Associate Instructional Designer

The Associate Instructional Designer is an entry-level to early-career role responsible for supporting the design and development of effective learning experiences. In this role, you will apply foundational instructional design theories and models to create engaging, structured learning materials. You will collaborate with other instructional designers, experienced subject matter experts (SMEs), and stakeholders to assist in the development of e-learning modules, instructor-led training, and assessments.

This role is ideal for individuals with 1-3 years of experience in instructional design who are looking to further develop their skills in content creation, learning technologies, and assessment design.

This is a hybrid position; any in-person work will be located on the UMN Twin Cities campus. The salary range for this position is $65,000 annually to $85,000 annually.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• 40% - Initiate, lead, and complete training projects
  • Analyze learners and contexts, develop, design, and implement complex training programs and content, and evaluate their effectiveness within the Office of Human Resources
  • Provide and manage comprehensive, relevant, role-based programs that deliver context-specific knowledge, tools and skills
  • Develop comprehensive recommendations and supporting programs to support customized competency models, curricula and development plans
  • Collaborate with various business units, cross-functional teams and key stakeholders to ensure timely, accurate design creation of training programs
  • Develop collaboratively learner experience-focused tools, templates, tutorials, guides, reference materials, and announcements
  • Provide instructional, design, and technical consultation to stakeholders
    
• 30% - Create and maintain end-user documentation and training materials to support HRMS Users
  • Update course content based on system / application updates using a variety of applications such as Canvas and Adobe Captivate
  • Create course materials such as reference manuals and job aids for users
  • Create new course content meeting standards set by the team
  • Design materials for consistency across curriculum
  • Conduct assessment of training needs within Human Resources
  • Work with various subject matter experts in the development of courses
  • Identify and suggest ways to improve: awareness and image of the training department, training materials, and training department business processes
  • Ensure the quality and consistency of course content throughout the course life cycle
  • Serve as education and content expert within project or launch teams across business lines when educational programs are being planned, developed and delivered to all target audiences
  • Work with subject matter experts and identify target audience's training needs
    
• 20% - Training delivery, facilitation, and evaluation
  • Deliver content/curriculum using a variety of methods, including instructor-led synchronous/asynchronous learning and eLearning; develop and implement alternative learning methods/techniques
  • Evaluate pre- and post-training effectiveness and analyze results; execute curriculum and content enhancements based on assessment results and feedback
  • Evaluate existing courses and training materials and make recommendations for change as part of a team
  • Project planning and coordination
    
• 10% - Maintain knowledge of training industry best practices and make recommendations on how to apply them to the HRMS training strategy
  • Stay current on learning theory, instructional design, delivery methods, and best practices
    
    

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of experience, or a combination of education and/or experience to equal at least six years
• Understanding of basic instructional design principles, including knowledge of common models and methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM)
• Ability to write clear, concise, and engaging content. Proficiency in developing lesson plans, presentations, and basic e-learning modules
• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) and e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate). Basic understanding of multimedia elements (e.g., video, audio, graphics)
• Proficiency with content management systems (CMS) and digital asset libraries to organize, version, and maintain instructional materials across multiple platforms
• Comfortable working in team settings and taking direction from senior instructional designers and SMEs. Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn
• Familiarity with tools and methods that support scalable learning content curation, continuous improvement, and the repurposing of instructional materials for multiple audiences or formats
• Experience in project planning, management, and execution

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects efficiently
• Experience working with a human resources management system
• Experience designing and managing training programs in a Learning Management System
• Demonstrated ability to apply User Experience (UX) and/or Learner Experience (LX) concepts to create instruction that fits the needs of clients and targeted learners
• Working knowledge of web design languages, including HTML, JavaScript, and CSS
• Experience working with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, After Effects, Acrobat Professional, and Audition), video and audio editing software, and Adobe Captivate
  
  

Pay Range: $65,000 - $85,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

For a completed application, please include a resume and cover letter. Finalists may be asked to provide references.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).