Job Description

Instructional Designer

University of Puget Sound
Job ID: 8397

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Staff Posting Details

Appointment: Regular, full-time (1.0 FTE) position.

Work Location: This position is based in Tacoma, WA, and is hybrid eligible (minimum of 3 days on-site) after a successful evaluation period.

Position Summary:

The Instructional Designer provides hands-on services and resources to faculty in the development of effective, engaging, and accessible courses within Canvas and other instructional technologies. This individual supports faculty in course design, learning assessment strategies, and the integration of technology to enhance teaching and learning. The Instructional Designer collaborates with faculty across disciplines, facilitates workshops and training, and contributes to the continuous improvement of online and in-person learning experiences.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with faculty to design, develop, and enhance courses in Canvas, ensuring alignment with best practices in instructional design and pedagogy.
• Provides one-on-one consultations, workshops, and training sessions to assist faculty in integrating technology and evidence-based teaching strategies into their courses.
• Develops instructional materials, templates, and online resources to support faculty in the use of Canvas and other educational technologies.
• Assists in the evaluation and implementation of instructional technologies that support teaching and learning objectives.
• Conducts research on emerging trends in instructional design, online learning, and digital pedagogy to inform best practices.
• Supports faculty in developing accessible and inclusive course materials, ensuring compliance with ADA and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
• Works collaboratively with academic departments, Technology Services, and other university stakeholders to enhance instructional support initiatives.
• Provides front-line support for faculty using Canvas, including troubleshooting issues and advising on best practices for course organization and delivery.
• Develops and maintains documentation, tutorials, and self-paced learning resources for faculty and students.
• May serve on university committees related to instructional design and academic technology.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No supervision of regular staff. May supervise student workers or interns.

Budget Responsibilities: None.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Education, or a related field.
• Experience in instructional design and course development in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in Canvas LMS, including course building, assessment strategies, and instructional best practices.
• Strong understanding of pedagogy, instructional methodologies, and adult learning theories.
• Ability to design and facilitate training sessions for faculty on instructional technologies and course design strategies.
• Proven ability to independently and continuously learn new technologies and creatively apply them to teaching and learning.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with faculty and staff at varying levels of technological proficiency.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, ADA, Section 508) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Education, or a related field.
• Experience providing faculty development and training in a higher education environment.
• Expertise in Canvas LMS administration and support for faculty use, including troubleshooting front-end technical issues.
• Experience with learning analytics, assessment strategies, and data-driven course improvements.
• Familiarity with digital media creation tools, video production, and visual presentation software (e.g., Camtasia, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.).
• Experience designing online or hybrid courses, including knowledge of Quality Matters or similar course design frameworks.
• Experience with both Windows and Macintosh hardware, OS, and software.
• Ability to respectfully work, communicate and provide leadership within a diverse campus community.

Compensation and Benefits: The anticipated range for this position is $75,440 - $85,000 annually. Decisions about starting salaries are made based on the extent and relatedness of the candidate's education and experience and on internal equity and market considerations.

Puget Sound offers a generous benefits package for eligible staff employees, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement plan options and 403(b) contributions
• Paid vacation, sick leave, floating holiday, campus holidays and bonus holidays
• Education benefits, such as full tuition for eligible employees and their families
• Access to university facilities and entertainment (fitness center, pool, library, concerts, lectures and more!)

University Diversity Statement:

• We acknowledge the richness of commonalities and differences we share as a university community; the intrinsic worth of all who work and study here; that education is enhanced by investigation of and reflection upon multiple perspectives.
• We aspire to create respect for and appreciation of all persons as a key characteristic of our campus community; to increase the diversity of all parts of our University community through commitment to diversity in our recruitment and retention efforts; to foster a spirit of openness to active engagement among all members of our campus community.
• We act to achieve an environment that welcomes and supports diversity; to ensure full educational opportunity for all who teach and learn here; to prepare effectively citizen-leaders for a pluralistic world.

Puget Sound is committed to an environment that welcomes and supports diversity. We seek diversity of identity, thought, perspective, and background in our students, faculty, and staff. To learn more please visit: https://pugetsound.edu/about-puget-sound-0/mission-core-values/institutional-equity-diversity

The University of Puget Sound is an equal opportunity employer.