Instructional Designer

Job Description

The School of Nursing has an outstanding opportunity for an Instructional Designer to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Learning Technologies, the Instructional Designer is responsible for supporting the transformation of traditional, hybrid, and online courses into dynamic, competency-based learning experiences. It combines instructional design expertise, project management skills, and technology integration, with a strong emphasis on Competency-Based Education (CBE). It combines instructional design expertise, project management skills, and technology integration, with a strong emphasis on Competency-Based Education (CBE).

This is a faculty-facing role within the School of Nursing's Office of Student and Academic Affairs (OSAA) Learning Technologies Team. A key focus of the role is partnering with faculty and academic leadership to support the School's transition of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program to a high-quality online learning model, including course redesign, online pedagogy, technology integration, and the development of engaging learning experiences. At its core, the role focuses on enhancing student engagement and improving learning outcomes through innovative course design, faculty collaboration, and the strategic use of educational technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide instructional design consultation and support for curriculum development aligned with Competency-Based Education (CBE) principles.
• Support the School of Nursing's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program transition to an online format, ensuring high-quality instructional design and alignment with program goals.
• Apply evidence-based instructional strategies to enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes.
• Integrate learning technologies effectively into course design to support interactive, student-centered learning environments.
• Manage small to mid-level instructional design projects from planning through implementation, ensuring timely delivery and quality outcomes.
• Develop instructional materials, multimedia content, and assessment tools in collaboration with subject matter experts.
• Provide training and support to faculty on best practices in online and hybrid teaching, instructional technology use, and course delivery.
• Stay current on trends and innovations in instructional design, adult learning theory, educational technology, and higher education.
• Collaborate closely with the Learning Technology Team and Office of Student and Academic Affairs to ensure instructional design aligns with institutional goals and accreditation requirements.

Instructional Design & Course Development (50%)

• Provide expert guidance to SoN faculty in redesigning traditional courses into Competency-Based Education (CBE) formats that emphasize measurable learning outcomes
• Guide faculty in selecting teaching strategies that align with course objectives.
• Partner with faculty and subject matter experts to design and develop rich, competency-driven online and hybrid courses that foster student engagement and success.
• Apply evidence-based instructional design strategies and adult learning principles to create learner-centered experiences tailored to diverse student needs.
• Design assessments that align with course competencies and promote deeper learning and skill demonstration.
• Support the alignment of course components—objectives, content, and assessments—to ensure they are measurable, aligned with CBE frameworks, and consistent with accreditation and program standards.
• Apply evidence-based instructional design principles, learning theory, and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, UDL) to ensure high-quality learning experiences.
• Design and facilitate training workshops, instructional guides, and professional development sessions.
• Stay current with emerging trends in digital learning, instructional technology, and higher education.
• Develop course prototypes, templates, and guides that reflect best practices in online pedagogy.

Project Work (20%)

• Point person on mid-size Learning Technology projects, ensuring alignment, deliverables, and timelines.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement plans for course design, development, and delivery.
• Participate in cross-departmental committees and projects focused on curriculum development, instructional design, and technology adoption.

Learning Technology Research and Integration (20%)

• Participate in research and pilot projects exploring emerging instructional technologies.
• Foster communication and share best practices regarding learning technology integration
• Develop documentation and resources for faculty on effective technology use.
• Assess needs for asynchronous and synchronous course delivery and recommend suitable learning technologies.
• Support faculty with LMS (Canvas) management and optimization.
• Assist in selecting and implementing educational technology tools (e.g., online assessments, audience response systems, interactive content).

Other Responsibilities (10%)

• Other duties assigned as needed

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience designing and developing online courses in a higher education environment.
• Applied expertise in course conversion with an emphasis on instructional alignment and pedagogical integrity.
• Strong knowledge of learning theory, adult learning principles, and instructional models such as ADDIE or Backward Design.

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field.
• Experienced instructional designer with a deep understanding of Competency-Based Education, course design, and online pedagogy.
• A strong collaborator who can work across departments, manage multiple priorities, and deliver faculty-facing support with empathy and clarity.
• A tech-savvy person who stays current with digital learning trends and can translate tools into meaningful student experiences.

Working Conditions

• This position typically requires a 40-hour work week, with occasional periods where additional hours may be needed.
• This position offers flexibility for some remote work.

About the Team

The Learning Technologies team is part of the School of Nursing's Office of Student and Academic Affairs (OSAA), partnering closely with faculty, staff, and academic leadership to advance teaching excellence and student success. We are a collaborative, innovative, and service-oriented team that enjoys tackling complex challenges, exploring emerging technologies, and turning ideas into meaningful learning experiences.
 

This position works closely with fellow Learning Technologies team members, including learning technologists and media specialists, as well as faculty, academic leaders, and other campus partners to design, develop, and deliver high-quality learning experiences across traditional, hybrid, online, and competency-based programs. Together, we bring expertise in instructional design, educational technology, media production, accessibility, curriculum innovation, and project management, while fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, continuous improvement, and mutual support. We value thoughtful collaboration, enjoy learning from one another, and aren't afraid to experiment with new approaches that improve teaching and learning. If you're energized by solving problems, building strong relationships, and making a meaningful impact on the future of nursing education, you'll feel at home on our team.

https://nursing.uw.edu/

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$85,008.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$100,800.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.