Temporary Instructional Designer

Position Description
Instructional Designer, Workforce Credentials

The Instructional Designer, Workforce Credentials is a production-focused role responsible for the end-to-end design, development, and delivery of high-quality instructional experiences for short-term, workforce-aligned trainings, certificates, and credentials. This position specializes in applied instructional design for adult learners and employer-responsive programs, with a strong emphasis on media-rich learning, modular design, and scalable production.

This role is 100 percent instructional design and production. It does not include faculty training, helpdesk support, or general instructional technology support. The Instructional Designer collaborates closely with faculty subject-matter experts, program leaders, and partners in the Center for Teaching, Learning and Design when appropriate, while maintaining clear ownership of instructional design and production.

This position reports to the Chief Strategy Officer for Academic Affairs and plays a critical role in advancing MSU Denver's workforce-aligned credential and short-term training portfolio.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in short-term workforce training design, advanced proficiency working in Canvas, mastery of modern instructional and media production tools, and hands-on experience producing polished, professional learning assets, including work in a media or green-screen environment.

Responsibilities

70% Instructional Design and Production for Workforce Credentials
* Leads instructional design for short-term workforce trainings, micro-credentials, certificates, and other applied learning experiences
* Translates workforce- and employer-aligned learning outcomes into engaging, modular instructional designs optimized for adult learners
* Designs, builds, and maintains courses directly in Canvas, including modules, assessments, multimedia, and learner interactions
* Produces high-quality instructional media, including scripted video, demonstrations, simulations, and interactive content
* Utilizes professional media production workflows, including green-screen or studio environments, lighting, audio, and post-production editing
* Develops SCORM-compliant and LMS-integrated learning objects using modern authoring tools
* Applies accessibility, usability, and universal design principles, including ADA Section 508 compliance, throughout design and production
* Uses emerging technologies, including AI-enabled design and media tools, to accelerate production, enhance learning quality, and support scalable workforce credential development
* Iterates rapidly based on feedback, learner data, and program needs to support continuous improvement and responsiveness

20% Collaboration and Applied Design Partnership
* Collaborates with faculty subject-matter experts to translate content expertise into instructionally sound, learner-centered designs
* Works in partnership with the Center for Teaching, Learning and Design, which will support orientation to MSU Denver instructional standards, best practices, and core systems
* Coordinates with CTLD as needed for consultation, alignment, and access to shared instructional resources, including use of the CTLD green room and media production facilities
* Works with program managers and academic leaders to align instructional design with credential goals, timelines, and workforce outcomes
* Contributes instructional design expertise to credential planning conversations, including modality, pacing, assessment strategy, and learner experience

10%Tools, Innovation, and Quality
* Stays current on emerging instructional design practices, media technologies, and workforce learning trends
* Recommends and implements new tools, workflows, and design approaches to improve quality, efficiency, and scalability
* Develops and documents templates, design standards, and production workflows
* Other duties as assigned in support of workforce-aligned instructional design and production

Required Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
* Demonstrated experience in instructional design for short-term, workforce-focused, or adult learning programs
* Demonstrated ability to design, build, and manage courses in Canvas
* Strong proficiency with modern instructional design and media production tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Camtasia, Articulate, video editing software, and interactive authoring tools
* Hands-on experience producing professional instructional media, including video and audio
* Experience working in or with a media studio or green-screen environment
* Knowledge of adult learning principles and outcomes-driven instructional design
* Working knowledge of accessibility and usability standards, including ADA Section 508
* Strong collaboration and communication skills, particularly with faculty and cross-functional partners

Preferred Qualifications
* Master's degree in instructional design, educational technology, learning experience design, or a related field
* Experience designing workforce credentials, certificates, or non-credit programs
* Experience developing SCORM-compliant or modular learning objects
* Familiarity with competency-based or employer-aligned credential frameworks
* Strong scripting and storyboarding skills for instructional media
* Experience using AI-enabled tools to support instructional design, media production, content development, or assessment design in workforce or adult learning contexts
* Instructional Design or Learning Experience Design certification

Schedule and Position Information
* Full-time, 40 hours per week
* Exempt
* Temporary appointment, 9-months max
* Monday through Friday
* In-person or hybrid, based on production needs
* Travel is rare

Salary for Announcement

$50-60 per hour

*This position is not benefits eligible and does require enrollment in a PERA retirement account

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.