Instructional Designer (INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER 4)

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of the UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) Learning Innovation Team, the Program Manager and Instructional Designer will operate with a high level of autonomy to lead and coordinate the development of high-quality learning experiences that align with the strategies, values, and mission of the CPE Human Services Team, Northern Academy.

Serves as a key liaison among internal teams, statewide partners, the California Department of Social Services, child welfare regional training academy partners, and the Instructional Technology Services (IST) team at San Diego State University. The Program Manager and Instructional Designer ensures effective planning, promoting, development, and delivery of instructional projects and services. This position consults with SMEs to understand their vision for projects, create assessments and evaluate web-based learning resources in child welfare services to design and manage projects for online, hybrid, and blended learning experiences including courses, eLearning's, microlearning's, digital learning boosts, and other innovative instructional content related to child welfare social work practice topic areas.

Provides strategic leadership and co-lead project teams, including the Northern Academy Instructional Innovation workgroup and statewide initiatives. The Program Manager and Instructional Designer is responsible for the development of instructional programs and acting as a technical liaison with both internal and external stakeholders. As the lead instructional designer, project manager, and technical expert, this position ensures the quality, effectiveness, and alignment of all instructional projects including monitoring learning outcomes, oversee training staff on best practices online, and overall learning experience for users and students.

Contributes to the development and maintenance of effective processes and standards for designing impactful online learning programs that are centered on measurable student outcomes and the practical application of knowledge in real-world contexts and is responsible for setting standards of quality and adherence to accessibility standards and best practices in adult learning including ADA/WCAG 2.0/universal design requirements. This position evaluates educational technology trends and applications with a focus on pedagogical/andragogic contexts, applying technical and educational expertise related to the best use of learning management systems to maximize course learning objectives, including creating training materials, interfacing and strategizing with the LIT programming team, and establishing and maintaining networks with other educators at campuses through professional organizations and outreach.

Will lead and participate in project management and strategic planning activities, including leading and coordinating course development and planning for strategic initiatives. Participate in continuous benchmarking and consultation around innovation and best practices in online learning.

This position requires a high level of analysis, leadership and project management skills. Coordination with various stakeholders and SMEs is critical to the success of this position and the Northern Academy at CPE. This position upholds the highest standards related to learning accessibility by utilizing overarching design thinking, ensuring a human-centered approach to innovation.

Apply By Date September 23, 2025 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in educational technology, instructional design, or related discipline and/or equivalent experience
• Experience as an Instructional Designer for quality and complex online courses including redesigning traditional classroom courses for online delivery; integrating advances in media into the design, development, and implementation of learning applications. Experience editing educational content generated by subject matter experts.
• Demonstrated experience of the technical tools and platforms required to achieve the delivery of engaging and media-rich online learning content, and of trends in the use and effectiveness of educational technology and learning. Experience in performing analysis to establish project tasks and deadline requirements. Experience developing, conducting, and analyzing surveys, interviews, and information to inform course development while synthesizing ideas and integrating information that results in a holistic versus fragmented perspective and action.
• Advanced knowledge of instructional design principles and learning strategies, including needs analysis, backwards design, learning outcomes and assessment design, and instructional approaches including lecture, discussion, activities, projects, etc.
• Advanced organization and project management to direct multiple, concurrent projects of a complex nature, to establish and adjust priorities, and to develop a course of action, monitor plans, ensure timely completion, review and evaluate results including developing detailed project roadmaps and storyboards. Proven ability in leading and facilitating learning strategy meetings w/ faculty. Advanced skills in incorporating ADA design and development standards for web based delivery into online course content development.
• Familiarity w/ the concept of universal design. Expert level skills in application of planning, resourcing and monitoring of effective design life cycles of training and other learning and performance solutions to support the organization. Advanced knowledge of integrating multimedia into web-based courses and familiarity with tools used to produce web-based materials, such as, Articulate, Storyline, Rise, Photoshop, digital video, digital camera, digital audio, Adobe Suite and editing software.
• Proven ability to identify key issues critical to the organization's long-range success of a desired project. Interpersonal skills and political acumen to interact w/ internal and external stakeholders, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a collaborative team environment. Excellent organizational and time management skills to effectively and efficiently structure work and projects to achieve timely progress on multiple simultaneous tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of productivity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in educational technology, instructional design, or related discipline and/or equivalent experience
• Experience with interface design principles to facilitate instructional effectiveness and user friendliness as well as preparing design documents, communications, and proposals in this area of expertise.
• Experience applying instructional technology in innovative ways to design effective learning and teaching solutions.
• Educational background and experience in the use of learning theory, preferably cognitive learning theory, or similar contemporary theories around teaching and learning.
• Experience resolving complex problems without assistance and anticipating and managing risks in area of expertise.
• Experience with prototype testing.
• Experience performing program and facilities analyses and evaluation of technical operations. Innovative problem solving that supports business issues.
• Experience in working effectively in a service oriented team environment.
• Experience in self-supporting or revenue-generation activities.
• Skills to present information effectively and tailor presentations and technical training to a wide variety of audiences including State-level stakeholders.
• Skills to build consensus and manage competing stakeholder expectations.
• Customer service skills to exercise tact, diplomacy and professionalism to translate client needs and problems into effective solutions.
• Knowledge of UC Davis accounting and purchasing policies and procedures including personnel, entertainment and travel.
• Advanced communication skills to lead project teams to create a positive and productive work environment. Advanced oral communication skills to effectively present, negotiate, convey and explain information. Advanced written communication skills to draft clear, concise documentation, reports and specifications.
• Proven ability in budgeting and financial management, including estimating and forecasting; extracting, analyzing and reconciling data; evaluating financial trends; preparing reports for decision support.
• Advanced ability to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office suite, particularly PowerPoint and Excel.

Key Responsibilities

• 70% - ID Online Course Design/Development/Assessment
• 30% - Strategic Planning/Program Management

Department Overview

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is the lifelong learning arm of the university. The division maintains the most diverse portfolio on the campus, with programs spanning pre-college, professional continuing education, workforce development, international academic and cultural exchange, and training services for corporate and agency partners. As a global leader in continuing education, CPE serves learners regionally, nationally and globally, and posts more than 55K enrollments annually making it the third largest UC Extension by enrollment. Beyond its community-facing role, CPE serves as the internal hub for online education in support of other academic units on the campus. CPE employs approximately 180 employees and draws on the expertise of approximately 1,700 instructors.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $85,500/yr. - $157,300/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 23
• UC Job Title: INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER 4
• UC Job Code: 006147
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Manager will advise
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position may be eligible for hybrid remote work arrangements. (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Work occasional evenings and weekends.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

#CA-JP