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Online Course Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The job holder may engage with other Northwestern schools and departments for development of new online courses and blended learning engagements and take part in Teaching & Learning Technologies ...

Present training and development programs using various formats, including group discussion, lecture, online courses, knowledge-bank articles, simulations, and videos. * Partner with other ...

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Online Course Development information

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$14

$42

$86

How much do online course development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for online course development in Chicago, IL is $42.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $71.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is online course development?

Online course development is the process of designing, creating, and organizing educational content for delivery over the internet. It involves identifying learning objectives, developing engaging materials such as videos, readings, and quizzes, and using digital tools or learning management systems to make the course accessible to students. The process may also include assessments, feedback mechanisms, and ongoing updates to ensure the course remains current and effective. Professionals in this field often collaborate with subject matter experts, instructional designers, and multimedia specialists to create high-quality learning experiences.

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

AspectOnline Course DevelopmentInstructional Designer
CredentialsTypically requires expertise in e-learning tools, instructional design principles, and subject matter knowledgeRequires instructional design certifications, educational background, and familiarity with learning theories
Work EnvironmentOften involves collaboration with subject matter experts, multimedia developers, and online platformsWorks in educational institutions, corporate training, or e-learning companies, designing learning experiences
Industry UsageCommonly used in online education, corporate training, and e-learning content creationUsed across education, corporate training, and government sectors for curriculum development

Online Course Development focuses on creating and producing online courses, including content creation and platform integration. Instructional Designers plan and design effective learning experiences, often involving curriculum design and educational strategies. While overlapping, Online Course Development emphasizes content production, whereas Instructional Design emphasizes pedagogical planning and instructional strategies.

What are some common challenges faced when collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) during online course development?

One common challenge in online course development is ensuring clear and consistent communication with subject matter experts (SMEs), who may have limited availability due to other responsibilities. Aligning educational goals with the technical and pedagogical aspects of online learning can require careful negotiation and flexibility. Additionally, translating complex subject matter into engaging, learner-friendly content often involves iterative feedback and revision cycles with SMEs. Building strong collaborative relationships and setting clear expectations from the outset can help mitigate these challenges and ensure a smoother development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Online Course Development, and why are they important?

To excel in Online Course Development, you need strong instructional design knowledge, expertise in curriculum development, and familiarity with digital learning theories, often supported by a degree in education or instructional design. Proficiency with Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle or Canvas, and authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate, is typically required. Strong project management, creativity, and communication skills help in collaborating with subject matter experts and engaging learners effectively. These skills ensure that courses are pedagogically sound, user-friendly, and achieve desired learning outcomes in a digital environment.
What are popular job titles related to Online Course Development jobs in Chicago, IL? For Online Course Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Online Course Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Online Course Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Online Course Development jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Online Course Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Online Course Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,611 per year, or $42.1 per hour.
Subject Matter Expert Course Design - LE3 Program

Subject Matter Expert Course Design - LE3 Program

National Louis University

Wheeling, IL • On-site

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


National Louis University rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Subject Matter Expert Course Design - LE3 Program
ID 2026-1805 Job Locations Online Category Undergraduate College Position Type Adjunct Faculty
Overview

National Louis University's LE3 Program is currently seeking Adjunct Faculty to join our Undergraduate Innovation - LE3 Program team for our remaining 2026 Terms.

Position Overview

We are seeking experienced Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to support the design and development of one or more 4-week Business Management courses within the LE3 program:

    MGT 260: How Organizations Create Value
  • MGT 330: Managing People and Performance
  • MGT 331: Projects, Change, and Execution

The SME will collaborate closely with LE3 curriculum designers to ensure each course is relevant, clear, accessible, workplace-connected, and aligned to the LE3 pillars and aligned with course and program objectives.

What makes a course an LE3 course?

In this model, we believe in what we call the Learning-Doing Loop. This Loop means that there is a strong connection between learning in the classroom and current professional experiences. All LE3 courses are career connected and highly applied, designed for adults who are working full time. They are built around reflection and growth, with a focus on building practical artifacts rather than purely academic products. Finally, they are focused on building durable skills, with a heavy emphasis on self-awareness, leadership, communication, and decision-making.

