Instructional Designer

Instructional Designer

Nashville, TN, United States (On‑site)

Vanderbilt University is seeking an Instructional Designer for the Office of Learning Innovation, housed within the Office of the Deputy Provost. The Instructional Designer plays a key role in advancing high‑quality, inclusive teaching and learning across the university. As part of a centralized instructional design team, this position collaborates with faculty and academic units to design, develop, and enhance online courses that reflect best practices in pedagogy and accessibility.

The role provides expert consultation and faculty development support while contributing to institutional initiatives that promote innovation in teaching and learning. This role requires strong collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to continuous improvement in educational design.

This role will work 4 days per week in the office and 1 day per week remotely.

• Instructional Design and Development:
  Design and develop online courses in partnership with faculty, ensuring alignment with program outcomes, learning objectives, and institutional quality standards.
• Consultation and Support:
  Serve as a design consultant to faculty and departments across the university, providing guidance on course structure, learning activities, assessment strategies, and the effective use of educational technology.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with project managers, digital media specialists, learning technologists, and other university teams to design and deliver cohesive, high‑quality courses and programs that align with institutional standards and timelines.
• Quality and Accessibility:
  Ensure all instructional materials and digital content meet accessibility, usability, and quality assurance standards in accordance with university policy and best practices.
• Innovation and Research:
  Stay current with trends in learning science, educational technology, and instructional design; share insights and contribute to the development of institutional best practices.
• Technology and Tools:
  Utilize systems such as Brightspace, Microsoft 365, and other emerging educational technologies to support course design and faculty engagement.

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, educational technology, curriculum and instruction, or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• One to three years of demonstrated experience designing and developing online, in‑person, or hybrid courses within a higher education environment is required.
• Strong knowledge of instructional design frameworks, learning theory, and effective online pedagogy is required.
• Experience applying accessibility standards and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in digital course design is required.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholder relationships in a collaborative, service‑oriented environment is required.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to consult effectively across disciplines and organizational levels are required.
• Proficiency with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Brightspace, Blackboard) and related instructional technologies is required.
• Demonstrated success partnering with faculty and academic leadership to advance institutional goals for teaching and learning is preferred.
• Familiarity with Quality Matters or other recognized quality assurance frameworks for online learning is preferred.
• Commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and staying current with research and emerging practices in online education is preferred.

• Accreditation Processes and Standards - VU
• Blended Learning - VU
• Educational Technologies - VU
• Instructional Design - VU
• Instructional Strategies - VU
• Learning Design - VU
• Learning Management Systems - VU
• Online Course Development - VU
• Pedagogy - VU
• Student Learning Outcomes - VU
• Universal Design for Learning - VU

Vanderbilt University is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.