Instructional Design Specialist Jobs
Instructional Design Specialist jobs are open across corporate learning, higher education, healthcare, and government agencies, from entry-level associate to senior and lead roles, with specializations in eLearning development, curriculum design, and learning management system administration. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 61+ Instructional Design Specialist jobs
Extra Help - Graphic Designer Associate - Instructional Design & Media Studio
This Position is temporary and limited to 900 hours.
Hiring Department: Instructional Design & Media Studio
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1042851
Hours per Week: 37.5
# of Positions: 1
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Salary: The rate of pay for this position is $35.66 per hour.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
Position Summary
The Extra Help Graphic Designer Associate (Multimedia Designer) is responsible for creating visually engaging and pedagogically effective design solutions for various educational materials and digital platforms. This role will offer project assistance by generating various visual and multimedia elements, including graphics, illustrations, animations, videos, and audio content. The Graphic Designer Associate incorporates design principles and accessibility standards that enhance the quality of educational experiences.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Design and produce visuals in support of online, asynchronous, and blended courses, including illustrations, infographics, images, video, animations, 2D assets, 3D assets, games, and simulation elements.
- Seek feedback and revise visual products to meet client requirements.
- Determine the most efficient and economical means of producing artwork to convey or enhance the subject matter.
- Assist collaborators in meeting due dates and producing throughout the creative and project management process
- Design and develop engaging visual content within Learning Management System modules.
- Combine graphics with type for optimal learning opportunities that align with principles of learning with multimedia.
- Collaborate with video specialists, instructional designers, and subject-matter experts to identify and solve teaching and learning challenges using visual multimedia solutions.
- Update and redesign existing course visuals to meet project requirements.
- Remain current with and incorporate the latest industry technology tools and trends in online education and instructional media.
- Proactively engage in professional development to stay up to date on the use of applications and emergent technologies that support the learning process as well as institutional policies and industry standards for ADA / WCAG compliance, UIC marketing/brand management, etc.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Any one or any combination that equals thirty-six (36) months from the categories below1:
AND
- credit for progressively more advanced college or art-school course work that would lead to a major in graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- 60 semester hours equals 12 months
- 90 semester hours equals 24 months
- 120 semester hours or a Bachelor's Degree equals 36 months
- work experience and/or on-the-job training that provided knowledge of progressively more advanced, generally accepted principles, theories, practices, and methods used in graphic designs and their applications to visual communications problems that are/is comparable to the training provided in the programs such as graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- credit for progressively more advanced college or art-school course work that would lead to a major in graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- Twelve (12) months of progressively more responsible work experience and/or training comparable to that performed at the Graphic Designer Assistant level of this series
1A Master's Degree in visual design, with emphasis in visual arts communication or a closely related field, meets all minimum acceptable qualifications for the Graphic Designer Associate level of this series.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated expertise with design and media development tools, including the Adobe Creative Suite, video production tools, and the Google and Microsoft Office Productivity Suites.
- Experience with various design disciplines.
- Experience working in a wide range of media and technologies for a variety of audiences.
A strong understanding of design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and composition. - Knowledge of advanced drawing, art history, and advanced photographic techniques. Knowledge of ADA/WCAG policies.
- Familiarity with educational theories, curriculum development, and instructional design principles.
- Strong aesthetic and analytical skills, design composition and typographic abilities. Skilled in producing vector graphics and digital illustrations using digital illustration software and tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Procreate.
- Skillful web development skills (e.g., html5, css3, web content management systems). Able to efficiently execute video production and design processes.
- Capable of performing video and audio editing (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Audition). Can build accessible learning assets in compliance with ADA / WCAG requirements. Competency with Windows OS and Mac OS.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; Listens effectively during collaborative and team discussions about project goals and needs.
- Ability to convey complex information and concepts visually. Can incorporate multimedia elements such as animation, videos, and interactive graphics into educational materials.
- Able to design and prepare final production ready graphics.
- Adept at managing multiple simultaneous projects and working under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Extra Help - Graphic Designer Associate - Instructional Design & Media Studio
This Position is temporary and limited to 900 hours.
Hiring Department: Instructional Design & Media Studio
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1042851
Hours per Week: 37.5
# of Positions: 1
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Salary: The rate of pay for this position is $35.66 per hour.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
Position Summary
The Extra Help Graphic Designer Associate (Multimedia Designer) is responsible for creating visually engaging and pedagogically effective design solutions for various educational materials and digital platforms. This role will offer project assistance by generating various visual and multimedia elements, including graphics, illustrations, animations, videos, and audio content. The Graphic Designer Associate incorporates design principles and accessibility standards that enhance the quality of educational experiences.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Design and produce visuals in support of online, asynchronous, and blended courses, including illustrations, infographics, images, video, animations, 2D assets, 3D assets, games, and simulation elements.
- Seek feedback and revise visual products to meet client requirements.
- Determine the most efficient and economical means of producing artwork to convey or enhance the subject matter.
- Assist collaborators in meeting due dates and producing throughout the creative and project management process
- Design and develop engaging visual content within Learning Management System modules.
- Combine graphics with type for optimal learning opportunities that align with principles of learning with multimedia.
- Collaborate with video specialists, instructional designers, and subject-matter experts to identify and solve teaching and learning challenges using visual multimedia solutions.
- Update and redesign existing course visuals to meet project requirements.
- Remain current with and incorporate the latest industry technology tools and trends in online education and instructional media.
