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Course Designer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

CSE Course Support

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement- enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence. Job Summary The CSE Course Support ...

Instructional Designer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$59K - $80K/yr

Design interactive e-learning courses using tools such as Canva, Google NotebookLM, Articulate 360 ... Experience designing e-learning and instructor-led training programs. * Experience with Learning ...

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Senior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$93K - $100K/yr

Associates degree or technical certification in CAD, design or related courses * Experience designing automotive powertrain, body and/or chassis components * Class A and/or Class B surfacing ...

If you are, we're hiring a Mechanical Designer to perform complex mechanical design tasks, improve ... courses. * Influencing Others: Assist with the technical portion of an initiative. Positively ...

If you are, we're hiring a Mechanical Designer to perform complex mechanical design tasks, improve ... courses. * Influencing Others: Assist with the technical portion of an initiative. Positively ...

Instructional Designer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$62K - $84K/yr

Designs, develops and deploys training content (scripts/storyboards) based on business needs to ... Collaborate with SME to develop high quality online, blended and instructor-led course materials

... and adjusting course as programs evolve * An excellent command of visual communication and ... These tools are designed to promote efficiency, consistency, and fairness, and they are always used ...

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Course Designer information

See Michigan salary details

$20

$49

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How much do course designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for course designer in Michigan is $49.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.88 and $79.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Course Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Course Designer, you need expertise in instructional design principles, curriculum development, and a background in education or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), authoring tools like Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate, and sometimes certifications such as ATD or IDOL are typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and project management skills help you collaborate effectively and create engaging learning experiences. These skills ensure that courses are pedagogically sound, technologically robust, and tailored to learner needs, resulting in effective education outcomes.

What is the difference between Course Designer vs Instructional Designer?

AspectCourse DesignerInstructional Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in education, instructional design, or related fieldSimilar credentials, often with certifications in instructional design or e-learning
Work EnvironmentDesigns courses for online, in-person, or blended learning environmentsDevelops instructional materials and strategies across various educational settings
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, corporate training, e-learning companiesEducational institutions, corporate training, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for designing specific courses or curriculaCompared for broader instructional strategies and learning solutions

While both roles involve designing educational content, a Course Designer primarily focuses on creating specific courses or curricula, often with a focus on content structure. An Instructional Designer takes a broader approach, developing comprehensive instructional strategies and materials to enhance learning outcomes across multiple courses or programs.

How do Course Designers typically collaborate with subject matter experts during the development of new courses?

Course Designers work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure course content is accurate, engaging, and aligned with learning objectives. This collaboration often involves conducting interviews, reviewing existing materials, and co-developing instructional strategies. Course Designers translate SME knowledge into clear, learner-friendly modules and frequently facilitate feedback loops to refine course components. Strong communication and project management skills are essential for balancing input from SMEs while maintaining instructional quality and timelines.

What are course designers?

Course designers are professionals who create educational programs and learning materials for schools, universities, businesses, or online platforms. They work closely with subject matter experts to develop engaging content, structure lessons, and ensure that courses meet learning objectives and standards. Course designers also incorporate multimedia, assessments, and interactive elements to enhance the learning experience. Their goal is to make educational content accessible, effective, and enjoyable for diverse learners.
DIRECTOR / INSTRUCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

DIRECTOR / INSTRUCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Central Michigan University rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

