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Associate Instructional Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

IMEG

Technology Designer

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

... instructions from clients while monitoring project design progress. * Analyze low to medium ... Associates degree, or certificate, in Building Information Modeling (BIM) or Engineering preferred ...

Crystal

Senior Mechanical Designer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job * Ensure ... Associate of Science degree in mechanical engineering with 5+ years of mechanical design experience ...

Crystal Group

Senior Mechanical Designer

Hiawatha, IA

Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job * Ensure ... Associate of Science degree in mechanical engineering with 5+ years of mechanical design experience ...

Crystal Group

Senior Mechanical Designer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job * Ensure ... Associate of Science degree in mechanical engineering with 5+ years of mechanical design experience ...

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All JobsAssociate Instructional Designer JobsAssociate Instructional Designer Jobs in Iowa

Associate Instructional Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$41.3K

$74.9K

$116.5K

How much do associate instructional designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate instructional designer in Iowa is $74,870.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,100.00 and $82,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate instructional designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Instructional Designer, you need a foundational understanding of instructional design principles, learning theories, and often a relevant degree such as in education or instructional technology. Familiarity with e-learning authoring tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and learning management systems (LMS) is typically required. Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills help you work effectively with subject matter experts and ensure learner engagement. These skills and qualifications are crucial for creating effective, learner-centered training materials that meet organizational goals.

What are some typical challenges faced by associate instructional designers when collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs)?

Associate Instructional Designers often work closely with subject matter experts to develop effective learning materials. A common challenge is translating complex content from SMEs into clear, engaging instructional materials while ensuring accuracy. Additionally, balancing the expectations and feedback from multiple stakeholders can sometimes be challenging, especially when timelines are tight. Building strong communication and project management skills is key to navigating these collaborative processes successfully.

What does an associate instructional designer do?

An Associate Instructional Designer assists in creating and developing educational materials and learning experiences, often for schools, businesses, or online platforms. Their responsibilities include supporting senior designers, organizing course content, assisting with curriculum development, and ensuring materials align with learning objectives. They may work with subject matter experts, use e-learning software, and help evaluate the effectiveness of instructional programs. This role is often entry-level and provides opportunities for growth in the field of instructional design.

What is the difference between Associate Instructional Designer vs Instructional Designer?

AspectAssociate Instructional DesignerInstructional Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in education, instructional design, or related field; some roles may require certificationBachelor's or master's degree; often holds certifications like ATD or ISTD
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting design projects under supervision, often in educational or corporate settingsMore autonomous, leading design projects, and developing comprehensive learning solutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in educational institutions, corporate training, e-learning companiesCommon in corporate, higher education, and e-learning sectors

The main difference between an Associate Instructional Designer and an Instructional Designer lies in experience and responsibility. The associate role is typically entry-level, focusing on supporting and assisting in the design process, while the instructional designer takes on more independent project management and strategic planning. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but the level of autonomy and scope of work differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instructional Designer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Instructional Designer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Instructional Designer jobs in Iowa? For Associate Instructional Designer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Instructional Designer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Instructional Designer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Associate Instructional Designer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Associate Instructional Designer job openings:
Associate Instructional Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Instructional Designer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,870 per year, or $36 per hour.

Instructional Designer

Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.

Fairfield, IA • On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
Key Deliverables and Responsibilities
Cambridge is seeking an experienced Instructional Designer to join the Training & Education team. This role designs and develops learner-centered training, performance support, and scalable learning experiences that help associates build capability, navigate change, and perform at their best.
The ideal candidate is a modern learning professional who can manage multiple concurrent projects, partner effectively with stakeholders, apply strong instructional design practices, and use emerging tools such as AI responsibly to improve quality, speed, and scalability.
  • Design and develop engaging, learner-centered learning experiences that support business outcomes, organizational change, and associate performance.
  • Create multi-modal learning solutions, including eLearning, instructor-led and virtual instructor-led training, performance support tools, job aids, videos, learning pathways, and blended learning experiences.
  • Translate complex business processes, technical information, and policy-heavy content into clear, practical, and accessible learning solutions.
  • Manage multiple concurrent projects through analysis, design, development, review, implementation, and measurement while balancing quality, speed, compliance, and stakeholder readiness.
  • Partner with SMEs, business owners, Learning Business Partners, project sponsors, and teammates to clarify needs, communicate progress, manage risks, and support effective review cycles.
  • Use AI and emerging technologies responsibly to support research, content synthesis, storyboarding, drafting, prototyping, review preparation, and workflow efficiency.
  • Contribute to design standards, templates, governance practices, quality assurance checkpoints, and a collaborative team culture grounded in accountability, curiosity, and kindness.

What We Are Looking For
A designer who wants to help shape how learning is built, scaled, and experienced across Cambridge. If you are energized by meaningful work, modern learning design, AI-enabled creativity, stakeholder partnership, and a team that values both excellence and humanity, may be the place for you.
Key Qualifications
  • 5+ years of instructional design, learning experience design, learning development, or talent development experience.
  • Experience using AI tools to improve productivity, content development, instructional design workflows, and learning solution quality.
  • Degree in Instructional Design, Education, Learning Sciences, Communications, Organizational Development, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Strong consulting, facilitation, relationship-building, and stakeholder partnership abilities.
  • Experience building scalable learning ecosystems, performance support resources, job aids, and learning pathways.
  • Experience with tools such as Workday Learning, Scribe, SharePoint, Microsoft 365, or AI-enabled productivity and content-development tools.
  • ATD certification such as APTD, CPTD, Master Instructional Designer, or equivalent professional development. (Preferred)

Location: Phoenix, AZ, or Fairfield, IA - Hybrid in-office 3 days/week
Compensation: $65,000-$80,000
Why Cambridge?
Cambridge has competitive benefits and promotes a work/life balance to encourage individual success.
  • Premium benefit package including medical, vision, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
  • Accrue 3 weeks of paid time off in your first year
  • 401K retirement plan with company matching program
  • Eleven paid holidays

You can find more details about our comprehensive benefits package here.
For further information about Cambridge, please visit https://www.joincambridge.com/

Apply