Summary: The Instructional Designer is responsible for developing engaging, high-quality online learning experiences. This role collaborates with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and academic leaders to design and build instructional materials within the College’s learning management system. The Instructional Designer applies innovative pedagogical strategies, including gamification, and leverages data analysis to continuously improve course effectiveness and support strong student outcomes.

Compensation: The starting pay range for this position is $70,000-$80,000 annually.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and maintains online courses and instructional content within LMS, ensuring alignment with instructional best practices and Carrington College
• Operates within a standardized course production framework to ensure long-term sustainability, consistency, and scalability across programs.
• Collaborates with SMEs to translate subject matter into engaging, student-centered learning experiences.
• Applies principles of instructional design and adult learning theory to develop outcomes- driven learning materials, interactive activities, assessments, and syllabi.
• Integrates gamification and engagement strategies to enhance learner motivation and
• Uses data analytics and student performance metrics to evaluate instructional effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Develops and updates courses in accordance with institutional project timelines, MOUs, and budget requirements.
• Ensures academic rigor and quality are maintained in all instructional content by adhering to continuous improvement processes and participating in program
• Implements accessibility and usability standards to ensure courses are inclusive and meet compliance guidelines.
• Responds proactively to shifts in pedagogy, technology, and curriculum to support instructional innovation.
• Supports the implementation of institutional and department-wide initiatives to improve learner outcomes and instructional quality.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the division’s strategic

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field preferred. 2+ years of experience designing and developing online courses in higher education. Proficiency with working with different LMS required. Demonstrated experience implementing gamification strategies in online learning. Ability to analyze learning data and apply insights to improve course design and student outcomes. Strong knowledge of instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM), adult learning theory, and quality standards such as Quality Matters.

Experience with authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Rise, or similar preferred. Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.

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 the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to fingers, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

All qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment. To ensure the safety and integrity of our operations, it is imperative that a review of all applicants' criminal history is conducted. Failure to do so poses a significant risk to the Employer, potentially compromising both business operations and the organization's reputation.

As part of our standard hiring process, all candidates offered a position at San Joaquin Valley College Inc. will undergo a thorough background screening. This includes education verification, county and national criminal background checks, a motor vehicle report, and social security number trace/verification along with an address history search. Depending on the specific position, additional requirements may apply, such as drug testing, a Fraud and Abuse Control Information System check, and verification for access to the National Student Loan Database System.

Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred in instructional design or related field. 2+ years designing online courses in higher education, LMS proficiency, gamification experience, and ability to analyze learning data.

Key Responsibilities

• designing online courses
• collaborating with subject matter experts
• integrating gamification strategies

Skills & Tools

LMS, Articulate Storyline, Rise, ADDIE, SAM, Quality Matters

Job Details

• Category: Education services
• Seniority: Mid Level
• Commitment: Full Time
• Workplace: Remote — United States
• Salary: USD 70,000 – 80,000 / year
• Languages: English

About San Joaquin Valley College

A college providing online learning experiences and instructional design services. — Industry: Education