About the Job

The University of Minnesota’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) is seeking an Instructional Designer to join our Academic Technology division. The Academic Technology Support Services (ATSS) team provides a variety of services that advance the teaching and learning, research, and outreach missions of the University through the thoughtful application of technology. Instructional designers on this team develop innovative, scalable, and sustainable learning solutions for the teaching and learning applications that are in broad adoption at the University of Minnesota. They actively collaborate with a wide variety of academic and administrative units to support the successful implementation and delivery of digital course content at an institutional scale. Primary responsibilities of this role may include technology assessment and pedagogical evaluation, designing digital learning resources, consulting with faculty members and academic leaders, delivering training, managing projects, and participating in university-level committees and governance.

The University of Minnesota is committed to fostering local talent through employment opportunities. While this position utilizes a hybrid work modality, prospective applicants must be located either in the state of Minnesota or near the Wisconsin border OR otherwise open to relocation. Regular travel to the Twin Cities campus is required for this position. Occasional travel to other University of Minnesota campuses is also required.

A successful candidate will have a passion for educational technology, previous experience in an instructional designer role, a demonstrable grasp of project management strategies, strong communication and collaborative skills, a broad understanding of the modern IT environment, and a commitment to the mission of the University. 

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

We Offer:

• University paid contribution (10% of your salary) to your retirement account – vested immediately.
• 22 paid vacation days per year, in addition to sick leave and 11 paid holidays.
• Reduced tuition opportunities covering 75% – 100% of eligible tuition.
• Quality health care benefits, including a wellness program with the opportunity to earn lower health care rates.
• Free disability insurance.
  

Responsibilities:

• Participate in the development of teaching and learning initiatives affecting several academic programs, an entire college, or campus. (20%)
• Create and deliver instructional development sessions for a wide variety of audiences, including the design of appropriate curricula. (15%)
• Write and share documentation and information on best practices for digital learning tools in use at the University. (15%)
• Regularly learn new applications, technologies and skills through hands-on experimentation, apply them to instructors’ learning goals, and train others on these emerging technologies as appropriate. (20%)
• Collaborate with colleges, departments, and instructors to design, implement, and review online learning in a variety of formats (online courses, hybrid courses, open content courses, continuing education modules, etc.). (10%)
• Actively manage instructional design projects, including coordinating the activities of multiple instructors and staff to ensure that project tasks and deliverables meet both identified timelines and quality standards. (10%)
• Collaborate with teammates in Academic Technology and stakeholders across the institution to continuously improve the services provided by the team to the University community. (10%)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: (Please document on resume)

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in instructional design, or a master’s degree in instructional design or closely-related field.
• Experience with adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies (such as ADDIE, SAM, etc.). 
• Demonstrated ability to productively and thoughtfully apply artificial intelligence to instructional design work, including in assessment design, and to train instructors in pedagogically-appropriate uses of or responses to AI. 
• Knowledge of current digital accessibility standards (higher education standards preferred). 
• Experience creating learning or instructional content optimized for a learning management system (LMS).
• Experience actively participating in or leading cross-functional teams to resolve complex challenges or launch new services. 
• Experience eliciting and documenting academic or pedagogical requirements for an instructional design project, using techniques appropriate to the audience and environment.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with instructors with a wide range of knowledge and comfort levels with technology.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in instructional design at scale, partnering with stakeholders to develop not only individual courses but entire programs or curricula.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple work assignments. Ability to create work breakdown structure, establish timelines, and achieve desired outcomes.
• Experience supporting instructor use of alternative assessment practices.
• Experience supporting instructor use of online exam proctoring and academic integrity solutions.
• Demonstrated success as a team member in a complex environment, with the ability to lead in place.
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with a large and diverse group of influential stakeholders and to identify strategic needs.

About the Department

The Academic Technology Support Services (ATSS) team provides a variety of services that advance the teaching and learning, research, and outreach missions of the University through the thoughtful application of technology. 

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) is the University’s central IT unit and provides enterprise-level technologies and services that are broadly consumed, core to central administrative business operations, and tend to offer substantial economies of scale. We are part of a larger ecosystem of IT professionals who work in academic and support units systemwide. Local or collegiate IT units often offer discipline-specific, niche, and complementary services to the OIT central services.

Pay and Benefits 

Pay Range: $70,000 – $80,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

Required application materials: resume and cover letter.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.