Instructional Designer - World Campus Learning Design

Penn State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking an Instructional Designer for the World Campus Learning Design unit to lead the development of innovative online learning experiences. You will collaborate with faculty, multimedia developers, and analytics experts to create accessible courses that elevate academic excellence on a global scale.

The role emphasizes AI integration, learning analytics, and cross-functional collaboration to advance instructional design across programs and disciplines.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree required for Senior Professional and 6+ years of relevant experience.
• Master's Degree with 3+ years of relevant experience required for Advanced Professional.
• None of the role's required certifications are listed.

Responsibilities

• Lead program-level design efforts with faculty leads to establish vision, structure and measurable outcomes.
• Manage course and program design from initiation through delivery, ensuring quality and alignment with goals.
• Apply learning theory and design frameworks to create engaging, inclusive experiences.
• Advance AI and analytics initiatives; advise on AI tools and translate LMS data into actionable insights.

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Learning Design unit at Penn State World Campus is seeking an Instructional Designer to lead the development of innovative, high-quality online learning experiences. World Campus Learning Design partners with faculty across Penn State to create accessible, engaging, and high-quality courses that reach learners around the globe. This position plays a strategic role in advancing the university’s goal of elevating academic excellence and impact and supporting a bold vision for the future of World Campus.

You’ll work alongside a talented team of multimedia developers, accessibility experts, editors, and production specialists who are dedicated to creating high-quality learning experiences. We are looking for a designer who values collaboration, brings new ideas to the table, and is ready to help shape the future of learning at Penn State.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead program-level design efforts — Serve as the lead instructional designer for academic programs, partnering with faculty leads to establish vision, structure, and measurable learning outcomes.
• Manage complex design projects — Oversee course and program design from initiation through delivery, ensuring quality, scalability, and alignment with institutional goals.
• Apply learning theory and design frameworks — Leverage evidence‑based practices to create engaging, inclusive, and effective learning experiences.
• Advance innovation in one or more strategic areas:
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education Design assignments and learning activities that build AI literacy and critical evaluation skills. Advise faculty on responsible adoption of generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot). Support institutional readiness for an AI‑enabled teaching and learning environment.
  • Learning Analytics Use Learning Management System (LMS) data (e.g., Canvas) to evaluate outcomes and inform course and program revisions. Contribute to dashboards or data visualizations using tools such as Tableau or Power BI. Translate complex data into actionable insights for faculty and academic leaders. Build faculty capacity — Provide consultation and training on emerging technologies, instructional design practices, and data‑informed decision making. Collaborate across the university — Partner with cross‑functional teams to advance initiatives in AI, analytics, and innovative pedagogy.
    • AI in teaching and learning, with hands‑on experience using generative AI tools, or
    • Learning analytics, with applied experience in data interpretation and visualization.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Instructional Designer - Senior Professional, this position requires:

Master's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

If filled as Instructional Designer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

Master's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

Preferred Qualifications:

Expertise in both AI and learning analytics. Experience leading large‑scale or interdisciplinary program development. Familiarity with data systems and reporting tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI). Doctorate in instructional design, curriculum and instruction, or a closely related field.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $94,980.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State’s salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

There's a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land‑grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines