Instructional Designer | JobSetuu

Description

Job Overview

• Source: RemoteOK

Job Description

Primary Purpose/Scope

Bluefield University seeks a detail-oriented and collaborative Part-Time Instructional Designer to support the ongoing development and redevelopment of online courses. Reporting directly to the Director of Instructional Design, this position works closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to build high-quality, engaging learning experiences within the Canvas LMS. The successful candidate will ensure that all course components align with the university’s pedagogical standards, accessibility requirements, and Christ-centered mission.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities, And Functions

Course Development & Redevelopment

• Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to translate academic content into effective online learning modules.
• Build, update, and refine course shells in Canvas, ensuring consistent use of university templates and navigation standards.
• Assist in the migration of legacy course content into updated formats that meet current university procedures.
• Integrate multimedia elements, including video, interactive graphics, and digital assessments, to enhance student engagement.
  
  

Standards & Compliance

• Ensure all developed courses adhere to established university instructional design standards and quality rubrics.
• Verify that all course materials meet ADA Section 508 and WCAG accessibility requirements.
• Maintain institutional branding and aesthetic consistency across all assigned course projects.
  
  

Collaboration & Communication

• Participate in regular project check-ins with the Director of Instructional Design to report on development milestones.
• Provide technical guidance to SMEs on the capabilities and best practices of the Canvas LMS.
• Support the quality assurance (QA) process by identifying and correcting broken links, formatting errors, or navigation hurdles before course launch.
  
  

Required

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience developing online courses, specifically within the Canvas LMS.
• Strong understanding of instructional design principles and adult learning theory.
• Proficiency with digital media tools (e.g., Canva, Camtasia, or Articulate) and Microsoft Office 365.
  
  

Preferred

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience working in a higher education environment, particularly within a faith-based institution.
• Familiarity with Quality Matters (QM) or similar online course quality rubrics.
  
  

Ergonomic Requirements

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. This is a sedentary role requiring extensive use of a computer, dual monitors, and peripheral devices.

Working Conditions and Environment

This position is a part-time, remote-eligible role for Bluefield University Online. The employee must provide a professional home office environment with reliable high-speed internet. Hours are flexible but must align with scheduled meetings with the Director of Instructional Design and faculty SMEs.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

• A Christian commitment and lifestyle that acknowledges a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a personal commitment to the Christian purpose and mission of Bluefield University.
• Professional appearance and presentation in the virtual working environment.
  
  

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

This position is subject to at least an annual evaluation based upon the job duties, responsibilities, and functions as set forth above, with particular emphasis on the timely and accurate completion of course development projects.

APPROVALS

The job duties, responsibilities, functions, and requirements delineated above should not be interpreted as an all-inclusive list. Additional duties, responsibilities, functions, and requirements may be assigned as deemed appropriate. The University reserves the right to change or reassign job duties, responsibilities, and functions, or combine positions at any time. The University maintains its status as an at-will employer.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply for this position, please visit https://www.bluefield.edu/employment/ to complete the electronic staff employment application and upload the following:

• Letter of interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Names and full contact information for at least three professional references
• Statement of Christian Faith
  
  

Hard copy application materials may be sent to the Human Resources Department at Bluefield University, 3000 College Avenue, Bluefield, VA 24605.

Bluefield University is a Christ-centered learning community developing servant leaders to transform the world. We are looking to hire employees who will embrace this mission.

Expert Career Tips for Instructional Designer Roles

To succeed in a competitive market as a Instructional Designer , you need more than just technical skills. Here are some expert strategies to elevate your profile:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: For technical roles, a clean GitHub or a personal project site is essential. For non-technical roles, a case study portfolio demonstrating problem-solving and impact is equally valuable. Show, don't just tell, what you have achieved in your previous positions.
• Master the Narrative: When interviewing, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Quantify your results wherever possible—mentioning "increased efficiency by 20%" is much more impactful than saying "improved efficiency."
• Continuous Learning: The industry moves fast. Whether it's staying updated with the latest AI tools or mastering a new management methodology, continuous professional development is key. Consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications that align with Instructional Designer requirements.
• Networking: Connect with other professionals in similar roles. Join online communities, attend webinars, and engage in meaningful discussions on professional social networks. Often, the best opportunities come through referrals and community engagement.
• Soft Skills Matter: Communication, empathy, and leadership are often the deciding factors between two equally qualified technical candidates. Cultivate these skills as they are universally valued across all industries and seniority levels.

