Instructional Designer

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

Job Description SummaryIn conjunction with other stakeholders, the Instructional Designer manages the course development process and evaluates curricular materials (e.g., courses, technologies, modules) providing expertise on the instructional effectiveness of learning resources. This individual will work closely with stakeholders, researching and incorporating proven learning strategies and quality practices into the curriculum of each program. In addition, the Instructional Designer collaborates with stakeholders to develop course competencies and objectives. The Instructional Designer is responsible for the success of several simultaneous projects, assessing risk, reporting progress, and communicating effectively with stakeholders to promote collaboration and accountability.

LOCATION: This position requires you to be located within 50 miles of Salt Lake City, UT with the ability to work a hybrid schedule in office 3-4 days a week at our headquarters: 4001 South 700 East Salt Lake City, UT 84107.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Manages the course development process for new and existing courses.
• Ensures academic and quality standards as well as WGU’s vision and mission are reflected in all aspects of the student experience.
• Consults with curriculum program managers during the program review and development process.
• Assists in the development of contextually rich, engaging, and objective-driven courses that focus on applicable real-world/workplace skills.
• Applies evidence-based curriculum development strategies to the design of degree programs.
• Identifies learning resources and maps learning resources to course or program objectives and competencies in collaboration with university partners.
• Develops and revises curricular materials, including competency statements, learning objectives, and other relevant documentation.
• Reviews learning resources and assessments to ensure proper alignment to the intended objectives and facilitates agreement for necessary changes.
• Ensures course development is completed on time and within budget and meets standards of quality.
• Conducts quality assurance reviews on courses and implements revisions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

• Thorough understanding of curriculum development, instructional design, and test development
• Thorough understanding of project management, needs assessment, and risk management
• Advanced technical writing and editing skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects at different stages while meeting deadlines and quality standards
• Ability to work independently, under minimal supervision
• Advanced critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis skills
• Advanced skills in planning, organizing, and self-management
• Ability to facilitate collaboration, support, and approval from a variety of stakeholders
• Problem Solving Skills: Investigates appropriate resources and involves partners when appropriate; future-oriented; assesses what will help/hinder achieving goals; focuses on what is important.
• Interpersonal Skills: Deals with others in a considerate, respectful, and unbiased manner; approaches conflict proactively; solicits and shares feedback openly; listens with empathy and maintains composure.
• Accuracy: Draws on factual information garnered from careful cultivation of a broad knowledge of WGU’s goals and processes; investigates beyond assumptions.
• Adaptability: Course corrects behaviors and communication style to meet the needs of a wide range of situations; tackles obstacles appropriately; is comfortable with ambiguity.
• Reliability: Accountable to others; does what it takes to get the job done; actions are consistent with words; follows through on commitments; exhibits exceptional integrity.
• Attitude: Displays commitment to the organization and to personal growth; self-motivated and able to motivate and inspire others; asserts self appropriately to champion ideas; tells the truth in a direct