Job Description

Job Description

Vanderbilt University is seeking an Instructional Designer for the Office of Learning Innovation, which is housed within the Office of the Deputy Provost. 

The Instructional Designer plays a key role in advancing high-quality, inclusive teaching and learning across the university. As part of a centralized instructional design team, this position collaborates with faculty and academic units to design, develop, and enhance online courses that reflect best practices in pedagogy and accessibility. The Instructional Designer provides expert consultation and faculty development support while contributing to institutional initiatives that promote innovation in teaching and learning. This role requires strong collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to continuous improvement in educational design. 

The Office of the Deputy Provost was established by Provost C. Cybele Raver in 2025 to strengthen Vanderbilt’s ability to implement strategic academic initiatives and foster cross-institutional alignment. Led by Deputy Provost Tracey George, the office is charged with advancing enterprise-wide priorities across schools and colleges, leading important special initiatives, and supporting the Provost in executing Vanderbilt’s academic vision. 

Created by the University Provost, the Office of Learning Innovation (OLI) is dedicated to advancing new, uniquely Vanderbilt ways of delivering education to meet the evolving needs of learners and maximize the university’s global impact. The team focuses on supporting the growth of the university’s digital and lifelong learning portfolio, providing expertise in educational technologies, and elevating Vanderbilt as a leader in cutting-edge learning innovation. OLI brings together expertise in learning technology, instructional design, and digital learning strategy to bring new programs from idea to market, and to continuously strengthen the university’s existing portfolio of academic innovation initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities 

The Instructional Designer will collaborate with faculty and university partners to design engaging, inclusive, and pedagogically sound learning experiences that advance the institution’s teaching and learning mission. This position supports multiple academic units and initiatives, applying creativity, organization, and expertise in instructional design to achieve institutional goals for quality and innovation. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Instructional Design and Development: Design and develop online courses in partnership with faculty, ensuring alignment with program outcomes, learning objectives, and institutional quality standards.
• Consultation and Support: Serve as a design consultant to faculty and departments across the university, providing guidance on course structure, learning activities, assessment strategies, and the effective use of educational technology.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with project managers, digital media specialists, learning technologists, and other university teams to design and deliver cohesive, high-quality courses and programs that align with institutional standards and timelines.
• Quality and Accessibility: Ensure all instructional materials and digital content meet accessibility, usability, and quality assurance standards in accordance with university policy and best practices.
• Innovation and Research: Stay current with trends in learning science, educational technology, and instructional design; share insights and contribute to the development of institutional best practices.
• Technology and Tools: Utilize systems such as Brightspace, Microsoft 365, and other emerging educational technologies to support course design and faculty engagement.

*This role is expected to work 4 days per week in the office and 1 day per week remotely.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, educational technology, curriculum and instruction, or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• One to three years demonstrated experience designing and developing online, in-person, or hybrid courses within a higher education environment is required.
• Strong knowledge of instructional design frameworks, learning theory, and effective online pedagogy is required.
• Experience applying accessibility standards and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in digital course design is required.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholder relationships in a collaborative, service-oriented environment is required.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to consult effectively across disciplines and organizational levels is required.
• Proficiency with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Brightspace, Blackboard) and related instructional technologies is required.
• Demonstrated success partnering with faculty and academic leadership to advance institutional goals for teaching and learning is preferred.
• Familiarity with Quality Matters or other recognized quality assurance frameworks for online learning is preferred.
• Commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and staying current with research and emerging practices in online education is preferred.

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.