Instructional Designer I

University of California; Maine; Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition waiver

Retirement match

Paid holidays

Leave benefits

Job summary

University of New England in Maine is seeking an Instructional Designer I (ID1) to plan, develop, and deliver engaging online learning experiences. The role emphasizes adult learning theory, instructional design, and collaboration with stakeholders for continuous improvements.

The position offers hybrid work options and requires on-site attendance for regular Portland campus meetings, contributing to UNE’s goal of excellent online education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in instructional design, curriculum development, education, pedagogy, or related field.
• Two to five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of instructional design principles, online learning, assessment strategies, and adult learning theory.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with course stakeholders to create and manage engaging instructional activities, materials, and media.
• Propose course improvements based on analysis of existing courses and stakeholder feedback.
• Prepare courses in the Learning Management System each term with syllabi, schedules, and materials.
• Develop learning modules, multimedia resources, and gradebooks.
• Maintain live courses and respond to faculty or student concerns throughout the term.
• Conduct QA reviews and facilitate course approvals per guidelines.
• Attend and lead meetings with stakeholders to discuss design and timelines.
• Support faculty in using course management tools and engaging students.

Skills

Instructional design

LMS experience

Online course development

Adult learning theory

Project management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Technical troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

LMS

Media authoring tools

Web conferencing tools

Job description

The Instructional Designer I (ID1) performs a variety of instructional design functions related to the planning, development, and delivery of engaging learning experiences through online platforms. The ID1 works with instructional technology tools to design interactive learning content, researches instructional design theories and technologies for their applicability to learning, and develops or updates courses, instructional materials, and other digital learning resources consistent with adult learning theory for online delivery.

The ID1 is responsible for the continuous, incremental improvement of all assigned online courses to maximize student engagement and learning, facilitate excellent online teaching, and advance the University’s goal of providing world-class online education.

This position offers hybrid, flexible work options. The successful candidate must be able to attend meetings and regularly scheduled on-campus workdays at the Portland campus.

About the University of New England

UNE is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one‑of‑a‑kind study‑abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands‑on learning, empowering students to positively impact a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts.

Benefits Overview

• Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage.
• Up to 8% retirement plan match.
• Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year.
• Educational benefits:
  • UNE tuition waiver for employees, spouses, and domestic partners.
  • UNE tuition waiver for dependents of employees with 1 year of full‑time service.
    • 50% tuition reduction if less than 1 year of full‑time service.

Content Creation, Course Management and Course Maintenance

• Collaborate with course stakeholders to create and manage engaging instructional activities, materials, and media using instructional design theories and best practices.
• Propose course improvements based on analysis of existing courses, consulting with stakeholders on design, learning objectives, activities, and evaluation methods.
• Prepare courses within the Learning Management System each term, including:
  • Update syllabi (policies, descriptions, grading policies).
  • Create course schedules and support information.
  • Develop and build learning modules (overviews, objectives, materials, assessments).
  • Set up multimedia resources and gradebooks.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews, functionality testing, and facilitate course approval per College’s quality guidelines.
• Maintain live courses throughout the semester, responding quickly to faculty or student concerns.
• Conduct functionality testing, including that of integrated and non‑integrated third‑party platforms.

Project and Time Management and Collaboration

• Develop project timelines for course revisions under guidance from the Director of Learning Experience.
• Ensure that projects are delivered on time and meet high‑quality standards.
• Attend and lead regularly scheduled meetings with course stakeholders to discuss instructional design, update timelines, construct or revise learning activities, and review materials in progress.

Faculty and Student Support

Maintain active courses throughout the semester, responding promptly to faculty or student concerns.

• Support faculty in using course management tools, such as monitoring student engagement, managing discussion forums, maintaining the gradebook, and providing feedback.

Compliance and Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to the University’s intellectual property guidelines.
• Ensure ADA compliance in online and distance learning environments.
• Recommend potential instructional tools, media, and approaches to enhance teaching and learning.
• Perform other duties as assigned to contribute to a collaborative and innovative learning environment.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in instructional design, curriculum development, education, pedagogy, or a related field, with substantial coursework or research in relevant areas. Two to five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.

• Demonstrated knowledge of instructional design principles, online learning best practices, course development processes, assessment strategies, and adult learning theory.
• Experience applying instructional design models, including backward design, to develop effective learning experiences.
• Experience designing, developing, and maintaining online courses, instructional materials, tutorials, and technology user guides.
• Familiarity with online teaching and learning practices in higher education or corporate environments and experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Strong technical skills, including experience troubleshooting technology issues and collaborating with technology support providers.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and creative thinking skills with the ability to evaluate processes and recommend improvements.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and evolving technologies.
• Ability to motivate, instruct, and support others while working effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated interest in researching, evaluating, and applying emerging online learning technologies and instructional approaches.

EEO Statement Summary

Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran. Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions concerning students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users of institutional programs, services, and activities.

Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine’s immunization requirements for clinical activity.

Additional Notes

This position is not eligible for H‑1B visa sponsorship.