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Instructional Design Associate Jobs in California

Training Specialist

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

Sellers & Associates, LLC (S&A) is seeking a Training Specialist to support Navy training initiatives by leading the analysis, design, development, and implementation of instructional systems and ...

Learning Content Associate

Irvine, CA · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

The Learning Content Associate is a collaborative and detail-oriented role supporting Ware Malcomb ... Basic instructional design skills with a focus in e-Learning and self-guided learning

... Associate is a collaborative and detail-oriented role supporting Ware Malcomb's internal training ... Basic instructional design skills with a focus in e-Learning and self-guided learning

The Learning Content Associate is a collaborative and detail-oriented role supporting Ware Malcomb ... Basic instructional design skills with a focus in e-Learning and self-guided learning

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Instructional Design Associate information

Is AI replacing instructional designers?

AI tools are increasingly used to support instructional design by automating tasks like content generation and data analysis, but they do not replace the role of instructional designers. These professionals are essential for creating effective, engaging learning experiences, applying pedagogical expertise, and customizing content to learner needs. AI serves as a complement, enhancing efficiency but not replacing the critical thinking and creativity of instructional design associates.

What are the 4 C's of instructional design?

The 4 C's of instructional design are often considered to be Content, Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking. These elements help ensure effective learning experiences by focusing on clear content delivery, engaging communication, teamwork, and fostering analytical skills, which are essential for instructional designers to create impactful training materials.

How to get an instructional design job with no experience?

To get an instructional design associate position with no experience, focus on building foundational skills in curriculum development, e-learning tools, and instructional design principles through online courses or certifications. Creating a portfolio of sample projects and gaining experience through internships, volunteer work, or freelance projects can also improve your chances of entry-level employment.

What does an associate instructional designer do?

An associate instructional designer supports the development of educational materials and training programs by assisting with curriculum design, content creation, and assessment tools. They often use authoring software and collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure effective learning experiences.

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

AspectInstructional Design AssociateInstructional Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Education, Instructional Design, or related field; some roles may require certificationBachelor's or Master's degree in Education, Instructional Design, or related field; often preferred to have certifications like ATD or CPTD
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, corporate training departments, e-learning companiesCorporate, higher education, e-learning development firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in organizations developing training materials, online courses, and educational contentDesigns comprehensive training programs, curriculum, and e-learning modules

Instructional Design Associates typically support the development of training materials under supervision, focusing on content creation and basic design tasks. Instructional Designers take on more complex project responsibilities, including curriculum development and instructional strategy. Both roles share similar credentials and work environments, but the Designer role involves higher-level planning and decision-making.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Instructional Design Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instructional Design Associate, you need a solid grasp of instructional design principles, adult learning theories, and often a related degree such as in education, instructional technology, or a similar field. Familiarity with e-learning authoring tools (like Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate), Learning Management Systems (LMS), and sometimes certifications such as ATD or CPLP are typically required. Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills help you effectively gather requirements and work with subject matter experts. These competencies ensure the creation of engaging, effective learning experiences that meet organizational goals and learner needs.

What does an Instructional Design Associate do?

An Instructional Design Associate supports the development of educational materials and learning experiences by assisting senior instructional designers in creating course content, assessments, and multimedia resources. They help ensure that instructional materials are engaging, effective, and aligned with learning objectives. Typical responsibilities include conducting research, organizing course materials, and assisting with the implementation of instructional technologies. This role often involves collaborating with subject matter experts, educators, and other team members to deliver high-quality learning solutions.

What types of projects do Instructional Design Associates typically work on, and how do they collaborate with subject matter experts?

Instructional Design Associates often work on developing e-learning modules, instructor-led training materials, and blended learning solutions. They frequently collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to gather content, ensure accuracy, and align learning objectives with organizational goals. This collaboration may involve interviews, feedback sessions, and iterative revisions to instructional materials. The role requires strong communication and project management skills to balance input from SMEs while adhering to deadlines and maintaining instructional quality.
What are the most commonly searched types of Instructional Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Instructional Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Instructional Design Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Instructional Design Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Instructional Design Associate job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Instructional Designer

