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Course Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

COURSE DESIGN SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$27.88 - $28.85/hr

... course development status to team and stakeholders as needed • Trains and supports new faculty ... members within the learning management system • Performs any other duties, as assigned • Ensure ...

New

Adjunct Instructor, Art

Joliet, IL · On-site

$1.2K/day

... in course development and assessment, planning, quality and accreditation processes, and committee service. PHYSICAL DEMANDS 1. Standard classroom equipment and software. WORKING CONDITIONS 1. ...

The Learning Engineer will provide curriculum design, technology support, and course development services to faculty in the School of Communication. The Learning Engineer uses instructional design ...

Instructional Technologist Liaison

Cicero, IL · On-site

$19.51 - $22.29/hr

Course Development & Multimedia Support * Assist in the design and development of online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced courses. * Contribute to the development of training materials, guides, and ...

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Course Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$42

$86

How much do course development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for course development in Chicago, IL is $42.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $71.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does the course development role typically collaborate with subject matter experts and instructional designers?

In a course development role, collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs) and instructional designers is essential to create effective and engaging learning experiences. Course developers often facilitate meetings with SMEs to gather content, clarify complex concepts, and ensure accuracy, while working closely with instructional designers to structure content in a way that maximizes learner engagement and comprehension. Regular communication and feedback loops are common, ensuring that course materials align with both educational standards and organizational objectives. This collaborative environment fosters creativity and continuous improvement throughout the course creation process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Course Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Course Development, you need expertise in instructional design, curriculum planning, and subject matter knowledge, often supported by a degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS), authoring tools like Articulate or Captivate, and knowledge of e-learning standards such as SCORM are typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and attention to detail help developers create engaging, learner-centered content. These skills ensure that courses are effective, accessible, and aligned with learning objectives, leading to successful educational outcomes.

What do course developers do?

Course developers design, create, and organize educational content and materials for online or in-person training programs. They often collaborate with subject matter experts, use instructional design principles, and utilize tools like learning management systems (LMS) to ensure effective learning experiences.

What is course development?

Course development is the process of designing, organizing, and creating educational courses or training programs. It involves identifying learning objectives, developing instructional materials, structuring content, and assessing how learners will be evaluated. Course developers often collaborate with subject matter experts and use instructional design principles to ensure the course is engaging and effective. The goal is to deliver a meaningful learning experience that meets the needs of students or trainees.

What is the difference between Course Development vs Instructional Designer?

AspectCourse DevelopmentInstructional Designer
CredentialsTypically requires education in education, instructional design, or related fields; certifications like ATD or ISTD are commonSimilar credentials; often holds degrees in education, instructional design, or related areas; certifications like ATD or ISTD are also common
Work EnvironmentOften involved in creating courses for online, corporate, or educational settings; may work with subject matter expertsDesigns learning experiences across various platforms; collaborates with subject matter experts and multimedia teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in education, corporate training, e-learning companiesCommon in educational institutions, corporate training, e-learning development

While both roles focus on creating effective learning experiences, Course Development primarily involves building and producing courses, whereas Instructional Designers focus on designing the overall learning strategy and experience. Both roles often overlap and require similar skills and credentials, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What is the highest paying job in childcare?

The highest paying jobs in childcare typically include executive roles such as childcare center directors or owners, who manage operations and budgets. These positions often require advanced education, certifications, and extensive experience, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the size and location of the facility.

Are curriculum developers in demand?

Curriculum developers are in demand across educational institutions, corporate training, and e-learning sectors due to the growing need for effective instructional materials. They often require skills in instructional design, knowledge of learning management systems, and relevant certifications, with employment opportunities expected to grow as online education expands.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In course development, high-paying freelance or contract roles such as specialized instructional designers or e-learning consultants can earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with extensive experience and in-demand skills like multimedia tools or curriculum design. These positions often require strong expertise, a portfolio, and the ability to work independently or remotely, but typically do not require a formal degree.
What are the most commonly searched types of Course Development jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Course Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Course Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Course Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Course Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,611 per year, or $42.1 per hour.
Subject Matter Expert Course Design - LE3 Program

Subject Matter Expert Course Design - LE3 Program

National Louis University

Wheeling, IL • On-site

Other

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Subject Matter Expert Course Design - LE3 Program
ID 2026-1805 Job Locations Online Category Undergraduate College Position Type Adjunct Faculty
Overview

National Louis University's LE3 Program is currently seeking Adjunct Faculty to join our Undergraduate Innovation - LE3 Program team for our remaining 2026 Terms.

Position Overview

We are seeking experienced Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to support the design and development of one or more 4-week Business Management courses within the LE3 program:

    MGT 260: How Organizations Create Value
  • MGT 330: Managing People and Performance
  • MGT 331: Projects, Change, and Execution

The SME will collaborate closely with LE3 curriculum designers to ensure each course is relevant, clear, accessible, workplace-connected, and aligned to the LE3 pillars and aligned with course and program objectives.

