Instructional Designer

Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long term disability and tuition reimbursement.

SUNY Cortland prioritizes work-life balance and well-being in all forms. The university's state-of-the-art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families. Alternate work schedules are available with a supervisor's approval.

Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding.

Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region's offerings

Major Responsibilities

Collaborative Instructional Design and Learning Technology Support

• Collaborate with faculty to design and evaluate effective, learner-centered course materials using evidence-based instructional design principles that ensure alignment between learning outcomes, content, assessments, and instructional activities.
• Provide one-on-one consultations and ongoing instructional design support to faculty in the design, implementation, and assessment of learning activities and instructional materials.
• Serve as the primary instructional design liaison for assigned academic departments, establishing collaborative relationships with faculty, department leaders, and academic support units.
• Develop presentations and advise faculty and departments on the pedagogy of technology-enhanced course design, such as effective use of our learning management system, development of materials for online courses, and thoughtful responses to emerging technologies.
• Assist faculty in designing course materials and digital learning resources that meet accessibility standards and university quality expectations.
• Support the effective use of existing learning technologies, multimedia tools, and learning management systems.
• Evaluate, recommend, and support the responsible adoption of emerging educational technologies.

Accessibility & Assessment

• Ensure compliance with accessibility standards, such as ADA, Section 504/508, WCAG, and promote inclusive design practices across learning environments.
• Collaborate with departments and faculty to analyze course data, learner feedback, and assessment results to inform continuous course improvement and instructional decision-making.
• Advise faculty on continuous course improvement through application of university and SUNY-specific assessment frameworks and evidence-based practices.
• Review instructional materials to identify and address accessibility barriers and promote compliance with applicable accessibility standards and best practices.

Academic Partnerships & Project Management

• Contribute to Center for Teaching & Learning initiatives, strategic projects, working groups, and committees that advance teaching excellence and student success to ensure instructional effectiveness.
• Manage multiple instructional design projects simultaneously. Establish timelines, priorities, deliverables, and stakeholder communication plans.

Functional and Supervisory Relationships

• Reports to the Senior Director of the Center for Teaching & Learning
• Works in partnership with Center Staff including directors, instructional designers, and administrative assistant(s)
• Works in partnership with faculty and staff

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree.
• One year professional experience supporting instructional technologies, learning management systems, and/or distance education initiatives.
• One year of professional experience working in instructional design, educational technology, faculty development, online learning, or closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in instructional design, learning sciences, curriculum & instruction, educational psychology, higher education, educational technology, or similar field.
• Three years' experience designing, developing, and evaluating online or technology-enhanced learning environments.
• Three years' experience working/teaching in higher education.
• Three years' experience supporting, training or consulting on the use of a learning management system, preferably Brightspace.
• Three years' experience supporting instructional design in science, health, or math disciplines.
• Three years' experience designing authentic, applied, or practice-based assessments aligned with student learning outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with and communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, deadlines, and competing demands.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while building and maintaining effective relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of instructional design principles, learning theories, and best practices for technology-based teaching and learning environments.
• Ability to learn, evaluate, apply, and support the adoption of new technologies and effectively train, support, and guide others in their use.
• Ability to consult with faculty and recommend evidence based instructional strategies and educational technologies that support learning outcomes, student engagement, and effective teaching practices.
• Knowledge of asset-based, inclusive, equitable, and learner-centered pedagogical practices and their application in higher education learning environments.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and best practices for the development of accessible instructional materials and learning experiences.
• Knowledge of learning management systems and educational technologies used to support teaching and learning.
• Skill in designing and developing engaging instructional materials, learning activities, assessments, and educational resources aligned with learning outcomes.
• Ability to assess instructional needs and recommend effective instructional design solutions that enhance teaching effectiveness and student learning.
• Ability to develop, facilitate, and assess workshops, training sessions, and professional development programs.

About the University

A top public university of approximately 6,600 students located in the geographic center of New York State, SUNY Cortland provides accessible, affordable education to students from across the U.S. body. One of 13 comprehensive universities in the State University of New York system, SUNY Cortland prides itself on its rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, education, and professional studies. For more than 150 years, SUNY Cortland has provided unmistakable value for students seeking a well-rounded academic, athletic, and social experience. The University ranks among the top campuses in the nation on Money magazine's "Best Colleges for Your Money List," fields a powerhouse Division III athletics program and boasts an impressive network of alumni making a difference in education, business, government, fitness, medicine and many other fields.

EEO Statement

SUNY is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application, interview, or hiring process may request an accommodation by contacting our HR ADA Coordinator in Miller Room 302, 607-753-2302, hr@cortland.edu. Requests for accommodation will be considered consistent with applicable law. This process is separate from, and does not require, any voluntary self-identification of disability status.

Posting Number: S26040

Review Start Date: 10/21/2026