LE3 faculty are partners in student success, helping students connect learning to their professional lives and apply skills immediately at work.

Essential Responsibilities
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
  • Provide deep knowledge in one or more course areas.
  • Translate professional experience into learning outcomes, assignments, and discussion prompts linked to the workplace.
  • Ensure all content is accessible, inclusive, and aligned to LE3's focus on durable skills, leadership development, and work-integrated learning.
  • Develop learning materials (case studies, examples, micro-lectures, activities, assessments) that help students connect theory to real-world contexts immediately.
  • Offer guidance on industry trends, best practices, and emerging tools relevant to the course topic.
  • Collaborate with a course designer to ensure content coherence and quality across the curriculum.
Collaborative & Administrative
  • Work closely with the LE3 curriculum team and course designers to maintain consistency and high-quality student experiences.
  • Reflect on learner performance trends and share insights that support continuous course and program improvement.
  • Participate in virtual meetings, curriculum reviews, and quality assurance processes as needed.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
  • Master's degree or higher in Business, Management or a related field.
  • 3+ years of professional experience in one or more of the course topic areas.
  • Ability to connect course concepts to real-world management and leadership contexts.
  • Comfort with digital tools (Zoom, Google Suite, Slack, etc.)

Preferred

  • Experience with work-integrated learning or experiential education models.
  • Professional experience outside of academia in fields such as HR, management, finance, project management, coaching, negotiation, or digital transformation.
  • Relevant industry credentials.

Time Commitment

  • Project-based contract work aligned to course development timelines.
  • Estimated 10-15 hours per week during active development periods (may fluctuate based on project scope and deliverables).
  • Participation in virtual meetings, content reviews, and SME advisory discussions as needed.
  • Occasional availability during standard business hours for collaboration with the LE3 curriculum and design teams.
  • Flexible scheduling with the understanding that deadlines for content development, review cycles, and quality assurance must be met.

About the Model

Learn and Earn in 3 (LE3) is a reimagined undergraduate model for full-time working adults. Students earn their degree, B.S. in Business Management, in 2.5-3 years while remaining employed full time, receiving course credit for time spent at work. All courses are related to workplace and leadership skills.

LE3 uses a focused quarter structure designed for depth and application:

  • Academic courses (major and general education) run in 4-week blocks, with students taking one course at a time
  • Each quarter also includes a 12-week Professional Skills Seminar focused on durable skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and self-advocacy
  • Courses are fully virtual and blend asynchronous learning with one intentional live session per week

Why Join NLU?

  • Be part of a movement redefining college for working adults.
  • Join a collaborative, future-focused faculty team.
  • Support students to thrive: academically, professionally, and personally.
  • Engage in meaningful work that blends teaching and mentorship.
  • Contribute to a pioneering model of higher education that integrates learning, earning, and leadership development.

Due to business and compliance requirements, this remote position is only open to candidates residing in the following states: Arizona * California * Colorado * Florida * Georgia * Illinois * Indiana * Iowa * Kentucky * Louisiana * Maryland * Massachusetts * Michigan * Minnesota * Missouri * Nevada * New Jersey * New York * North Carolina * Oklahoma * South Carolina * Texas * Virginia * Washington * Wisconsin

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

Compensation and Benefits

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. Our institution values Adjunct Faculty's role in advancing our teaching mission and preparing our students for successful careers. Adjunct Faculty have access to training resources for professional development, access to shared governance as a part of our Adjunct Council, retirement plans, educational opportunities, and paid time off. A more complete list of Adjunct Faculty Benefits can be found here.

Adjunct Faculty are paid by course or assignment each term. These rates vary by college and number of credit hours for the course/assignment. While the specific amount will be indicated in an electronic contract that is issued to the Adjunct Faculty member when the course is assigned, an overview of standard rate structure is available below:

2025 Adjunct Faculty Rate Structure

Application Instructions

Please Include the following with your Application:

  • Curriculum Vitae, required
  • Transcripts (Official or Unofficial)
    • Official Transcripts for all related degrees, licenses/certificates will be required upon hire

Optional Additional Attachments:

  • Teaching Philosophy
  • Sample Syllabus
  • Additional Licenses/Certifications
  • Course Evaluations

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