The Instructional Design (ID) Manager bridges day-to-day course-production leadership and strategic
direction to instructional designers and graduate staff while collaborating closely with the Director of
Instructional Design. The role guides teams in applying best-practice pedagogy, manages project
timelines and resources, and refines processes and tools that enable the university to scale high-quality,
inclusive online learning. By coupling hands-on coaching with operational oversight, the ID Manager
ensures that high-quality, multimedia-rich, learner-centered courses are delivered on time and in
alignment with Digital Learning goals.
Project Management Instructional Design Leadership
● In coordination with the Director of ID, directly and actively supervises and mentors ID’s, providing critical feedback for the accuracy and application of work, and appropriate soft skills
● Leads team(s) of instructional designers and graduate student staff to support the development of online course production through strategic and systematic instructional design
● In coordination with the director, creates, plans, oversees, and executes all facets of high-quality design on various service levels
● Interfaces with the video and interactive teams to provide strategic direction for the unit to determine how to achieve course production goals related to multimedia and video assets
● Directs team(s) to complete projects and brings a level of accountability through project management and monitoring.
Instructional Design Processes
● Develops and maintains best practices, policies, protocols, and production systems that support the mission to scale online learning, and directs staff in upholding the same
● Promotes and monitors the use of technologies (like Asana and Slack) to increase communication, training, and accountability for the same
● Participates in the Jumpstart and other design processes as assigned
Relationships, Training, & Advocacy
● Remains current on, evaluates, identifies, and communicates best practices, learning theories, and instructional technologies, and incorporates these into content standards and learning objectives
● Participates in campus promotion of training and resources related to instructional design & pedagogy, developing training on university assets that promote faculty agency for course development (This may include participation in Jumpstart and TLC Canvas courses and leading professional development both on and off campus)
● Leads within the dev team and digital learning to promote high-quality, inclusive, online learning
● Assumes or coordinates other duties or projects as assigned or directed
Required Qualifications
Education Master’s degree
Experience:
● At least 5 years of professional experience in instructional design or education technology development, including experience leading instructional design projects and/or initiatives in a team setting.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required
● Advanced knowledge of instructional-design models, online-learning pedagogy, and accessibility/UDL standards
● Skill in supervising and coaching professional staff; ability to give constructive feedback and foster growth
● Skill in project management, including workload allocation, timeline tracking, and use of tools such as Asana
● Skill in LMS (Canvas) and multimedia production workflows; ability to liaise effectively with video/interactive teams
● Strong written and oral communication; ability to cultivate effective relationships with faculty and campus partners
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
● Seven (7) or more years in online-course design with demonstrated success guiding multi-disciplinary teams and scaling production processes.
● Graduate degree in Education or related field.
● Two (2) years of providing leadership of instructional design processes or staff in a team setting.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
● Ability to leverage PM software (like Asana) to monitor and move projects to completion
● Knowledge of data-informed course-improvement methods and learning-analytics tools
● Familiarity with agile or iterative design methodologies for rapid course development
Work Location
● Knoxville, TN. This position does have the potential for a hybrid or remote working capacity.
Compensation and Benefits
● UT market range: MR 12
● Salary Range: $80,000-$85,000
● Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
● Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions
● For full consideration, applicants must attach a cover letter, resume, and the name, address, email, and phone number of three professional references, in addition to completing the applicant file to the Human Resources online application system, DASH.
● Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. DL_UT
About The College/Department/Division
Digital Learning at UT, is a unit charged with advancing UT’s commitment to discovery, creativity, learning, and engagement, specifically for online learners. Using advanced and innovative technologies, Digital Learning at UT will provide scalable solutions that enhance the online learning experience and reduce barriers to student access and success, providing a tremendous impact to online learners across the state and the nation. At Digital Learning, we want to be bold and impactful, transforming the future of online education through innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Join our dynamic and inclusive Digital Learning team where we take pride in teamwork, excellence, and a shared commitment to shaping the future through education and innovation.
