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Instructional Design Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Minnesota

LMS Instructional Design

Minneapolis, MN · Hybrid

$55K - $70K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

This position serves as project lead for the projects they are assigned, and will provide support ... Job Responsibilities 70% LMS Systems & Instructional Design, Non-credit * Collaborate with College ...

Washington University of St. Louis

$58K - $99K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Establish deadlines with project partners, lead project meetings, and effectively communicate ... Instructional Design Service and Consultation * Provide consultation and training on educational ...

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Instructional Design Lead information

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$44.5K

$81.3K

$134.5K

How much do instructional design lead jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for instructional design lead in the United States is $81,336.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,500.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges an instructional design lead faces when managing multiple projects and teams?

An Instructional Design Lead often manages several projects simultaneously, each with its own timelines, stakeholders, and objectives. Balancing competing priorities, ensuring consistent quality, and meeting deadlines are frequent challenges. Additionally, coordinating across multidisciplinary teams—including subject matter experts, developers, and graphic designers—requires strong communication and project management skills. Proactively setting clear expectations, implementing efficient workflows, and regularly reviewing progress can help mitigate these challenges and ensure successful project outcomes.

What is an instructional design lead?

Instructional Design Leads are professionals who oversee the development of educational materials and learning experiences within organizations or educational institutions. They manage teams of instructional designers, collaborate with subject matter experts, and ensure that instructional content is effective, engaging, and aligns with learning goals. Their responsibilities often include project management, quality assurance, and staying updated on best practices in learning technologies and instructional methods. Instructional Design Leads play a critical role in shaping training programs and ensuring successful learning outcomes.

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

AspectInstructional Design LeadInstructional Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Education, Instructional Design, or related field; often with experience in project managementBachelor's or Master's in Education, Instructional Design, or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, collaborates with stakeholdersDevelops learning materials, collaborates with teams, focuses on content creation
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate, higher education, and e-learning sectors for leadership rolesCommon in corporate training, educational institutions, e-learning companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, project scope, responsibilitiesFocus on content development, instructional strategies

The main difference is that Instructional Design Leads oversee teams and manage projects, while Instructional Designers focus on creating learning content. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Lead position involves more leadership and strategic responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instructional design lead?

To thrive as an Instructional Design Lead, you need expertise in curriculum development, adult learning theory, and instructional methodologies, often supported by a degree in instructional design or education. Familiarity with e-learning authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and sometimes certifications like CPLP or ATD are typically expected. Strong project management, leadership, and communication skills help in guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These competencies ensure effective learning solutions are developed, implemented, and evaluated to meet organizational goals.
More about Instructional Design Lead jobs
What cities are hiring for Instructional Design Lead jobs? Cities with the most Instructional Design Lead job openings:
What job categories do people searching Instructional Design Lead jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Instructional Design Lead jobs are:
Instructional Design Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instructional Design Lead job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,336 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Sr. Manager, Learning Design & Management

Panera Bread

Newton, MA • On-site

$127K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Panera Bread rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 1,453 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 16 rated cafes

Job description

Sr. Manager, Learning Design & Management
Job Purpose:
The Senior Manager, Learning Design & Management plays a pivotal role in driving strategic learning initiatives across the organization. This role is responsible for leading the design and development for all curriculum projects, maintaining and enhancing existing learning content, and managing a team of Instructional Designers focused on the execution of content updates supporting out cafes and team members. The ideal candidate is a dynamic individual with experience as a instructional designer, project manager, and inclusive leader with a passion for learning and culture.
Duties & Responsibilities
Special Projects & Instructional Design
  • Lead the design, development, and execution of special learning initiatives and curriculum projects.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with subject matter experts, stakeholders, and internal teams to create impactful learning experiences.
  • Apply instructional design principles and project management methodologies to ensure timely and effective delivery of learning solutions.
  • Evaluate, measure the effectiveness, and iterate on learning programs based on feedback and performance metrics.

Content Maintenance & Updates
  • Oversee the ongoing review and enhancement of existing learning content to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with business needs.
  • Partner with internal teams to identify content gaps and opportunities for improvement.
  • Ensure learning materials reflect current brand standards, policies, and procedures.

People Management
  • Directly manage the team of Instructional Designers responsible for content updates.
  • Provide coaching, development, and performance feedback to support growth and effectiveness.
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture.

What You'll Bring:
  • A strategic mindset with a hands-on approach to learning design.
  • Passion for creating inclusive learning experiences that reflect and support diverse communities.
  • Ability to balance multiple priorities and lead with empathy and clarity.
  • A commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in learning.

Skills & Competencies
  • Strategic thinking and planning
  • Instructional design and content creation
  • eLearning development
  • Multimedia production and editing
  • Project management and prioritization
  • Collaboration and relationship-building
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Data analysis and learning evaluation
  • Technological fluency with media tools and LMS platforms

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's and at least 8 years of experience, Master's and at least 3 years of experience, or Doctorate and no years of experience.
  • 8+ years of experience in learning design, instructional development, or talent development.
  • Proven experience managing complex projects and cross-functional initiatives.
  • Strong leadership and people management skills.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Experience working with Rapid Authoring tools including Storyline 360, Rise 360, Vyond, Camtasia, PowerPoint, In-Design and Word
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and transport media equipment

Working Conditions:
  • This role may be at the hybrid Support Center office (Boston). Occasional overnight travel necessary when attending team and/or corporate events and meetings.

Physical Requirements:
  • While performing this job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, & use hands and fingers to operate keyboards

Direct Reports:
  • This position will have 3 direct report.

Competitive Pay $127,461 to $163,660 annually.
The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
Newton Support Center

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About Panera Bread

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panera began in 1987 as St. Louis Bread Company, a humble community bakery founded with a sourdough starter from San Francisco and a dream of putting a loaf of bread in every arm. While our business has expanded well beyond St. Louis since then, that same sourdough starter is still used in our iconic sourdough bread and the craft of baking bread fresh each day remains at the heart of Panera Bread. Each day our trained bakers fill our bakery shelves with delicious freshly baked cookies, pastries, bagels, and a range of breads from focaccia to classic baguettes. We believe in serving delicious, freshly prepared, Clean food made with carefully selected ingredients that we are proud to serve our own families. Our menu, crafted by chefs and bakers, features classic, comforting dishes, each with an intriguing twist. We respect our planet and take measures to lessen our impacts. We believe in treating people with warmth, kindness, and respect, whether it’s a guest in our cafe or one of our associates. And we believe in helping our local communities, especially in times of need.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1981

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