What makes a course an LE3 course?

In this model, we believe in what we call the Learning-Doing Loop. This Loop means that there is a strong connection between learning in the classroom and current professional experiences. All LE3 courses are career connected and highly applied, designed for adults who are working full time. They are built around reflection and growth, with a focus on building practical artifacts rather than purely academic products. Finally, they are focused on building durable skills, with a heavy emphasis on self-awareness, leadership, communication, and decision-making.

LE3 faculty are partners in student success, helping students connect learning to their professional lives and apply skills immediately at work.

Essential Responsibilities
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
  • Provide deep knowledge in one or more course areas.
  • Translate professional experience into learning outcomes, assignments, and discussion prompts linked to the workplace.
  • Ensure all content is accessible, inclusive, and aligned to LE3's focus on durable skills, leadership development, and work-integrated learning.
  • Develop learning materials (case studies, examples, micro-lectures, activities, assessments) that help students connect theory to real-world contexts immediately.
  • Offer guidance on industry trends, best practices, and emerging tools relevant to the course topic.
  • Collaborate with a course designer to ensure content coherence and quality across the curriculum.
Collaborative & Administrative
  • Work closely with the LE3 curriculum team and course designers to maintain consistency and high-quality student experiences.
  • Reflect on learner performance trends and share insights that support continuous course and program improvement.
  • Participate in virtual meetings, curriculum reviews, and quality assurance processes as needed.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
  • Master's degree or higher in Business, Management or a related field.
  • 3+ years of professional experience in one or more of the course topic areas.
  • Ability to connect course concepts to real-world management and leadership contexts.
  • Comfort with digital tools (Zoom, Google Suite, Slack, etc.)

Preferred

  • Experience with work-integrated learning or experiential education models.
  • Professional experience outside of academia in fields such as HR, management, finance, project management, coaching, negotiation, or digital transformation.
  • Relevant industry credentials.

Time Commitment

  • Project-based contract work aligned to course development timelines.
  • Estimated 10-15 hours per week during active development periods (may fluctuate based on project scope and deliverables).
  • Participation in virtual meetings, content reviews, and SME advisory discussions as needed.
  • Occasional availability during standard business hours for collaboration with the LE3 curriculum and design teams.
  • Flexible scheduling with the understanding that deadlines for content development, review cycles, and quality assurance must be met.

About the Model

Learn and Earn in 3 (LE3) is a reimagined undergraduate model for full-time working adults. Students earn their degree, B.S. in Business Management, in 2.5-3 years while remaining employed full time, receiving course credit for time spent at work. All courses are related to workplace and leadership skills.

LE3 uses a focused quarter structure designed for depth and application:

  • Academic courses (major and general education) run in 4-week blocks, with students taking one course at a time
  • Each quarter also includes a 12-week Professional Skills Seminar focused on durable skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and self-advocacy
  • Courses are fully virtual and blend asynchronous learning with one intentional live session per week

Why Join NLU?

  • Be part of a movement redefining college for working adults.
  • Join a collaborative, future-focused faculty team.
  • Support students to thrive: academically, professionally, and personally.
  • Engage in meaningful work that blends teaching and mentorship.
  • Contribute to a pioneering model of higher education that integrates learning, earning, and leadership development.

Due to business and compliance requirements, this remote position is only open to candidates residing in the following states: Arizona * California * Colorado * Florida * Georgia * Illinois * Indiana * Iowa * Kentucky * Louisiana * Maryland * Massachusetts * Michigan * Minnesota * Missouri * Nevada * New Jersey * New York * North Carolina * Oklahoma * South Carolina * Texas * Virginia * Washington * Wisconsin

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

Compensation and Benefits

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. Our institution values Adjunct Faculty's role in advancing our teaching mission and preparing our students for successful careers. Adjunct Faculty have access to training resources for professional development, access to shared governance as a part of our Adjunct Council, retirement plans, educational opportunities, and paid time off. A more complete list of Adjunct Faculty Benefits can be found here.

Adjunct Faculty are paid by course or assignment each term. These rates vary by college and number of credit hours for the course/assignment. While the specific amount will be indicated in an electronic contract that is issued to the Adjunct Faculty member when the course is assigned, an overview of standard rate structure is available below:

2025 Adjunct Faculty Rate Structure

Application Instructions

Please Include the following with your Application:

  • Curriculum Vitae, required
  • Transcripts (Official or Unofficial)
    • Official Transcripts for all related degrees, licenses/certificates will be required upon hire

Optional Additional Attachments:

  • Teaching Philosophy
  • Sample Syllabus
  • Additional Licenses/Certifications
  • Course Evaluations