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Instructional Design Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Work collaboratively with faculty to design, lead or participate in the development of dynamic instructional materials for online, hybrid and face-to-face courses. * Maintain virtual availability;

Instructional Designer

Aberdeen, SD · On-site

$63K - $86K/yr

Northern State University seeks a collaborative faculty-support professional to lead instructional design initiatives and coordinate Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) operations ...

Leveraging performance consulting, adult learning theory, and instructional design best practices, the Learning Design Lead develops content. The Learning Design Lead collaborates with subject matter ...

Leveraging performance consulting, adult learning theory, and instructional design best practices, the Learning Design Lead develops content. The Learning Design Lead collaborates with subject matter ...

Leveraging performance consulting, adult learning theory, and instructional design best practices, the Learning Design Lead develops content. The Learning Design Lead collaborates with subject matter ...

Leveraging performance consulting, adult learning theory, and instructional design best practices, the Learning Design Lead develops content. The Learning Design Lead collaborates with subject matter ...

Leveraging performance consulting, adult learning theory, and instructional design best practices, the Learning Design Lead develops content. The Learning Design Lead collaborates with subject matter ...

Leveraging performance consulting, adult learning theory, and instructional design best practices, the Learning Design Lead develops content. The Learning Design Lead collaborates with subject matter ...

Leveraging performance consulting, adult learning theory, and instructional design best practices, the Learning Design Lead develops content. The Learning Design Lead collaborates with subject matter ...

Showing results 21-40

Instructional Design Lead information

See salary details

$44.5K

$81.3K

$134.5K

How much do instructional design lead jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 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 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 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.

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 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.

Are instructional design leads still in demand?

Instructional design leads are in demand due to the growing need for effective training and e-learning solutions across industries. They often require skills in curriculum development, learning management systems, and multimedia tools, with opportunities increasing as organizations prioritize remote and digital training methods.
More about Instructional Design Lead jobs

What cities are hiring for Instructional Design Lead jobs?

Cities with the most Instructional Design Lead job openings:

Infographic showing various Instructional Design Lead job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% 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.

Instructional Design & Media Specialist

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Colorado State University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

465th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description


The Instructional Design Specialist will be responsible for investigating, training faculty, and implementing instructional design principles to support and enhance teaching and learning across the veterinary curriculum. The role requires a blend of expertise in instructional design principles and instructional technology, with a focus on curriculum-wide integration and application.
Full Consideration Date:
Tuesday, June 23th, 2026, 11:59pm (MT). This position will remain open until filled.
Description of Work Unit:
The Computer Assisted Teaching Support Lab supports the faculty, staff, and students of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences by creating teaching, research, and publication aids, instructional and informative websites, eBooks, digital imaging, video, and other multi-media. The lab supports clients in digital communication, advises on innovative media, and provides support and consultation for equipment and methods used in the dissemination of information to the audience and the public.
Essential Duties:
  • Collaborate with faculty to design, develop, and implement instructional materials and technologies that enhance teaching and learning.
  • Provide training and support to faculty on the use of instructional technologies and best practices in instructional design.
  • Develop and implement curriculum-wide instructional technology initiatives, including student dashboards and curriculum maps.
  • Integrate various systems, such as learning management systems (LMS) and testing platforms, to streamline and enhance the educational experience.
  • Conduct needs assessments and analyze data to inform the development and implementation of instructional technology solutions.
  • Stay current with emerging instructional technologies and trends in higher education and veterinary medicine.
  • Lead workshops, seminars, and one-on-one training sessions for faculty and staff.
  • Collaborate with IT and other departments to ensure seamless integration and functionality of instructional technologies.

Supervision:
5-6 Student Hourly positions
Conditions of Employment:
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or certificate in Instructional Design, Education, Instructional Technology, or a related field.
  • Proficiency in using and integrating technology tools such as LMS, testing platforms, student dashboards, and curriculum mapping tools.
  • Demonstrably strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and administrators.
  • Self-motivation and ability to work independently on projects.
  • Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions to improve instructional technology initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Instructional Technology, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience applying instructional design principles to curriculum-wide initiative.
  • Experience working with and training university faculty in instructional design or instructional technology.
  • Experience in a veterinary or medical education environment.

Application Instructions:
This position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with the required and preferred qualifications, and a current resume. References will be requested for finalists at a later date and will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the CVMBS HR staff at cvmbs_hr@colostate.edu.
Salary Range
$50,000 - $75,000
Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
  • Review our detailed benefits information here.
  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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About Colorado State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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