Instructional Designer - Partially Grant Funded

McHenry County College; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL is seeking an Instructional Designer to serve as the subject matter expert in instructional design and pedagogy, guiding faculty in evidence-based teaching, accessible course design, and effective use of instructional technologies across modalities.

The role leads initiatives like competency-based education, online teaching, and faculty development, collaborating with faculty, staff and administrators to design courses, train staff, and promote quality,

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or related field.
• 2+ years of higher education teaching experience, online or blended.
• Experience with instructional design in CBE, online or blended modalities.
• Knowledge of universal design and accessibility standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead instructional design standards across course offerings.
• Design, develop, and deliver training on instructional design and online/blended teaching.
• Collaborate with faculty to align outcomes and assessments.
• Evaluate courses for quality, accessibility and effectiveness.
• Support CBE initiatives and online teaching and learning.
• Stay current with trends in instructional design and educational technology.

Skills

Instructional technologies

Instructional design models

Quality Matters

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

LMS (Canvas)

Faculty training & development

Education

Master’s degree in education or related field

2+ years higher education teaching experience (online or blended)

Job description

40 hours | Flexible schedule to meet department needs, which may include evenings and weekends.

This position is partially granted funded.

The Instructional Designer serves as the subject matter expert in instructional design and pedagogy, guiding faculty in the application of evidence-based teaching practices, inclusive and accessible course design, and the effective use of instructional technologies to support student learning. This role collaborates with faculty on the design and development of high-quality courses and learning experiences in both CTE and transfer disciplines, and across all modalities (in-person, blended, and online). In addition, this position is responsible for developing and conducting training on instructional practices and design principles that promote quality, innovation, and student success across the College. As part of this work, the Instructional Designer will lead and scale initiatives like competency-based education (CBE), and online teaching and learning and will collaborate with faculty, staff and administrators across the College.

Instructional Design Leadership

• Act as the subject matter expert in instructional design and assist in establishing and maintaining instructional design standards across all course offerings of the College
• Lead and scale pedagogical and instructional design initiatives, such as CBE, and online teaching and learning

Faculty Collaboration and Training

• Collaborate with faculty to design and develop courses that align learning outcomes, assessments, and instructional materials using evidence-based instructional design principles in both CTE and transfer disciplines
• Provide one-on-one consultation and support to full-time and adjunct faculty in course design, development, and revision in both CTE and transfer disciplines, and across all modalities (in-person, blended and online), including the creation of engaging digital learning resources
• Evaluate and recommend improvements for courses to enhance quality, accessibility, and effectiveness, using recognized course quality standards (e.g., Quality Matters or similar frameworks)
• Design, develop, and deliver training and faculty development sessions on instructional design, online and blended teaching practices, student engagement, and assessment strategies, including authentic performance-based assessments
• Partner with faculty, staff, and administrators to offer professional development opportunities related to effective teaching and learning practices for new and continuing full-time and adjunct faculty

Accessibility and Competency-based Education

• Incorporate principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and ensure alignment with digital accessibility standards (ADA, WCAG) in course design; provide guidance and training to faculty on accessible instructional materials
• Support the design and development of CBE courses and programs by working with faculty and academic leadership to align competencies with measurable learning outcomes, develop authentic and mastery-based assessments, and support flexible, student-centered learning pathways

Administrative and Other Responsibilities

• Stay current with emerging trends, research, and best practices in instructional design, online learning, and educational technology.
• Work collaboratively with others (e.g. colleagues and other stakeholders,) to accomplish functions and responsibilities
• Assume additional duties as assigned by immediate supervisor

• Master’s degree in education, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution or a master’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution with experience in instructional design
• Two or more years of higher education teaching experience that includes experience teaching online or blended courses

Desired Qualifications:

• Five or more years of higher education teaching experience that includes experience in all modalities (in-person, blended, and online)
• One year or more of experience supporting faculty 1:1 and in group settings

Skills and Specifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge/implementation of
  1. instructional technologies used in higher education in both CTE and transfer disciplines
  2. instructional design models and approaches to in-person, blended, and online learning
  3. online teaching standards (such as Quality Matters)
  4. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and digital accessibility standards, including ADA and WCAG guidelines
• Strong understanding of pedagogy and learning theories, including CBE, active learning, inclusive teaching, and assessment practices
• Proficiency with learning management systems (LMS), preferably Canvas, and experience designing or supporting courses within an LMS
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create clear and user-friendly instructional materials
• Ability to take a teaching- and learning-focused approach to problem-solving
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills
• Ability to work independently while maintaining a strong team orientation and developing productive working relationships across the College
• Positive attitude, including the ability to foster collegiality and support faculty with varying levels of experience
• Flexibility and openness to change, including the willingness to adapt to evolving instructional practices and institutional priorities
• Commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and professional growth
• Commitment to the College’s mission, vision, values, and goals
• Commitment to and respect for diversity, equity and inclusion