Instructional Designer Jobs in Illinois
Instructional Designer jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in corporate learning and development, higher education, and healthcare training, covering roles from entry-level designers to senior learning experience architects. Chicago anchors the market as one of the most competitive hiring metros in the Midwest, with additional activity in Naperville and Champaign, where major employers like Motorola Solutions, Allstate, and the University of Illinois have deep roots in workforce development. The most in-demand specialties include e-learning development, learning management system administration, and needs assessment for enterprise training programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 7+ Instructional Designer 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.
See All 7 Instructional Designer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Instructional Designer JobsInstructional Designer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Instructional Designer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in instructional designer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in instructional design, education technology, or a related field
- Proficiency with e-learning authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate
- Experience designing and deploying courses in a learning management system
- Portfolio demonstrating completed instructional design or e-learning projects
- Familiarity with ADDIE, SAM, or other instructional design models
- Strong written communication skills for developing storyboards and training documentation
Instructional Designer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a instructional designer in Illinois?
Instructional design has no state-issued license in Illinois, so entry depends on education and demonstrated skills. Most Illinois employers expect at least a bachelor's degree in instructional design, educational technology, curriculum development, or a closely related field. A master's degree strengthens candidacy for corporate and university roles. Building a portfolio of sample courses or real projects is often the deciding factor, and credentials like the Association for Talent Development's CPTD designation are recognized by many Illinois employers.
How much do instructional designers make in Illinois?
Instructional designers in Illinois earn a median of about $76,050 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $45,220 for the lowest 10% to over $112,420 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire instructional designers in Illinois?
Employers hiring instructional designers in Illinois right now include Vistex, Camping World, and American Place, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of large insurance carriers, financial services firms, and major research universities means ongoing demand for designers who can build compliance, onboarding, and continuing education content.
Which Illinois cities have the most instructional designer jobs?
Chicago, Joppa, and Waukegan have the most instructional designer openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the bulk of postings through its dense cluster of corporate headquarters, hospital systems, and community colleges, while suburban centers like Naperville attract roles tied to technology and financial services companies that relocated or expanded there, and Champaign's openings reflect the University of Illinois's large-scale learning operations.
Are there remote instructional designer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 100% of instructional designer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how well the core work, including course authoring, storyboarding, and LMS administration, transfers to distributed settings. Roles that require live facilitation or on-site needs assessments tend to stay in-person, while purely digital content development positions are the most consistently remote.
How can I get hired as a instructional designer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is building a portfolio through volunteer projects, freelance work, or coursework and then targeting coordinator or training specialist roles at Illinois community colleges, healthcare systems, or large insurers, which regularly hire candidates willing to grow into the full designer title. Institutions like the City Colleges of Chicago and large health networks such as Northwestern Medicine often post associate-level learning roles that serve as stepping stones. A completed course on Articulate Storyline or a recognized credential from the Association for Talent Development gives candidates a concrete edge in a competitive applicant pool.
Where can I find and apply to instructional designer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to instructional designer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to Illinois employers. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and preferences, and apply directly to each position.
See All 7 Instructional Designer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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