Job Description

The School of Social Work has an outstanding opportunity for an Instructional Designer to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Instructional Designer serves as the School of Social Work’s primary instructional design and online learning specialist, supporting the development and delivery of high-quality online and hybrid graduate education. This position partners with faculty and program leadership to enhance teaching and learning, promote student success and accessibility, and support the continued growth of the School’s online MSW program and other strategic educational initiatives.

This is a deadline‑driven environment. On‑site work on campus is expected with a potential hybrid arrangement depending on program needs.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional design & development — 50%

• Collaborate with faculty and subject matter experts on instructor developed course content and map social work learning outcomes and competencies into course assessments, activities, and media for new courses and periodic updates of existing courses.
• Guide faculty in the video lecture/media development process for new courses and additional sections of existing courses with a new instructor. Collaborate with faculty on storyboard/script instructional media; coordinate production workflows and timelines to ensure pedagogical alignment and quality.
• Build and update courses in Canvas, applying and maintaining program templates and standards.
• Ensure accessibility and inclusive design throughout all materials and interactions and advise instructors on universal design and accessibility best practices.
• Work with faculty to update Canvas course websites as needed annually and help implement changes as needed based on course evaluation.

Faculty collaboration to build skills for online course development and delivery— 25%

• Design and deliver faculty onboarding/training for online teaching; facilitate regular course development check‑ins and knowledge‑sharing.
• Provide technical and pedagogical support (Canvas, assessment strategies, media use) to instructors and TAs.
• As needed, work with MSW Program to plan and facilitate course development meetings or trainings to support online faculty development.
• Partner with field education and community partners to align course experiences with practicum goals for the online option.

Course build operations & media/LMS support — 10%

• Assemble resource materials, manage media libraries, and maintain course shells; collaborate with SSWTech on behalf of faculty as needed.

Evaluation & continuous improvement — 10%

• Collect and analyze course evaluation data, draft concise reports/presentations, and implement iterative improvements in collaboration with faculty and program leaders.

Miscellaneous – 5%

• Duties as required to support the mission and strategic plan of the School of Social Work.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Education, Communications, Social Work, or related field
• 4 years of experience in Designing or supporting academic/professional learning, including advanced Canvas/LMS administration.
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Additional Qualifications

• Proficiency with remote meeting (e.g., Zoom) and lecture‑capture (e.g., Panopto), and working knowledge of storyboarding for narrative media.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty with varying levels of online teaching experience; strong communication and creative problem‑solving.
• Commitment to accessibility and inclusive, equity‑centered course design.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Instructional Design/Education/Communications or related field; familiarity with Quality Matters is a plus.
•  Experience working in a student-centered and faculty-driven academic environment and building courses in Canvas for exclusively online programs; experience creating interactive instructional materials and/or teaching in higher education.
• Experience working with University of Washington online education workflows and policies.
• Work in settings that relate to the School of Social Work mission and/or social work and related fields.

Additional Application Requirement

• This recruitment requires a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be forwarded to the hiring department

About the Team

At the UW School of Social Work we focus on delivering leading-edge learning opportunities that engage and transform students inside and outside of the classroom. 

To learn more: https://socialwork.uw.edu/

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$90,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$102,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.