Instructional Designer - Temporary

Job Description

The Temporary Instructional Designer is central to shaping the future of learning at Los Angeles Pacific University. Reporting to the Learning Experience Design Manager, they champion best practices in andragogy, active learning, and instructional design methodologies for the development of online undergraduate, graduate, and professional development courses. Collaborating closely with the Digital Learning Solutions team and various stakeholders (including Assistant Deans, Program Development Coordinators, and Subject Matter Experts), the Instructional Designer creates effective, innovative, and impactful learning experiences.

Compensation: 

This is a Temporary Full-time, Non-exempt position at Grade 8, with a starting hourly range of $23.49 – $29.36. Salary ranges listed here represent a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation will depend on several factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.

Primary work location - Remote: This position is classified as "Remote" Home Office. The classification of this position is subject to change based on business needs, job performance, etc. If an employee changes their physical location/residence to another state it could impact future employment. 

Remote Expectation: We expect our employees to be able to fulfill their LAPU responsibilities with minimal distractions. While remote work does offer flexibility, employees should make arrangements for regular dependent care during work hours. This is a fully remote position; however, travel may be required to meet business demands, university needs or team meetings as necessary.

Application Materials: Please submit a PDF version of your resume/CV and list of your current references. We need at least two professional references that have served in a supervisory role. Cover letter is optional, and not required.  If you would like to upload additional documents, please feel free to upload additional documents under the "Documents Section". This section is located after "Links" and before "Questions" in the application. Note to applicant: The email address you use to apply with, will be your username for your account and all email notifications. Questions, please email careers@lapu.edu. 

Required Experience / Education

• Christian Commitment: Vital Christian faith and lifestyle
• Supportive of the evangelical mission and purpose of LAPU
• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design or Education related field
• Minimum 3 years experience in the following:
  • Project management
  • Instructional, curriculum, or learning experience design
• Minimum of 2 years of experience using AI assistants to help in design and development of courses.
• Experience with LMS-integrated AI tools or course assistant platforms (e.g., chatbots embedded in course environments) and their pedagogical implications for student engagement. 
• Experience building or contributing to AI-assisted instructional workflows or content pipelines that produce accessible, standards-aligned course materials at scale. 

Desired Experience / Education

• Master’s degree in instructional design or related field
• Experience with:
  • Learning and development for adult learners, preferably in higher education.
  • Academic institutions and higher education faculty.
  • Textbook publishers and sourcing open educational resources (OERs).
  • Editing, updating, or reviewing online courses in a learning management system (preferred: Moodle Rooms and/or Canvas).
  • Copyright, fair use, and creative-commons licensing.

Essential Functions

• Course Design Project Management:
• Lead course design projects that follow our processes and best practices.
• Engage all project stakeholders, employing high-levels of communication.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to develop courses that are innovative, effective and engaging.
• Instructional Strategies:
• Employ a variety of instructional strategies.
• Design assessments that measure learning outcomes and provide meaningful feedback.
• Incorporate adult learning principles to create relevant and engaging learning experiences.
• Quality Assurance:
• Adhere to established quality standards and guidelines.
• Conduct thorough reviews of course materials to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
• Participate in quality assurance processes to maintain high standards.
• Collaboration:
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including assistant deans, subject matter experts, instructional designers, and developers.
• Collaborate with the Digital Learning Solutions team to integrate media and technology effectively.
• Provide support and guidance on instructional design principles and best practices, as needed.
• Required to work a Saturday commencement event each calendar year

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of:
• Google applications: Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.
• AI tools and how to integrate them into learning design processes.
• Mobile-First learning design.
• Copyright, fair use, and creative commons licensing, as well as processes and practices for clearing, documenting, and reporting copyright.
• WCAG accessibility standards & experience designing accessible assignments and assessments for online learners.
• Universal design principles for learning.
• Diversity, equity and inclusion for learning.
• Skills to include:
• A positive, cooperative, Christ-like attitude supportive of the University and its mission.
• A “servant’s heart” that delights in providing the highest quality academic support services.
• Excellent verbal and written skills, including copywriting and copy editing.
• Strong organizational skills.
• The use of an LMS to design, develop and deploy online learning experiences.
• Basic graphic design skills.
• Creative problem-solving.
• Ability to:
• Self-starter with the ability to work in a team-based, fast-paced atmosphere  with high standards for quality, accuracy, and innovation.
• Be proactive, take ownership of assigned responsibilities, and work with little supervision.
• Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures in a complex university setting
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Maintain high levels of creativity and quality.
• Remain flexible in work assignments that may require changing priorities.
• Stay on top of assigned work priorities by checking in with DLS leadership to clarify, confirm, and strategize about workload and workflow.
• Meet project deadlines, stay on track, and communicate workflow obstacles while working on assigned projects with efficiency and attention to detail.
• Empathize with learners and their diverse needs.
• Use AI in ID workflows.

Missional Expectations

DLS team members carry out LAPU’s Christian faith and mission by  integrating themes, concepts, doctrines and other relevant insights from the Christian faith into teaching assignments or curriculum in any discipline, providing students with opportunities to think critically from a Christian point of view, to explore ideas from the vantage point of Christian tradition, and through that lens, to challenge, deepen and affirm cultural, professional or disciplinary perspectives related to the content of courses (i.e., relating the Christian faith to life and learning). All DLS team members are assessed annually on their performance of these duties.

All employees play a critical role in the establishment and maintenance of a robust Christian community that seeks to serve with grace the needs of all employees and students. As a LAPU employee, you are called to engage with your colleagues and all those that the university serves by modeling Christ-like character in all of your interactions. You will celebrate and honor other employees and students as being made in the image of God; be thankful, expressing gratitude to God and one another; build others up with your words; and work as an instrument of God's love, seeking to heal a lost and broken world.

Mental Demands

• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports
• Ability to investigate, analyze information, and draw conclusions
• Ability to engage in critical thinking, exercise independent judgment, set priorities, and solve problems
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information

Physical Demands

This position typically includes the following physical demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time
• Sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment
• Visual acuity to read words and numbers
• Speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone
• Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force and occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds

Technologies

• Google Suite: Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Meets 
• Microsoft Office Suite: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint 
• Communication and collaboration: Slack, Zoom (or similar virtual meeting platform) 

• SmartSheets (or other project management software)

• Digital design software (especially Canva) – (desired, but not required)

• Learning Management System—Moodle & Canvas (preferred)

• Web technologies – Experience with searching, navigating, online account access, and uploading/downloading from the Internet

• AI technologies (GPTs, LLMs, Video AI technology)

• Experience with Gemini, Gem creation, and Notebook LM.

Non-discrimination Statement

The University seeks to provide equal employment opportunities and is dedicated to the principle that access to employment opportunities be accorded to all employees and applicants on the basis of individual qualification and without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles, including braids, locks, and twists), color, sex (including childbirth, breast feeding, and related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform service member status and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, age (40 and over), protected medical condition (including cancer and genetic conditions), genetic information, disability (mental and physical),medical leave or other types of protected leave (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. 

The University is a Christian University of higher education. It is governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. The University reserves the right to maintain its heritage and destiny as a Christian witness in higher education and asserts its right to employ and retain only those persons who subscribe to and support Our Identity and Statement of Faith.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and Los Angeles Pacific University reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the University may deem appropriate.