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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Overview

Open roles185+
Top stateTexas
Top employerDenver Public Schools
Top cityDallas, TX
Work type81% On-site
Top industryEducation

Showing 5 of 185+ Instructional Design Specialist jobs

Virginia Commonwealth University
Instructional Design Specialist
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Virginia Commonwealth University
Added 2w ago
Instructional Design Specialist
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Instructional Design
Corporate Training
Learning & Development
$65k/yr
Hybrid
None
5,001-10,000

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East Central University
Instructional Design Specialist
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East Central University
Added 3w ago
Instructional Design Specialist
East Central University
Ada, Oklahoma
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Instructional Design
Corporate Training
Learning & Development
$40k - $42k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
201-500

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James Hardie Building Products
Instructional Design Specialist
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James Hardie Building Products
Added 1mo ago
Instructional Design Specialist
James Hardie Building Products
Chicago, Illinois
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Instructional Design
Learning & Development
Corporate Training
$92k - $115k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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University of Oklahoma
Instructional Design Specialist
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University of Oklahoma
Added 1mo ago
Instructional Design Specialist
University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Teaching & Instruction
Learning & Development
Curriculum Design
Instructional Design
$30.05/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Colorado State University
Instructional Design & Media Specialist
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Colorado State University
Added 1w ago
Instructional Design & Media Specialist
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Teaching & Instruction
Instructional Design
Corporate Training
Curriculum Design
$50k - $75k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Instructional Design Specialist Job Market

A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Denver Public Schools
    Denver Public Schools10
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
    Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools8
  • Dallas Independent School District
    Dallas Independent School District8
  • Michigan State University
    Michigan State University7
  • University of Minnesota
    University of Minnesota6

Top Industries Hiring

  • Education112
  • Healthcare & Medical Services27
  • Technology & Software14
  • Manufacturing7
  • Consulting & Professional Services5

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 Denver Public Schools, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, and Dallas Independent School District, with the largest share of openings in Texas, North Carolina, and Colorado, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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 19% of instructional design specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 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.

See All 185+ Instructional Design Specialist Jobs

Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any instructional design specialist role that fits.

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