- Proactively engage in professional development to stay up to date on the use of applications and emergent technologies that support the learning process as well as institutional policies and industry standards for ADA / WCAG compliance, UIC marketing/brand management, etc.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Any one or any combination that equals thirty-six (36) months from the categories below1:
AND
- credit for progressively more advanced college or art-school course work that would lead to a major in graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- 60 semester hours equals 12 months
- 90 semester hours equals 24 months
- 120 semester hours or a Bachelor's Degree equals 36 months
- work experience and/or on-the-job training that provided knowledge of progressively more advanced, generally accepted principles, theories, practices, and methods used in graphic designs and their applications to visual communications problems that are/is comparable to the training provided in the programs such as graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- credit for progressively more advanced college or art-school course work that would lead to a major in graphic/visual arts communication and/or design
- Twelve (12) months of progressively more responsible work experience and/or training comparable to that performed at the Graphic Designer Assistant level of this series
1A Master's Degree in visual design, with emphasis in visual arts communication or a closely related field, meets all minimum acceptable qualifications for the Graphic Designer Associate level of this series.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated expertise with design and media development tools, including the Adobe Creative Suite, video production tools, and the Google and Microsoft Office Productivity Suites.
- Experience with various design disciplines.
- Experience working in a wide range of media and technologies for a variety of audiences.
A strong understanding of design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and composition. - Knowledge of advanced drawing, art history, and advanced photographic techniques. Knowledge of ADA/WCAG policies.
- Familiarity with educational theories, curriculum development, and instructional design principles.
- Strong aesthetic and analytical skills, design composition and typographic abilities. Skilled in producing vector graphics and digital illustrations using digital illustration software and tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Procreate.
- Skillful web development skills (e.g., html5, css3, web content management systems). Able to efficiently execute video production and design processes.
- Capable of performing video and audio editing (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Audition). Can build accessible learning assets in compliance with ADA / WCAG requirements. Competency with Windows OS and Mac OS.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; Listens effectively during collaborative and team discussions about project goals and needs.
- Ability to convey complex information and concepts visually. Can incorporate multimedia elements such as animation, videos, and interactive graphics into educational materials.
- Able to design and prepare final production ready graphics.
- Adept at managing multiple simultaneous projects and working under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Instructional Design Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsInstructional Design Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Insurance
- Science & Research
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in instructional design specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in instructional design, education, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with Articulate Storyline or Rise authoring tools
- Proficiency administering or configuring a learning management system
- Demonstrated ability to apply ADDIE or SAM instructional design models
- Strong written communication skills for storyboards and facilitator guides
- Experience collaborating with subject matter experts to develop course content
Tips for Your Instructional Design Specialist Job Search
Tailor your portfolio to the sector
Corporate L&D hiring managers want to see business-impact examples, while higher education teams prioritize pedagogical rigor. Organize your portfolio into separate sections by context so reviewers immediately find samples relevant to their environment.
List authoring tools precisely on your resume
Write the exact tool names and versions you've used, such as Articulate Storyline 360, Adobe Captivate, or Lectora, rather than a generic 'eLearning software' label. Applicant tracking systems filter by these strings, and vague entries get screened out before a human sees them.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists instructional design specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Show measurable learning outcomes in applications
Describe course completions, assessment pass rates, or time-to-proficiency reductions you've achieved. Employers distinguish instructional designers who measure effectiveness from those who only produce deliverables, so quantifying impact makes your materials immediately stand out.
Prep for a live design challenge in interviews
Many instructional design specialist interviews include a take-home or whiteboard task where you outline a short module from a rough brief. Practice articulating your ADDIE or SAM decision-making out loud, because reviewers care as much about your process as the finished product.
Negotiate scope before accepting an offer
Clarify whether the role is solo production, part of a team, or involves vendor management before you accept. Instructional design specialist titles cover wildly different workloads, and understanding the actual scope protects you from mismatched expectations on day one.
Instructional Design Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most instructional design specialists?
The companies hiring the most instructional design specialists right now include Tesla, ZoomInfo, and Passion for Life, with the largest share of openings in California, Texas, and Maryland, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Demand is concentrated in healthcare systems, large enterprises with internal L&D teams, and government contractors.
How many instructional design specialist jobs are remote?
About 79% of instructional design specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, making it one of the more remote-friendly roles in the learning and development field. eLearning development and curriculum writing positions tend to be the most remote-compatible, while facilitation-heavy or onsite training coordinator roles typically require in-person presence.
How do you become an instructional design specialist?
Most instructional design specialists start with a degree in education, communications, or a related field, then build proficiency in at least one major authoring tool like Articulate Storyline. Building a portfolio of sample courses, earning a recognized credential such as the ATD Certified Professional in Talent Development, and gaining experience through contract or freelance projects before pursuing full-time roles is a common path into the field.
Can you get hired as an instructional design specialist with little experience?
Yes, entry-level instructional design specialist roles exist, particularly in higher education, nonprofits, and companies building out new L&D functions. Hiring managers at this level prioritize a strong portfolio over years of experience, so creating two or three polished sample modules that demonstrate your design process, use of a standard authoring tool, and understanding of adult learning principles can substitute for a formal work history.
What does the instructional design specialist interview process look like?
The process typically includes an initial screening call, a portfolio review with the hiring manager or L&D team, and a practical design exercise where you outline or build a short module from a brief. Some employers add a stakeholder role-play to assess how you gather requirements from subject matter experts. Final rounds often involve a panel with HR, a direct manager, and sometimes a business unit leader whose team you would support.
Where can I find and apply to instructional design specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to instructional design specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, specialization, and preferred work arrangement, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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