Remote Instructional Designer - Higher Education

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a talented Remote Instructional Designer to develop high-quality online courses for higher education. The role is fully remote within South Africa, collaborating with SMEs and faculty to transform complex subjects into engaging digital learning experiences.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in instructional design, proficiency with Articulate Storyline/ Rise and Adobe Captivate, and strong LMS experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Curriculum Development, or related field.
• A Master's degree is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years of instructional design experience in higher education and online learning.
• Proficiency with authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline/Rise and Adobe Captivate.
• Experience with LMS platforms (Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard).
• Strong multimedia development skills including video editing and graphic design.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to convey design concepts clearly.
• Portfolio of prior instructional design work required.
• Reliability for remote work with dedicated workspace and internet.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop engaging online courses and learning materials using ADDIE/SAM.
• Collaborate with SMEs and faculty to define objectives and outcomes.
• Create multimedia content including videos, quizzes, simulations, and interactive exercises.
• Develop assessments aligned with course objectives.
• Utilize LMS and authoring tools to build online courses.
• Ensure accessibility per WCAG standards.
• Guide faculty on best practices for online teaching and course design.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews for pedagogical soundness and functionality.
• Stay current with trends and technologies in instructional design.

Skills

Instructional design

Remote work

Communication skills

Project management

Portfolio

Adult learning theory

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Articulate Storyline/Rise

Adobe Captivate

LMS (Canvas Moodle Blackboard)

Video editing

Graphic design basics

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented and innovative Remote Instructional Designer to spearhead the development of high-quality online courses for higher education institutions. This position operates entirely remotely, offering flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in transforming complex subject matter into engaging, effective, and accessible digital learning experiences. This role demands a blend of creativity, technical proficiency, and a deep understanding of adult learning principles. You will collaborate closely with subject matter experts (SMEs), faculty, and other stakeholders to design and develop robust online course content, assessments, and learning activities. Our client is committed to pushing the boundaries of online education, and this role is central to achieving that mission. The successful candidate will be a self-starter, highly organized, and passionate about leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes for a diverse student population.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop engaging online courses and learning materials using instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM).
• Collaborate with SMEs and faculty to define course objectives, learning outcomes, and content structure.
• Create interactive multimedia content, including videos, quizzes, simulations, and interactive exercises.
• Develop assessments that accurately measure student learning and are aligned with course objectives.
• Utilize learning management systems (LMS) and authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate) to build online courses.
• Ensure all digital learning content adheres to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
• Provide guidance and support to faculty on best practices for online teaching and course design.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of online courses to ensure pedagogical soundness and technical functionality.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in instructional design and online education.
• Manage multiple course development projects simultaneously, adhering to deadlines and project scopes.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Curriculum Development, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in instructional design, specifically in higher education and online learning environments.
• Proven expertise with instructional design models and learning theories.
• Proficiency with industry-standard authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline/Rise, Adobe Captivate, or similar.
• Experience working with Learning Management Systems (e.g., Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard).
• Strong understanding of multimedia development, including video editing and graphic design principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects independently and meet deadlines in a remote work setting.
• A portfolio showcasing previous instructional design work is required.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a dedicated workspace for remote work.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary and the flexibility to work from home.
• Our client provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a generous retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attendance at relevant conferences and access to online courses, are provided.
• We foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, offering pathways for career advancement within the organization.
• Employees also benefit from flexible working hours and a supportive remote work culture designed to promote work-life balance.
• The collaborative spirit extends to our virtual teams, ensuring strong connections and shared success.