Instructional Designer, Pardee Institute

Organizational Summary

The Frederick S. Pardee Institute for International Futures is home to International Futures (IFs), an open-source, integrated assessment and forecasting platform. IFs uses systems dynamics, econometrics, and other quantitative techniques to analyze and explore hundreds of interconnected, macro-level variables across human, social, and natural systems through the end of this century and beyond.

We use IFs and other bespoke data tools to inform real-world policy debates and decisions about long-term global trends—from climate change and conflict to development and security. Our work supports a global community of multilateral organizations, governments, and practitioners who are tackling today’s most consequential issues.

The Institute maintains 17 full-time staff members, employs approximately 100 students annually, and conducts an average of $1.6 million in sponsored research each year. We are housed within the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies, a world-class academic setting focused on training the next generation of global leaders.

The Pardee Institute seeks a part-time, temporary Instructional Designer to design and build fully asynchronous, high-impact learning experiences that help professionals apply the International Futures (IFs) modeling tool in their own work.

This role is a good fit for someone who:

• Enjoys turning complex, technical content into clear, practical learning for busy professionals.
• Is comfortable working with subject-matter experts (SMEs) and asking probing questions.
• Cares about accessibility, clean UX, and data-informed iteration.
• Wants a flexible, remote, project-based role with meaningful global impact.

You will translate SME content into job-relevant microlearning with clear objectives, purposeful interactivity, knowledge checks with feedback, and a clean, low-friction user experience that works across bandwidth and devices. The ideal partner balances rigor and accessibility, embraces systems thinking and transparency, and designs primarily for mid-career strategists in the private and social sectors while maintaining credibility with the Institute’s policy-engaged audiences.

This is a non-benefited position not to exceed 1,000 hours in a calendar year.

• Analyze and plan
  • Conduct a rapid needs analysis with SMEs.
  • Clarify learner profiles, workflows, and success criteria.
  • Convert high-level goals into measurable, module-level learning objectives and assessment plans (ward design).
• Design learning architecture
  • Sequence modules to manage cognitive load and build progressive complexity.
  • Create storyboards/outlines for 3–5-minute micro-lessons.
  • Define interaction patterns (e.g., click-throughs, diagrams, lightweight animations), reflection prompts, and practice activities.
  • Apply a toolkit of learning strategies to create engaging eLearning experiences.
• Develop content and assets
  • Build SCORM/xAPI-compliant modules (e.g., Articulate 360/Rise/Storyline).
  • Write scripts, on-screen text, and alt text.
  • Create simple motion/diagram assets (Vyond-style or equivalent).
  • Develop knowledge checks with targeted feedback and authentic tasks (case snippets, mini-projects) tied to IFs use cases.
• Quality assurance and accessibility
  • Apply universal design for learning (UDL) and accessibility practices (color/contrast, keyboard navigation, captions/transcripts, descriptive alt text).
  • Use multimedia learning principles (e.g., signaling, coherence) and cognitive load checks.
  • Coordinate and incorporate peer/SME reviews; refine UX for clarity and ease of use.
• Implementation and iteration
  • Package and publish modules to the LMS/LRS; verify tracking and reporting.
  • Set up simple dashboards for completion, time-on-task, and item analysis.
  • Run lightweight pilots, analyze data, and deliver revisions to improve clarity, engagement, and performance.
• Collaboration and project management
  • Maintain project schedules and track risks and issues.
  • Facilitate asynchronous reviews and communicate trade-offs clearly (quality, time, scope, cost).
  • Document key decisions to preserve transparency and responsible interpretation of forecasts.