Job Description

Position Summary

The Senior Instructional Designer plays a key role in developing engaging, evidence-based learning experiences for adult learners in both academic and professional settings. This position requires a strong understanding of adult learning theory, instructional design best practices, and emerging learning technologies. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable collaborating with faculty, subject matter experts (SMEs), and corporate stakeholders to design scalable, high-quality learning solutions that drive measurable outcomes.

About Vanderbilt School of Nursing

With a history dating back to 1908, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing has a long-standing reputation for excellence in nursing, teaching, practice and research. The school offers graduate level education in the Master of Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice and the Doctor of Philosophy (degree awarded through the Graduate School) degrees. VUSN is a community that welcomes staff, students, faculty and colleagues from many different professional and personal backgrounds. The vast variety of thought and experience you will find here will not only enrich your work environment, it will also serve as a valuable foundation as you seek and fulfill your professional goals.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

Design & Development

• Apply adult learning principles, instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM, or Design Thinking), and accessibility standards to create effective learning experiences.
• Develop courses, workshops, e-learning modules, and blended learning programs using authoring tools such as Articulate Rise 360 and Brightspace.
• Create instructional materials, job aids, and tool kits aligned with clearly defined learning objectives.

Collaboration & Project Management

• Partner with faculty, SMEs, and cross functional teams to translate complex concepts into clear, learner-centered content.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards.
• Provide consultation and coaching to instructors, faculty, and facilitators on best practices in instructional design, learner engagement, and assessment strategies.

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Use data-driven approaches to assess learning effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Stay current on trends in adult education, digital learning, and emerging technologies to inform innovation in instructional design.

Technology & Innovation

• Leverage LMS platforms (Brightspace, Reach 360) to deliver and manage content.
• Integrate multimedia, interactive simulations, and scenario-based learning to enhance learner engagement.

Education, Certifications and Licensure

• Baccalaureate or higher degree instructional design, education, instructional technology, or related field (required).
• Master’s degree preferred in related field.

Experience and Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience designing and developing learning solutions for adult learners in both academic and corporate environments.
• Strong knowledge of adult learning theory (e.g., Knowles, Kolb) and instructional design models.
• Demonstrated proficiency with e-learning authoring tools and learning management systems.
• Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.

Required Skills

• Accreditation Processes and Standards – VU
• Blended Learning – VU
• Educational Technologies – VU
• Instructional Design – VU
• Instructional Strategies – VU
• Learning Design – VU
• Learning Management Systems – VU
• Online Course Development – VU
• Pedagogy – VU
• Student Learning Outcomes – VU
• Universal Design for Learning – VU

About Us

At Vanderbilt University , our work – regardless of title or role – is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.