About this Instructional Designer role at Western Governors University
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.
The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
Job Description
The Instructional Designer is a skilled learning design professional who develops high-quality, engaging educational experiences that align with program outcomes, instructional best practices, and each course's intended scope and sequence. In conjunction with key stakeholders, this role manages the course development process and evaluates curricular materials, providing expertise in instructional design and learning science. Incorporates proven and emerging learning strategies into curriculum design and consistently applies quality standards across projects. Passionate about learner success, this role collaborates across teams to research, design, and refine impactful learning experiences. Manages multiple concurrent projects, assesses risk, tracks progress, and communicates effectively with stakeholders to promote accountability and continuous improvement.
Location: This is a full-time, in-office position requiring 5 days per week in
Salt Lake City, UT. Designed to foster the collaboration and connection that fuel our best work.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Candidates should bring a strong understanding of:
• Instructional design principles, curriculum development, and adult learning theory
• Scope and sequence, measurable learning outcomes, and real-world application
• Designing engaging, inclusive experiences for diverse adult learner
• Evidence-based design strategies informed by learning science and behavioral research
• Assessment design, learning resource integration, and alignment to program and course competencies
• Project management, risk assessment, and managing multiple concurrent projects
• Technical writing, editing, and translating complex concepts into clear, actionable content
• Critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, and problem-solving with a learner-first mindset
• Building collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders and cross-functional teams
• Navigating ambiguity and change with adaptability, resilience, and sound judgment
• Using technology and digital tools to enhance instructional design and learning delivery
• Continuous learning and applying innovation to improve student experiences
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
• Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, Educational Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field. Relevant experience may substitute for education requirements.
Experience:
• 3 years of professional experience designing and developing instructional materials or learning experiences within higher education, corporate training, or a similar environment.
• Curriculum development
• Course design
• Collaboration with subject matter experts
• Cross-functional collaboration
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience designing for adult learners
• Experience with online learning environments
• Experience with competency-based education models
• Familiarity with learning management systems
• Familiarity with digital authoring tools
• Familiarity with UX principles within learning environments
• Experience working in agile or iterative development processes
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.
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Position & Application Details
Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.
Additional Information
Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.
Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].
Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.
