Instructional Designer I

Shepherd University; Shepherdstown (WV); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Shepherd University seeks an Instructional Designer I to design, develop, and QA online, hybrid, and in-person courses, applying sound pedagogy and branding standards. Working from templates, you build modules, create materials, and partner with faculty to apply evidence-based instructional strategies while integrating technology to strengthen teaching and student learning.

This entry-level role provides training and professional development, with opportunities to collaborate remotely and onsite

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design or related field.
• 1–2 years as an instructional designer in higher education.
• Grounding in learning theory, pedagogy, and online teaching best practices.
• Familiarity with QM standards (APPQMR) and accessibility requirements (WCAG 2.2 AA, Section 508).
• Proficiency with an LMS and Microsoft Office; able to work independently and with faculty remotely or on-site.

Responsibilities

• Build and populate course modules from established templates and branding standards.
• Use AI-assisted tools to draft learning materials, then apply HTML to implement content.
• Create supporting materials—facilitation guides, self-paced resources, short videos.
• Ensure course materials and media meet accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2 AA and Section 508).
• Support QA for online courses and participate in training on online teaching effectiveness.
• Collaborate with faculty, remotely and face-to-face, on course development and technology use.
• Stay current with developments in instructional design and educational technology in higher education.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Independent work

HTML basics

AI tools familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design or related field

Master’s degree or certificate (preferred)

Tools

Brightspace LMS

Microsoft Office 365

HTML/CSS/JS basics

AI drafting tools

Job description

Instructional Designer I

Posting Details

• Posting Number | S431P
• Working Title | Instructional Designer I
• FLSA | Exempt
• Pay Grade | Non-Classified
• Advertised Salary | Beginning at $55,000
• Position Status | Full Time
• Appointment Length | 12 Months
• Department | Online Learning
• Job Summary/Basic Function | Reporting to the Director of Online Learning, the Instructional Designer supports the design, development, and quality assurance of online, hybrid, and in-person courses, with a central emphasis on sound pedagogy and teaching effectiveness. Working from established course templates and university branding standards, the Instructional Designer builds course modules, creates supporting materials, and partners with faculty to apply evidence-based instructional strategies and to integrate technology in ways that strengthen teaching and student learning. This is an entry-level position; relevant training and professional development are provided.
• Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and professionally with faculty and stakeholders at all levels in a fast-paced environment.
  • One to two years as an instructional designer in higher education institutions.
  • Grounding in learning theory, pedagogy, instructional design principles, and evidence-based practices for online teaching and learning.
  • Familiarity with Quality Matters Higher Ed 7th edition standards and with digital accessibility requirements (WCAG 2.2 AA and Section 508).
  • Comfort using AI tools to draft learning materials, plus basic HTML to implement and refine that content within established course templates—with the judgment to review and correct AI output for accuracy, quality, and accessibility.
  • Proficiency with a learning management system (LMS) and Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Planner), and the ability to learn new tools quickly.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, both remotely and face-to-face.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree or graduate certificate in Instructional Design, Curriculum Design, Educational Technology, Learning Engineering, or a related field.
  • A portfolio demonstrating instructional design skills (e.g., sample courses, modules, storyboards, or e-learning projects).
  • Quality Matters (QM) certification (e.g., APPQMR or Certified Peer Reviewer).
  • Experience with Brightspace LMS.
  • Familiarity with HTML, CSS, Javascript and common instructional-technology tools, such as screen recording and video tools (e.g., ScreenPal), web conferencing (Zoom, Teams), image editing (Photoshop, Canva), streaming audio and video, file types, compression methods and formats, and using authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline for faculty training.
• Posting Date | 10/07/2026
• Close Date |
• Special Instructions Summary | Appointment to this position will be contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
• The University does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, including H-1B, H-2B, E, TN, O, or similar work-authorized classifications, for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

Job Duties

• Build and populate course modules from established templates, applying university branding standards and ensuring design consistency across online, hybrid, and in-person courses.
• Use AI-assisted tools to draft learning materials, then apply basic HTML to implement, adjust, and refine that content within course templates.
• Create supporting instructional materials—facilitation guides, self-paced resources, and short instructional videos—using approved tools.
• Ensure course materials and media meet accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2 Level AA and Section 508).
• Support the quality assurance process for online courses, including alignment with Quality Matters standards (training provided).
• Assist in developing and delivering in-house training on online teaching effectiveness and instructional technology, including building training modules in Brightspace using HTML.
• Collaborate with faculty, remotely and face-to-face, on course development and the effective use of instructional technology.
• Stay current with developments in instructional design and educational technology in higher education.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Contact Information

• VISIT 301 N KING ST, SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV 25443
• MAIL P.O. BOX 5000, SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV 25443
• CALL 304.876.5000