[Hiring] Instructional Designer @Penn State University

Role Description

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. 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.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• If filled as Instructional Designer - Senior Professional: 6+ years of relevant experience
• If filled as Instructional Designer - Advanced Professional: 3+ years of relevant experience

Requirements

• None required certifications for both positions.

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.

Benefits

• Salary range: $59,580.00 - $94,980.00.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.