Additionally, research the specific company's culture and values. Tailoring your application to show how you align with their mission can significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the process.

Salary & Compensation

Salary not disclosed; typically competitive for the role.

Work Arrangement

Type: On-Site

Standard business hours at the office.

Comprehensive Application Strategy & Hiring Process

Applying for a new role is a marathon, not a sprint. Follow this strategic approach to maximize your success rate:

1. Initial Research & Tailoring

Don't send the same resume to every employer. Spend at least 30 minutes researching the company. Look for recent news, their product roadmap, and their team structure. Modify your summary and core competencies to reflect the specific keywords found in the job description.

2. The Perfect Cover Letter

If the application allows for a cover letter, use it to tell a story that your resume cannot. Explain why you are passionate about this specific company and how your unique background makes you the perfect fit for the challenges they are currently facing.

3. Navigating the Multi-Stage Interview

Most modern hiring processes involve 3-5 stages. This typically includes a recruiter screen, a technical or skill-based assessment, a peer interview, and a final leadership round. Prepare for each stage differently: focus on enthusiasm and fit for the recruiter, technical depth for the assessment, and strategic vision for the leadership round.

4. Post-Interview Follow-Up

Always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of each interview. Reference a specific topic discussed during the call to demonstrate your active listening and genuine interest in the role.

By following these steps, you demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention to detail that sets you apart from the average applicant.

Typical Interview Process

1. Resume screening
2. HR call
3. Skill interview
4. Final manager interview
5. Offer

Tip: Research the company's products and culture.

Global Market Intelligence & Relocation Insights

At JobSetuu, we specialize in helping talent navigate the global job market. Here is what you need to know about the current landscape in Global and beyond:

The demand for skilled professionals is increasingly borderless. For roles based in Global, understanding the local cost of living, visa requirements (if applicable), and cultural nuances is vital. If this is a remote role, consider the time zone alignment and the asynchronous communication culture of the hiring organization.

Relocation Support: Many forward-thinking companies offer relocation packages that include moving stipends, temporary housing, and legal assistance with work permits. When evaluating an offer, look beyond the base salary—consider the total compensation package, including equity, bonuses, and healthcare benefits.

Work-Life Balance Trends: Hybrid and remote work have become standard in many regions. Research the local labor laws and common practices regarding work hours and vacation time to ensure the role aligns with your lifestyle goals.

Leveraging JobSetuu's tools can help you compare salaries across different cities and understand the "purchasing power" of your potential offer, ensuring you make an informed decision for your long-term career path.

Skills & Competency Roadmap for Professional Development

To remain competitive in Professional Development, we recommend focusing on the following core competencies over the next 12-18 months:

• Technical Mastery: Deepen your expertise in the core tools and languages relevant to your field. For developers, this might be cloud architecture; for marketers, it might be data-driven attribution modeling.
• AI Augmentation: Learn how to leverage generative AI and automation tools to increase your productivity. Understanding how to integrate these technologies into your workflow is becoming a non-negotiable skill.
• Leadership & Strategy: Even in individual contributor roles, the ability to think strategically and lead projects from inception to completion is highly valued. Focus on stakeholder management and high-level project planning.
• Data Literacy: The ability to interpret data and use it to drive decisions is essential across all business functions. Familiarize yourself with data visualization and basic analytical concepts.

By investing in these areas, you not only prepare yourself for the role you are applying for today but also build a resilient foundation for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Apply via JobSetuu

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