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Online Course Developer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

This position will collaborate with faculty to create inclusively designed online courses for new ... developers with diverse perspectives and experiences who are each committed to educational ...

Penn State's College of Engineering seeks to hire two instructional designers for spring 2025 to ... If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please ...

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Online Course Developer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$5

$26

$40

How much do online course developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for online course developer in Pennsylvania is $26.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $39.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an online course developer do?

As an online course developer, your job is to help create the curriculum, class content, and coursework for an internet course. In this role, you may help decide which subject matter is relevant to the class, design daily lessons, research additional educational materials, and coordinate with other online course developers to minimize overlapping content. Online course developers often submit course proposals, help determine the expertise required for teachers to grade the content of the course, adjust existing courses based on feedback, and work with department heads as necessary. Most online course developers work for individual schools or supporting institutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an online course developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Online Course Developer, you need expertise in instructional design, curriculum development, and digital pedagogy, typically supported by a degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) like Moodle or Canvas, authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, and multimedia editing software is essential. Creativity, strong communication, and project management skills help set you apart in designing engaging and effective online learning experiences. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure courses are pedagogically sound, technically robust, and engaging for diverse learners.

What is the difference between Online Course Developer vs Instructional Designer?

AspectOnline Course DeveloperInstructional Designer
CredentialsBachelor’s degree in education, instructional design, or related field; experience with e-learning toolsBachelor’s or master’s in education, instructional design, or related field; certifications like CPT or ATD
Work EnvironmentCreates online courses, collaborates with subject matter experts, often in educational or corporate settingsDesigns learning experiences, develops instructional materials, works in educational, corporate, or e-learning companies
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, e-learning companies, corporate training departmentsEducational institutions, corporate training, e-learning firms, government agencies

While both roles involve designing digital learning experiences, an Online Course Developer primarily focuses on creating and building online courses using authoring tools, whereas an Instructional Designer emphasizes designing the overall learning experience and curriculum structure. The roles often overlap, but the Instructional Designer typically has a broader scope in instructional strategy and curriculum planning.

What is an online course developer?

Online Course Developers are professionals who design, create, and organize educational content specifically for online learning platforms. They work closely with subject matter experts to transform traditional curriculum into engaging digital courses, incorporating multimedia elements such as videos, quizzes, and interactive activities. Their goal is to ensure that online courses are accessible, effective, and engaging for learners. These developers often use instructional design principles and various e-learning technologies to deliver high-quality educational experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by online course developers when working with subject matter experts (SMEs)?

Online Course Developers often collaborate closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure the accuracy and depth of course content. A common challenge in this partnership is bridging the gap between academic or technical expertise and effective instructional design, as SMEs may not be familiar with best practices for online learning. Developers must balance maintaining content integrity while making materials engaging and accessible for learners. Effective communication, patience, and a collaborative mindset are vital to navigate differing perspectives and create a successful course.
What are popular job titles related to Online Course Developer jobs in Pennsylvania? For Online Course Developer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Online Course Developer jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Online Course Developer jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Online Course Developer jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Online Course Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Online Course Developer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,163 per year, or $26 per hour.

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Re-posted 28 days ago


Brown University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

155th of 615 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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