464th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Posting Number
S-3890
Position Number
68720
Type of Recruitment
External
Position Title
DIRECTOR / INSTRUCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Position Summary
Provides visionary, collaborative, and coordinated leadership for creating and implementing multi-modality instructional, pedagogical, and learning design practices across the curriculum. Continually develops CMU's culture of teaching and learning by cultivating partnerships with CMU instructors to enhance the knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to effectively maximize student learning and success. Collaborates with other university constituents to align resources to ensure a high-quality learning environment and related support strategies. Manages and reports on data relevant to instructional design and development. Supervises the Instructional Design, Teaching and Learning Consultant, and Learning Media Productions staff. Reports directly to the Executive Director/Curriculum and Instructional Support.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree from an accredited higher education institution in an Education related discipline (e.g. Higher Education, Education Leadership, Educational Technology, Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, or a related field).
Experience coordinating collegiate-level instructional design and development programs.
Experience designing, creating, and delivering instructional design and development and related programming in multiple formats for faculty audiences.
Collegiate-level teaching experience.
Experience with multi-modality course design and development processes.
Understanding of collegiate-level teaching, learning, course development, and the appropriate uses of learning technologies as they apply to student success in various disciplines.
Understanding of Learning Management System processes and operations.
Demonstrated ability to motivate and work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and other units across campus in the promotion of successful student learning.
Demonstrated administrative experience in areas such as strategic planning and personnel supervision.
Evidence of excellent communication, interpersonal, and consultative skills.
Ability to utilize independent judgment, and project a service-oriented attitude.
Ability to effectively prioritize workload by managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate degree from an accredited higher education institution.
Record of scholarship related to teaching and learning.
Experience as an online course designer, developer and instructor.
Experience with creation of multimedia learning objects, including collaborative projects using audio, video, and/or graphic design.
Duties & Responsibilities
Supports all CMU instructors regardless of unit, instructional setting, program curriculum, or modality of course delivery.
Provides leadership and expertise to enable, enhance, and sustain instructional development based on sound pedagogical research, the needs of university constituents, and the strategic directions of the university.
Collaborates with other university constituents (e.g., departments, programs, colleges, administrative units) to align resources to ensure a high-quality learning environment and related support strategies.
Designs and implements programs aimed at promoting, implementing, and assessing high impact teaching strategies, course design, and evaluation techniques as they enhance student learning in all instructional modalities.
Manages the development, delivery, and evaluation of instructional development opportunities for all instructors to advance teaching excellence, including but not limited to workshops, seminars, faculty learning communities, discussions, mentoring/coaching, and individual or unit-level consultations.
Collaborates effectively with all university constituents (e.g., departments, programs, colleges, and committees) to enable implementation of innovative instructional techniques and pedagogies to foster innovative curricula and student engagement.
Collaborates with other members of the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Support on the development, design, delivery, and demonstration of learning activities.
Provides leadership in the day-to-day operations, management, and staff supervision of the instructional development unit.
Collects, analyzes, and reports data to assess the effectiveness of Curriculum and Instructional Support programming and provides reports and other documents as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervision Exercised
Supervisors are expected to support the Leadership Standards of Central Michigan University and foster a culture that inspires excellence. The Leadership Standards define how we lead and treat others on our team. As leaders, it is our responsibility to seek input from our teams to continuously improve our leadership abilities and our demonstration of the standards. Additionally, it is our responsibility to encourage and support the growth and development of those whom we lead. At CMU, we encourage employees to grow both personally and professionally, and thus advance CMU's culture of excellence.
Message to Applicants
Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU's mission, vision, and leadership standards.
You must submit an on-line application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.
Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
Employee Group
Professional & Administrative -Salary
Staff Pay Level
Pay Range
$80,000 - $90,000
Division
Academic Affairs
Department
Instructional Development
Position Status
Regular
Position End Date
Employment Status
Full-Time
FTE
1.0
Position Type
12 month
Weekly Work Schedule
Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / weekends and evenings as needed
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
About the Department
About CMU
Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.
We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, master's, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.
CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.
Central is home to 17 men's and women's Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.
CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. It's part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the state's largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.
Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions - Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more - are within easy reach of the city's central location in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.
CMU Leadership Standards
Central Michigan University is a place where we value students and work for their success, where we act as family, and where employees are engaged, appreciated and have extraordinary opportunities to make a difference.
We intentionally maintain and strengthen the hallmark CMU culture that sets us apart from our peers by expecting CMU leaders and employees to model the following Leadership Standards and develop them within their teams.
Please review the Leadership Standards before applying for this position.
EEO Statement
CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.
If you wish to see "Know Your Rights " posters, please click here.
CMU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, including admission and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in such a matter.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be made to CMU's Title IX Coordinator, the US Department of Education's Assistant Secretary, or both.
CMU's Title IX Coordinator can be reached at:
Phone: 989-774-3253
Office: 103 E. Preston St.
Bovee University Center, suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: titleix@cmich.edu
Posting Ends
Open Until Filled
Yes

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