The University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Title:
Instructional Designer
Job Summary:
The Instructional Design team at USF provides support to USF full time and adjunct faculty working to design or redesign their courses and instructional strategies using research based best practices in both face to face and online instruction (including hybrid, HyFlex, online synchronous and online asynchronous instruction). The Instructional Design team is part of Information Technologies Services' Educational Technology Services (ETS) department, which also includes Learning Spaces Engineering, Instructional Technology and Training, and Media Services.
The Instructional Design team provides a number of instructional design related services, including (but not limited to):
Faculty development workshops,
Individual/small group consultations,
Course design and development support,
Course video and multimedia production,
Course quality reviews.
Areas of expertise of the ID team include:
Instructional Design
Course Design
Customized Multimedia Development
Course Quality Assurance
Universal Design for Learning and Accessible Design
The Instructional Designer is a member of the Instructional Design team, composed of a mix of Senior Instructional Designers, Instructional Designers and AV/Multimedia Developers, reporting to the Associate Director of Instructional Design.
Full Job Description:
The Instructional Designer will work collaboratively with ID/ETS team members and adjunct and full-time faculty to design, develop and deliver inclusive and engaging teaching and learning experiences through the integration of instructional design principles, learning theory, research-based instructional strategies, and effective use of educational technologies.
In partnership with faculty, the Instructional Designer will manage and/or support the management of the course design and development of a number of hybrid, HyFlex, online synchronous or online asynchronous courses each semester through our online course design program. Day to day responsibilities will include:
  • Developing and conducting faculty development training and consultations;
  • Partnering with faculty and/or other instructional designers to ensure alignment between program and course outcomes and assessment, and design inclusive and engaging learning content and activities;
  • Project managing or supporting the management of the course development process to ensure on-time delivery of courses, including conducting consultations with faculty;
  • Contributing to the development of course content in the Learning Management System;
  • Overseeing the production and integration of multimedia course content;
  • Reviewing courses against University quality and compliance standards.

Instructional Design Consultations
The Instructional Designer will provide instructional design consultations and course design support to adjunct and full time faculty on a by request basis as available. These are scheduled through an online booking system, with topics spanning the range of ID team expertise.
Faculty Development
The Instructional Designer will partner with members of the Instructional Design team, other Educational Technology Services colleagues, the USF Center for Teaching Excellence, and the Provost office to provide broad faculty development programming around instructional design principles, learning theory, research-based instructional strategies, and effective use of educational technologies. This may include (but not be limited to):
  • Peer to peer faculty workshops, lunch and learns,
  • Teaching and educational technology intensives,
  • Development of articles and web content, and
  • Teaching and educational technology events such as the USF Ed Tech Expo.

Instructional Designer responsibilities as they relate to this programming may include:
  • Developing and facilitating workshops;
  • Partnering with faculty and/or providing support to faculty to develop workshops;
  • Preparing presentations;
  • Event management;
  • Preparing promotional and educational resources;
  • Developing and reviewing program evaluations.

The Instructional Designer may also lead or contribute to special projects, reports, newsletters, promotional materials, conferences presentations and other resource development needs as they arise.
Requirements
Education
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or four-year university in instructional design, instructional technology, education, communications, computer science, information systems or closely related field or related equivalent experience.

Experience
  • 2+ years experience in designing and developing a variety of online synchronous and online asynchronous learning experiences and courses.
  • 2+ years experience working with faculty or subject matter experts on course design and development.

Desired Experience
  • Master's degree in instructional design or related areas and / or equivalent experience / training.
  • Familiarity with Quality Matters Rubric.
  • Experience teaching in K-12, Higher Education, either in-person or online.
  • Experience in providing faculty development.

Knowledge and Skills
  • Knowledge of instructional design principles including Backwards Design, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and accessible course design.
  • Ability to understand, analyze and diagnose faculty, staff, and student needs and translate these needs into instructional solutions.
  • Proficiency in designing and developing engaging in-person and online learning activities and content.
  • Ability to enhance web-based courses with knowledge of best practices and e-learning principles.
  • Proficiency in the use of LMS functionality, reporting, and course management; Knowledge of Canvas LMS a plus.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to manage projects in a highly organized fashion with a high attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others in the pursuit of common goals.

This is a temporary position and will be employed through HR Options. The hourly pay rate will be $40.27.
Full-Time/Part-Time:
Full time
Pay Rate:
Hourly
Salary Range :