Job Description
Instructional Designer
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Office of the Provost, the Instructional Designer serves as a key member of Dakota Wesleyan University’s Teaching & Learning Team, collaborating with faculty, program directors, and subject matter experts to design, enhance, and support engaging learning experiences across all delivery formats. This position plays a central role in ensuring the quality, consistency, and innovation of DWU’s online, hybrid, and on-campus courses and programs, with a special focus on fostering excellence in teaching and learning through the effective use of Canvas and other educational technologies.
This is a full-time, twelve-month, on-campus position based in Mitchell, South Dakota.The ideal candidate is a creative, collaborative professional who enjoys empowering faculty to use digital tools and pedagogical best practices that elevate the student experience.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as the campus Canvas expert, supporting faculty in course design, content migration, and the creative use of LMS tools to promote interactive and accessible learning environments.
- Collaborate with faculty and academic departments to design and redesign courses that reflect best practices in instructional design, learner engagement, and assessment.
- Provide individual and group training to faculty and adjunct instructors on instructional technology, course design, and effective teaching strategies.
- Partner with the Teaching & Learning Team, academic deans, program directors, and department chairs to ensure alignment and quality across DWU’s on campus, online, and hybrid programs.
- Assist with the development and review of course and program-level assessments.
- Ensure course design and instructional materials reflect DWU’s commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and ADA compliance.
- Research and recommend emerging technologies, AI tools, and evidence-based pedagogical practices to enhance the learning experience.
- Contribute to the development of templates, guides, and resources that strengthen DWU’s Center for Teaching and Learning and support faculty innovation.
- Serve as a collaborative, solutions-oriented member of the Teaching & Learning Team, advancing DWU’s mission of learning, leadership, faith, and service.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Instructional or Learning Design, Educational Technology or a related field.
- Minimum of three years of experience in instructional design, curriculum development, or faculty development.
- Demonstrated expertise with Learning Management Systems (Canvas preferred) and other instructional technologies.
- Strong understanding of instructional design methodologies, accessibility standards, and pedagogical best practices in online learning.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related field.
- Experience working directly with faculty in higher education.
- Proficiency in multimedia tools and emerging technologies (e.g., Adobe Suite, video editing, screen capture, AI applications).
- Demonstrated ability to lead workshops, trainings, or faculty development initiatives.