Instructional Development Specialist

University of Northern Iowa; Cedar Falls (IA); Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public university in Iowa is seeking an experienced professional in instructional design for online education. The role involves collaborating with faculty to enhance the quality of online courses, coordinating course development, and ensuring alignment with industry best practices. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and have at least two years of instructional design experience, with strong skills in various course management systems. The position is eligible for remote work within Iowa.

Qualifications

• At least two years of robust instructional design experience in online education.
• Experience with Universal Design for Learning.
• Familiarity with Quality Matters Rubric.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with faculty on instructional strategies for online courses.
• Coordinates course development from inception to completion.
• Conducts reviews of online courses to ensure alignment with best practices.

Skills

Proficiency in course learning management systems

Proficiency with Google Suite

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Excellent organizational skills

Excellent verbal communication skills

Excellent written communication skills

Strong attention to accuracy and detail

Customer service skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to adapt to change

Education

Bachelor's degree in education, English, technical writing, or related field

Master's degree

Tools

Blackboard Original and/or Ultra View

D2L/Brightspace

Canvas

Job description

This position is eligible to be performed remotely within the state of Iowa. Employees who elect remote work must comply with the requirements of our remote work policy and agreement.

Responsibilities

Collaborates with faculty members to determine instructional strategies and materials and assessment strategies appropriate for online courses offered through Online Education and Individual Studies; collaborates with CETL and IT Educational Technology & Media Services and other support units to elevate the quality of support and instruction; coordinates course development from inception to completion by providing course design, development, and production services to faculty, including editing and building content in the LMS; conducts reviews of online courses with instructors to ensure that course design aligns with Quality Matters Rubric and industry best practices standards; works with faculty on electronic files and content to ensure digital accessibility; and identifies gaps and needs between current hardware and software capabilities, supports growth, and addresses emerging technologies for technology-based courses.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in education, English, technical writing, educational technology, or related field; at least two years of robust instructional design experience in the field of online education, with proficiency across course learning management systems; proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite tools; excellent organizational skills and time management skills, including ability to prioritize tasks and projects as needed; excellent verbal and written communication skills, customer service, and interpersonal skills; strong attention to accuracy and detail; ability to learn and apply emerging online tools and skills, including generative AI; ability to work well with others in a team setting; and ability to adapt to change and work in a fast-paced work environment required. Master's degree; higher education teaching experience; experience with Blackboard Original and/or Ultra View, D2L/Brightspace, or Canvas; project management experience, including long-term collaborative projects with faculty; experience with Universal Design for Learning and creating/editing electronic files for digital accessibility; and familiarity with Quality Matters Rubric and industry best practices standards for online course design preferred.

All application materials received by April 14th, 2026, will be given full consideration.

UNI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.