, staff, and administrators.

Abilities

• Ability to apply instructional design practices that enhance student learning and engagement.
• Ability to ensure online courses meet regular and substantive interaction (RSI) requirements.
• Ability to support faculty in adopting OER and ensuring accessibility compliance.
• Ability to contribute to strategic instructional design initiatives within the Office of Distance Learning.

Ability to collect and apply feedback to improve design and delivery.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone], or by email at [e-mail]. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at [phone], or by email at [e-mail].

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

Excellence
We achieve outcomes of the highest quality, hold ourselves accountable to the highest standard and are committed to continuous improvement in University programs and services.

Respect
We are directed by tenets of ethics, treating other with courteous regard, and being civil in our interactions.

Community
We strive to build community and value a good mindset.

Teamwork
We seek partnerships within the University and community. We practice a supportive spirit that results in the implementation of plans, actions and shared results.

Learning
We cultivate a practice of global pedagogies in a learning environment.

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Albany State University.

Certain positions may also require the selected candidate to submit to or have:

• a credit check completed for "Positions of Trust" and/or approved departmental purchase card usage
• a motor vehicle report for positions that require driving an Albany State University vehicle
• a successful pre-employment drug test

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG) and Albany State University. The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status (protected status). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.
All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.