Position Specifics
The Learning Design team within the College of the Liberal Arts is seeking an Instructional Designer to oversee all aspects of designing, developing, and managing online course portfolios.
This position is not focused on technical support. Instead, the key responsibilities of the Instructional Designer are centered on collaborating closely with faculty authors to ensure course content and assessments enhance learning and support student success.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed. This is not a fully remote position and requires a minimum of three days per week of on‑site work at the designated location.
The Instructional Designer will join the team at the Filippelli Institute of e‑Education and Outreach.
Responsibilities:
Meet with faculty authors to design and develop content for asynchronous online courses, including adult learner enrollments.
Provide guidance to faculty authors based on established learning frameworks.
Review faculty‑created course content and assessments and provide research‑based recommendations to enhance student learning.
Act as project manager for courses in development to monitor progress, set schedules, and ensure deadlines are met.
Collaborate with multimedia specialists to create course‑related multimedia elements (animations, illustrations, videos, virtual environments) and manage their completion within a timeframe.
Oversee the work of Instructional Design Assistants for the setup and maintenance of approximately 35 courses each semester.
Ensure all course content follows copyright and accessibility standards.
Research and promote innovative trends and technologies that impact online learning in higher education.
Qualifications:
Advanced knowledge of learning theories, best practices for online learning, and current research in the field.
Ability to apply that knowledge to course design, reviews, and recommendations.
Outstanding project management skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with team members and faculty partners, and to delegate work to others.
Experience with Canvas or another learning management system.
Minimum Education & Experience
Master's Degree, 3+ years of relevant experience. Required Certifications: None.
Salary & Benefits: The salary range for this position is $56,200.00 – $81,500.00.
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time), and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.
Background Checks
Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
EEO Statement:
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, and a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
