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Online Course Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position will collaborate with faculty to create inclusively designed online courses for new, online graduate degree programs. At the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, the successful ...

Develop user interface design standards and best practices for online courses that adhere to ... designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members ...

Instructional Designer

Columbia, SC

$60K - $81K/yr

The Instructional Designer utilizes technical expertise, technology solutions, and pedagogical ... Works to create a consistent brand experience in Canvas for online courses. Training * Plan and ...

Instructional Designer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

The Instructional Designer utilizes technical expertise, technology solutions, and pedagogical ... Works to create a consistent brand experience in Canvas for online courses. Training * Plan and ...

Instructional Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

Overview The Instructional Designer collaborates with faculty members to enhance and maintain asynchronous online courses. Rooted in prior teaching experience, this role focuses on creating engaging ...

The Instructional Designer collaborates with faculty members to enhance and maintain asynchronous online courses. Rooted in prior teaching experience, this role focuses on creating engaging and ...

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Online Course Designer information

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$24

$57

$103

How much do online course designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for online course designer in the United States is $57.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.97 and $91.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Online Course Designer vs E-Learning Developer?

AspectOnline Course DesignerE-Learning Developer
CredentialsTypically requires instructional design or education certificationsOften requires technical certifications or multimedia skills
Work EnvironmentDesigns courses primarily for online platforms, often in educational or corporate settingsDevelops interactive e-learning content, including multimedia and software applications
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in educational institutions, corporate training, and e-learning companiesCommon in e-learning companies, corporate training, and educational tech firms

While both roles focus on online learning, the Online Course Designer primarily creates course structures and content, emphasizing instructional design. The E-Learning Developer often handles the technical development and multimedia integration of e-learning modules. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges Online Course Designers face when working with subject matter experts (SMEs)?

Online Course Designers often collaborate closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure course content is accurate and engaging. A common challenge is translating complex, specialized knowledge into accessible and interactive online learning materials. Designers may also need to balance SME expectations with best practices in instructional design and technology constraints. Effective communication and project management skills are essential to align goals and create high-quality courses within deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Online Course Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Online Course Designer, you need a solid understanding of instructional design principles, curriculum development, and often a background in education or instructional technology. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Canvas or Moodle, authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate, and sometimes certification in instructional design are typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and project management skills are essential for collaborating with subject matter experts and engaging diverse learners. These skills and qualifications ensure the creation of effective, engaging, and accessible online learning experiences that meet both educational standards and learner needs.

What does an Online Course Designer do?

An Online Course Designer is responsible for creating engaging and effective educational experiences delivered via the internet. They work with subject matter experts to develop course content, structure lessons, and choose appropriate multimedia elements. Their goal is to enhance learning by making online courses interactive, accessible, and aligned with learning objectives. They also often use learning management systems (LMS) to organize and deliver content, assess learner progress, and gather feedback for improvements.
More about Online Course Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Online Course Designer jobs? Cities with the most Online Course Designer job openings:
What states have the most Online Course Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Online Course Designer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Online Course Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 36% Full Time, and 59% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,979 per year, or $57.2 per hour.
Learning Designer

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 22 hours ago


Brown University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description:

About Brown:

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world.

Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more. To learn about Brown University's benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page for further information.

About the Opportunity:

The Learning Designer is a member of a course development team within the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning whose work focuses on designing and developing high quality online learning experiences. This position will collaborate with faculty to create inclusively designed online courses for new, online graduate degree programs.

At the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, the successful candidate for this hybrid-eligible position will be joining a team of educational developers with diverse perspectives and experiences who are each committed to educational excellence, equity, and access at Brown. Staff within this vibrant center thrive on interdisciplinary collaboration, genuine curiosity, and evidence-based, reflective practices.
Responsibilities:

The focus of this position is supporting faculty in the development of courses by applying knowledge of learning sciences research, design methodologies, and expertise with learning technologies to the vision of a large portfolio of programs and courses. Other responsibilities include developing and delivering resource materials, workshops and presentations to support faculty's digital pedagogy; documenting and sharing course development benchmarks, outcomes and metrics for success; solving high-level problems as faculty employ instructional design & technology methods; piloting new technological and pedagogical strategies; and collaborating with diverse campus groups to support online teaching and learning.

In this role, candidates can expect to:

  • Provide 1-1 consultation to assigned faculty on the use of instructional technologies, pedagogical strategies, and learning principles throughout design-implementation cycles.
  • Plan and manage instructional design projects: online course development, related instructional initiatives.
  • Facilitate the development and review process associated with educational media asset creation and quality assurance and usability testing.
  • Collaborate with other members of the team, including design, media, and technology professionals, to ensure that courses are developed on time and in scope.


Salary Grade:

10

Additional Information:

Applicants are asked to respond to three questions, in lieu of a cover letter, and include them with their CV in a single PDF or Word file:

  • Why are you interested in working as a Learning Designer at the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning?
  • What professional experiences would you draw on to fulfill the primary responsibilities for this role, as described in the job posting?
  • Please describe 2-3 examples where you have demonstrated one (or more) of the skills listed in the qualifications for this role, as described in the job posting.

The successful candidate is expected to work on Brown's Providence campus for a minimum of two days per week with the flexibility to work remotely on other days. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Qualifications:


Education and Experience

  • Master's degree in learning sciences, education, or related field, or equivalent education and experience.
  • 3-5 years of experience in instructional design and/or online course design in higher education required.
  • At least 1 year supporting faculty with designing new fully-online asynchronous online programs (for positions on the Digital Learning & Design online team) or at least 1 year of supporting faculty with designing in multi-modal programs including blended, noncredit, in-person and online (for the Digital Learning & Design design team) required.
  • Postsecondary teaching and/or training experience required.
  • Experience applying adult learning theory and learning design methodologies to a learning experience, required.
  • Experience applying project management methodology to effectively leading instructional projects, required

Job Competencies

  • Proven ability to understand and implement fundamental instructional design methodologies.
  • Strong relational skills, and proven ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) to an audience with diverse backgrounds, roles, and varied responsibilities.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment where services are in high demand and new initiatives introduced routinely.
  • Deep knowledge of instructional alignment and learning outcomes development.
  • Proficiency in enterprise technologies including Canvas and other LTIs
  • Ability to apply problem-solving skills, perform analyses and seek solutions for continuous improvement.
  • Proficiency in coordinating and managing the course design process
  • Ability to work independently, handle multiple projects and meet deadlines and project plans effectively.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team that is positioned within a cross-functional unit.
  • Ability to effectively follow process and make flexible decisions while interacting with stakeholders to reach project deliverables
  • Proficiency in coding (HTML5, CSS, JavaScript), preferred
  • Proficiency with visual design using design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, Google Suite and other software used for developing engaging training experience, preferred.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-05-27

Job Posting Title:

Learning Designer

Department:

Teaching and Learning/Sheridan Center

Grade:

Grade 10

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid


Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Brown is registered to do business.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.


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