Instructional Designer job description template

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Example of an instructional designer job description

An instructional designer plays a pivotal role in creating effective, engaging, and innovative learning experiences for various audiences, including corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies. Instructional designers use instructional design models, learning theories, and multimedia tools to craft meaningful content that aligns with the needs of learners. They collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) and project teams to develop courses and programs that enhance knowledge and skill development. Companies and organizations hire instructional designers to improve learning outcomes and ensure learners meet their learning objectives efficiently.

If you're looking to hire an instructional designer, this job description template will guide you in attracting the best candidates. Tailor the job post to your organization's specific requirements, and use platforms like Upwork to connect with talented professionals, whether you're looking for full-time hires or project-based support.

Job overview

We are seeking an experienced instructional designer to join our team. The ideal candidate will collaborate with subject matter experts to design, develop, and implement innovative instructional materials for online courses and training programs. The instructional designer will be responsible for creating engaging content that meets learning objectives using learning management systems (LMS) and authoring tools. Additionally, the role involves evaluating the effectiveness of instructional content and revising materials based on learner feedback.

This position requires a strong understanding of learning and instructional design theories, curriculum development, and instructional technology. The instructional designer will work closely with cross-functional teams, including project managers, to ensure that all content is aligned with the overall goals of the project. We are looking for someone with excellent communication skills, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and proficiency in multimedia content creation.

Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with subject matter experts to develop engaging and effective instructional materials for online courses, training programs, and in-person learning experiences
  • Design and develop elearning modules, using authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Captivate, and Adobe Illustrator
  • Manage project timelines and coordinate with the project team to ensure timely delivery of all course materials
  • Conduct learning needs assessments and apply appropriate instructional design models, such as ADDIE, to design content
  • Create interactive storyboards, simulations, and multimedia elements that enhance the learning experience
  • Utilize learning management systems (LMS) to manage course content, track learner progress, and analyze learning outcomes
  • Revise and update instructional materials based on learner feedback, performance metrics, and evolving project goals
  • Develop and implement training programs for internal teams and professional development initiatives
  • Ensure that all instructional content is aligned with learning objectives, design principles, and best practices for online learning
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, developers, and stakeholders, to meet organizational goals

 

Qualifications and skills

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in instructional design, instructional technology, education, or a related field
  • Proven experience in instructional design, course development, and course design for online learning environments
  • Proficiency in LMS platforms, including Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, or similar systems
  • Expertise in using authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Captivate, and Adobe Illustrator
  • Strong understanding of learning theories, instructional design models (such as ADDIE), and design principles
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work with subject matter experts, stakeholders, and team members to meet project objectives
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Experience in creating interactive content, including storyboards, simulations, and multimedia elements
  • Ability to analyze learning needs and develop innovative learning solutions
  • Experience in developing instructional materials for higher education, corporate training, and government agencies

 

About our company

[Company Name] is a leading provider of learning and development solutions, specializing in curriculum development, online courses, and training programs for organizations worldwide. We believe in delivering high-quality, engaging learning experiences that help learners achieve their full potential. Our team of instructional designers, developers, and subject matter experts collaborate to create impactful, data-driven learning solutions for our clients. Join our dynamic team and help shape the future of education and training!

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Instructional Designers you can meet on Upwork

