Instructional Designer Job Description Template

Instructional designer working with a colleague on a design project.

Today’s instructional designers have graduated from the classroom and emerged as coveted experts in nearly every segment of society.

Traditionally, instructional designers created low-tech classroom materials, such as textbooks and instructor manuals. But these days, hospital systems, government agencies, and virtually all industries are calling on these experts to design online learning environments.

As employers begin to take on the task of upskilling their workforce, instructional designers are likely to be in even higher demand than they are currently. In fact, demand for instructional designers outside of the classroom is expected to grow even faster than within academia.

Attracting these highly educated, in-demand professionals can be challenging. A well-worded, comprehensive instructional designer job description can be a useful first step toward engaging the candidate with the expertise your organization needs. For more ideas on what to include in your job post, browse Monster’s instructional design job listings.

Instructional designer working with a colleague on a design project.

Instructional Designer

[Intro Paragraph] Begin your instructional designer job description with a concise paragraph or list of bulleted items designed to sell your workplace to applicants. Are you a large research university with a cutting-edge learning platform? A challenging school system looking for a superstar innovator to revamp its approach to student needs? Or a large corporation with plentiful opportunities for advancement? Whatever makes your workplace special should be highlighted near the top of your job post. This is also a great place to talk about your philosophy toward career development and work-life balance.

Instructional Designer Job Responsibilities:

  • Develops and designs courses and curriculum.
  • Edits and develops online learning materials.
  • Creates learning experiences and environments.
  • Designs learning activities, assignments, and assessments.
  • Creates computer-based training (CBT) modules and storyboards.
  • Develops instructor’s manuals, rubrics, and other teaching tools.
  • Collaborates with subject experts to develop course content.
  • Manages online learning communities.
  • Analyzes, updates, and refines existing online content.
  • Trains instructors, students, and employees in how to use learning technologies.
  • Facilitates discussion and collaboration via social media.
  • Keeps current on best practices in instructional design.
  • Writes scripts for video and audio content.
  • Works with technical staff to troubleshoot problems reported by users.

[Work Hours & Benefits] In this section you should aim to sell the position to potential applicants, just as the first section of your instructional designer job description sold candidates on your workplace. Highlight the salary range and benefits, particularly student loan forgiveness or tuition reimbursement. To ensure that the salary range you mention is in line with similar salaries for technical writers in your region, use a salary tool that allows you to input job title and location.

Instructional Designer Qualifications/Skills:

  • Knowledge of instructional theory, including assessment
  • Proficiency with learning management systems (LMS)
  • Understanding of web site design best practices
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills
  • Experience with design platforms, such as InDesign
  • Familiarity with course management systems, such as Blackboard
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey technical information to non-technical colleagues and clients
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple simultaneous deadlines

Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements:

  • BS, MS, or higher degree in instructional design, education, or related field
  • Teaching or administrator’s license a plus
  • Experience as a classroom instructor
  • Previous experience in instructional design

[Call to Action] Your instructional designer job description should finish strong with a call to action that urges applicants to fill out an online application and send a resume, along with a cover letter and link to an online portfolio of previously designed learning design projects, to a designated recruiter.

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