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Instructional Design Associate Jobs in California

Training Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$60K - $125K/yr

Train and coach operations staff (SPLs, Ops Associates) on instructional design principles, feedback techniques, and quality assessment methods * Build reusable content templates, frameworks, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Instructional Design Associate information

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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

Position Description

The Rocketship California Regional Team is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Associate Director of STEM to lead and drive high-quality, rigorous, and equitable mathematics and science instruction across Rocketship CA schools. This role owns regional STEM academic outcomes, serves as the primary expert and point of contact for all STEM-related matters in the CA region, and designs differentiated and outcomes driven professional development that builds deep content expertise in our teachers and school  leaders. This role partners closely with CA regional and school leaders to strengthen instructional practice and improve student outcomes in STEM and related subjects.


The Associate Director of STEM provides direct instructional leadership and coaching support to all CA schools, ensuring strong implementation of Rocketship's STEM instructional vision and core programs. This role works in close collaboration with regional leadership and school-based instructional teams and reports to the Director of Schools.

Essential Functions:
Regional STEM Academic Ownership
  • Own and drive  STEM outcomes across the region, including proficiency, growth, and equity metrics
  • Analyze and communicate regional and school based STEM data in order to determine trends and develop and execute data-driven instruction that accelerates student mastery and proficiency, ultimately closing the achievement gap
  • Serve as the primary point of contact and content expert for all STEM-related matters across the CA region.
Coaching & Leader Development
  • Build instructional capacity among CA school leaders and instructional leaders through targeted coaching and development in STEM instruction.
  • Provide direct, in-the-moment coaching to school leaders and instructional leaders focused on math instruction, teacher development, and content knowledge
  • Observe classroom instruction and planning, delivering actionable feedback aligned to Rocketship's STEM instructional vision and core competencies
  • Coach leaders to strengthen their ability to develop teachers and improve STEM outcomes across California schools
Program Implementation & Fidelity
  • Ensure strong implementation of Rocketship's STEM curriculum and instructional model across supported CA schools.
  • Support schools in implementing core STEM programs with fidelity to instructional design and pacing expectations
  • Develop and adapt pacing guidance aligned to CA school calendars and regional priorities
  • Curate and share instructional resources, exemplars, and tools to support effective planning and execution by teachers and leaders
Progress Monitoring & Instructional Effectiveness
  • Monitor the effectiveness of STEM program implementation and student outcomes across supported CA schools.
  • Support the use of assessments and instructional data aligned to grade-level standards and curricular materials
  • Analyze priority student achievement and implementation data to identify trends and areas for targeted support
  • Share clear insights and recommendations with CA regional leaders to inform coaching, planning, and instructional decision-making
Regional Collaboration, Vision & Goal-Setting
  • Partner with CA regional leadership to align on STEM instructional vision, priorities, and goals.
  • Collaborate with regional leaders to define and refine the CA STEM instructional vision and success metrics
  • Support schools in setting instructional goals and monitoring progress toward shared outcomes
  • Partner with the national academics team and other regional ADs to ensure alignment with Rocketship's Core Model and instructional priorities
Professional Development & Regional Learning
  • Design and facilitate professional learning experiences aligned to CA's instructional priorities in STEM.
  • Design and lead engaging professional development for teachers, school leaders, and instructional staff
  • Identify regional professional learning priorities using qualitative and quantitative data
  • Support summer professional development and start-of-year learning experiences for CA schools
Core Characteristics
Successful candidates will demonstrate Rocketship's core characteristics in their leadership and instructional practice:
  • Pursuit of Excellence - Continuously improves outcomes through data, feedback, and reflective practice
  • Authenticity - Leads with transparency, humility, and alignment to Rocketship's values
  • Community - Builds strong relationships and values collective impact across schools and teams
  • Tenacity - Relentlessly pursues instructional goals in service of student success
  • Innovation - Challenges the status quo and takes responsible risks to improve instruction
Qualifications

Experience

  • 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in curriculum development, instructional leadership, school administration, or related fields
  • At least 3 years of lead teaching experience in a core content area (K-5 Math or Science preferred) with evidence of strong student outcomes
  • At least 1 year of experience coaching and leading adults in a school or instructional leadership role
  • Experience implementing and coaching on high-quality STEM instructional programs preferred

 Skills

  • Strong instructional coaching and adult learning facilitation skills
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive instructional decisions
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Proficiency with Google Workspace

 Education

  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Master's degree preferred (Education or a related field)
$100,000 - $119,000 a year
Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate with both adults and children. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally climb ladders. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.
 
Compensation:
Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off.
 

Rocketship Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Rocketship Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Rocketship Public Schools expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Rocketship Public Schools' employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. Click here for our Sexual Harassment Policy.  For questions, concerns, or complaints, please contact Human Resources.

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