  • $65 hourly
    Dawn H.
    • 4.9
    • (39 jobs)
    Pensacola, FL
    vsuc_fltilesrefresh_TrophyIcon Instructional Design
    Project Management
    Employee Training
    Writing
    Customer Service
    Elearning
    Human Resource Management
    I specialize in learning and development as well as project management, and I very much enjoy roles in client services, human resources, education, and training. I excel in areas where written and verbal communication are vital. Some of my most fulfilling positions are those which are client-facing, where I serve as the liaison between clients and company staff. As a "people person," I relish the interaction afforded by this type of role and have been told by numerous colleagues that it shows in my warm way of making them feel at ease, combined with my professional attitude toward getting the job done. Many of my clients attribute this to something they call my “Southern Charm,” and I love (and am humbled by) that phrase used to describe my communication style! My Bachelor’s degree and my teaching background have been essential in helping me to sharpen and perfect my presentation skills and my abilities to effectively train, motivate, and inspire others to learn. My abilities to present information and communicate broad concepts as well as specific details, while managing projects and mentoring others, have served me well throughout my career. I regularly lead training sessions using a variety of web conferencing tools such as GotoMeeting, Join.me, Adobe Connect and Zoom. As an effective communicator of the written word, I have written curriculum and collaborated in online course design and testing. I have gained a wealth of experience in eLearning course content writing and editing as well as technical writing. Website content writing for Kraft Canada has also intensified my proficiency as a writer. To further round out my writing repertoire, I have had the challenging and rewarding experience of writing a Human Resources manual, a project which required researching labor laws and transforming the content into palatable and engaging wording for a corporate audience. In terms of project management, I have had the pleasure of managing and mentoring remote teams of medical transcriptionists and instructional designers as well as serving as the administrator of a robust LMS delivering hundreds of eLearning courses to thousands of learners. In my position as the project manager/client services manager for a digital marketing firm, I engaged daily in digital marketing initiatives for a variety of clients and wrote and edited marketing/promotional materials. I also have five years of sales experience and have enjoyed positions which provided me the opportunities to utilize my communications skills in presenting, selling, and closing. In my position of Project Manager of Virtual Services, I lead a team of virtual employees, recruit, interview, and onboard new employees, and manage payroll and employee benefits. My core professional philosophy is to approach my work with enthusiasm and to always exhibit honesty, trustworthiness, professionalism, and poise. The following are highlights of my success in my current and previous positions: ● Resolute command, both written and verbal, of the English language. ● Superior communication skills. ● Motivational management style. ● Frequent commendations by colleagues and clients for my optimistic attitude, attention to detail, and for always ensuring an exceptional, positive interaction. ● Numerous accolades by colleagues and students for my inspirational teaching and mentoring techniques. ● Proficient use of online meeting tools for coaching sessions and team collaboration. ● Expert problem-solving skills. ● Expert writing skills. ● Exemplary research skills. My professional background is wide ranging and has always included choices in positions which require exemplary communication skills. My executive support experience, teaching background, writing expertise, management experience, sales, and technical skills are vital to any position, and I believe that my strong communication skills are the most important skills that I have to offer. I began my career as a virtual/remote professional during the summer of 2004, and I have a total of 14 years of full-time virtual and remote work experience. I conduct all business from my home office which is fully equipped to handle the needs and demands of virtual and remote work responsibilities; the environment is quiet, with no background noise, and is perfect for all areas of professional work, including online meetings, virtual projects, and client communication. I excel at the demands of virtual and remote work, a few of which are flexibility in availability, commitment to deadlines, and a can-do attitude toward every project at hand. I hope you will review my resumeˊ and contact me for a video interview or phone discussion. I would consider it a privilege to be a member of your team! All the best, Dawn Hamilton
  • $85 hourly
    Carrie A.
    • 5.0
    • (11 jobs)
    South Branch, MI
    vsuc_fltilesrefresh_TrophyIcon Instructional Design
    Canvas
    Graphic Design
    Curriculum Development
    Learning Management System
    TalentLMS
    Microsoft PowerPoint
    Vyond
    Elearning
    Multimedia Instruction
    Shareable Content Object Reference Model
    Project Management
    Articulate Rise
    Articulate Storyline
    Online Instruction
    I am a dynamic and results-driven Senior Instructional Designer with over 20 years of experience transforming complex ideas into engaging, accessible, and impactful learning solutions. My passion lies in creating innovative eLearning programs that empower learners and drive organizational success. With expertise in Articulate 360, Vyond, SCORM compliance, and accessibility standards (Section 508, WCAG Level AA), I deliver training solutions that resonate with diverse audiences. I specialize in leveraging instructional design principles, including ADDIE, Kirkpatrick's Evaluation Model, and Adult Learning Theory, to craft courses that are both user-friendly and results-oriented. Whether collaborating with cross-functional teams, spearheading LMS implementations, or adapting content for global audiences, I thrive on solving instructional challenges. If you’re ready to transform your learning vision into a reality, let’s connect. Together, we’ll create engaging, impactful eLearning tailored to meet your goals, timeline, and budget. Below are just a few of the testimonials I have received regarding my work in helping others discover the best learning solutions for their specific needs. Let me help you transform your complex and potentially dry topic into effective and engaging eLearning that delivers real results. I can simplify the process of developing an eLearning program by guiding you through a proven series of effective, straightforward steps designed to maximize your staff’s time and organization’s budget. "Carrie goes above and beyond to make sure the project is the very best that it can possibly be. The feedback of participants engaged in the online learning continuously rates their experience as second to none. And our enrollment in these courses has gone beyond my expectations. I wouldn't want to work with any one else but Carrie." Dr. Grant Chandler, Executive Director ​MI Excel Statewide Field Team "I have had the pleasure of engaging Ms. Albin to collaborate with my team at the American College of Physicians on multiple projects related to the creation of online education modules for physicians. Ms. Albin has displayed a wonderful ability to take dense technical material and deliver it in an engaging manner for learners. . . In addition, she consistently displayed superior professionalism from the first minute of each project to the very end - through systematic project management, creation and commitment to realistic delivery deadlines, and remarkable preparation for video conference calls with subject matter experts. We look forward to working with her whenever the opportunity arises." Dr. Tabassum Salam Vice President, Medical Education ​American College of Physicians "I’ve had the privilege of working with Carrie for over 15 years on multiple projects, and I can confidently say she’s one of those rare professionals who makes you breathe a little easier knowing she’s on your team. Her ability to deliver high-quality work on time—and often exceeding expectations—is second to none. Carrie’s instructional design expertise shines in her ability to develop engaging, impactful courses in Articulate Storyline and Rise. Over the years, she has created dozens of high-quality courses that have consistently received rave reviews from learners and stakeholders. Her polished, professional videos produced with Vyond add a dynamic edge to her projects, and her meticulous attention to detail ensures every product meets or surpasses agreed-upon criteria. . . If you’re looking for someone who is creative, dependable, and consistently delivers exceptional results, Carrie is the person you need on your team." Karen Hairston K Hairston Services, Inc. CEO/Founder/Consultant Specialties: Instructional design, Storyline, Rise, Vyond, curriculum development, program development, project management, eLearning development, Adult Learning Theory
  • $55 hourly
    Stephen F.
    • 5.0
    • (38 jobs)
    Cold Spring Harbor, NY
    vsuc_fltilesrefresh_TrophyIcon Instructional Design
    Product Development
    Technical Writing
    Mechanical Engineering
    Website Copywriting
    Innovation Strategy
    Product Design
    3D Animation
    Industrial Design
    Autodesk Fusion 360
    3D Rendering
    SolidWorks
    You bring the ideas, I bring the design and development. As a young professional with a background in biomedical engineering (B.S. & M.S.), I own and operate a small team at Vitality Engineering & Design. I have seen the impact of bringing ideas to life and continually strive to provide give others this opportunity. That’s where you come in. Let’s chat about your creation idea, what its purpose is, and how I can help you in its development. Even if it’s beyond my scope, I would love to point you in the right direction. Here is a list of services that I can provide you: - Technical/Mechanical 2D Drawings - Patent Drawings - CAD/3D Models - Product Renderings - Resources for Prototyping and Manufacturing
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