Lead Instructional Designer Jobs
Lead Instructional Designer jobs are open across corporate learning, higher education, and healthcare, from mid-level to senior and principal, with specializations in eLearning development, curriculum design, and learning technology. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 382+ Lead Instructional Designer jobs
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The IT Instructional Designer I will be tasked with developing and maintaining online, blended, and face-to-face training solutions for IT systems, applications, and processes. They will collaborate with other IT instructional designers and internal IT staff to create interactive, engaging, and effective instructional materials rooted in sound adult learning principles and based on established project objectives and standards. This position will also support existing training programs making revisions as IT system and application features change. This job requires knowledge and skills in the use of multimedia production systems, web design, learning management systems, and/or interactive authoring. The IT Instructional Designer I must be able to apply their knowledge of and skills with multimedia tools, software, and graphics applications to help translate technical content to end users.
The position applies adult learning principles, instructional design practices, technical communication methods, and multimedia tools to translate complex technical content into instructor-led, virtual, blended, and self-paced learning materials for technical and non-technical audiences.
ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
USF is proud to be an innovating partner within the Tampa Bay region, listed by Forbes as the top emerging tech city in the country.
USF Information Technology (USF IT) provides technology services and support for the University of South Florida. The IT team, led by the Vice President and CIO, provides the following services: Administrative Services, Client Support, Communication Services, Teaching and Learning, Analytics and Reporting, Mobile and Web Services, Consulting Services, Cybersecurity Service and Research Technologies. For more information, please visit: Information Technology | University of South Florida (usf.edu).
ADDITIONAL INFO FOR APPLICANTS: The selected candidate must have current work authorization in the United States. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
USF offers GREAT BENEFITS to full-time employees!!
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Paid Vacation Days
- Paid Sick Days
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Various Retirement Options , including 401K employer match Tuition Assistance (available for yourself, spouse, partner or dependent)
For more information about your total compensation package and other USF benefits, please visit: Work at USF
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES:
- Develop Training Solutions: Create training materials/modules using multimedia tools.
- Create end-user documentation, training curriculum, and training materials based on adoption needs and project deliverables.
- Convert source material into effective online, end-user documentation, i.e. quick guides or job aids.
- Create effective training materials that draw on sound instructional design principles.
- Maintain Development Standards: Stay abreast of industry documentation and training standards. Work closely with the team lead to evolve and maintain standards for documentation and training.
- Maintain Training: Pilot courses and materials when appropriate to ensure necessary changes and revisions are made prior to and post-implementation. Executes plans for revisions that meet learners' needs and clients' outcomes.
- Present/Train: Facilitate trainings with varied audiences.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Adult Education, Educational Technology, Communications, Information Systems, Technical Communication, Business, or a related field, and one year of experience in instructional design, technical training, knowledge management, content development, technical writing, or a related professional role.
Relevant education, training, certifications, and directly related professional experience may be considered in accordance with University and Central HR guidelines.
- Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
- SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
- A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
- (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
- (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
- (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
- (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
- (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
- Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
- Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience supporting an IT organization, service desk, technical support operation, or higher-education environment; developing online learning and technical documentation; using learning management systems, multimedia production, video editing, graphic design, or interactive authoring tools; and applying IT Service Management, knowledge management, accessibility, or inclusive-design practices.
TECHNICAL SKILLS:
Knowledge of instructional design models, adult learning principles, training evaluation, technical writing, content governance, accessibility practices, and learning-management publishing workflows. Ability to create and maintain instructor-led, virtual, blended, and digital learning resources using Microsoft 365, learning management systems, multimedia applications, video tools, graphic applications, and interactive authoring technologies. Ability to translate technical information into clear, accurate, and usable resources; coordinate course-material testing, revision, publication, and production verification; and confirm that published coursework is accessible and functions as intended.
INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE:
Working knowledge of IT service delivery, customer support operations, incident and request processes, knowledge management, employee onboarding, change adoption, continuous improvement, and the needs of diverse adult learners in a large organizational environment.
SOFT SKILLS:
Strong written, verbal, visual, facilitation, consultation, project coordination, organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to communicate regularly and professionally with internal stakeholders and external administrative partners; manage multiple assignments; coordinate testing and revisions; track work through successful publication; resolve content or delivery issues; work independently; meet deadlines; incorporate feedback; and collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
IT CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Growth Mindset: Takes ownership of personal growth and embraces the concept that intelligence and talent can be developed through continuous learning. Willing to take on new challenges, and views failure as an opportunity to grow.
- Communication: Comfortable using a broad range of communication styles, and chooses appropriate, effective ways to communicate. Adapts communication style depending on the audience and situation. Listens and asks questions to develop a better understanding.
- Collaboration: Collaborates with others in the pursuit of common missions, visions, values and goals. Fosters a sense of community within and across teams, building on mutual respect, trust, and drawing on the strengths of others.
- Client Obsession: Client focused when creating solutions or solving problems, believing that everything we do is to earn and keep our clients’ trust.
- Ownership: Takes responsibility, accountability and proactively focuses on areas they can directly influence. Understands their role within the team and recognizes that they share the team’s successes and failures.
- Outcome Driven: Focuses on desired results, business outcomes, and how to achieve them. Takes appropriate actions to ensure commitments are met and results achieved.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The IT Instructional Designer I will be tasked with developing and maintaining online, blended, and face-to-face training solutions for IT systems, applications, and processes. They will collaborate with other IT instructional designers and internal IT staff to create interactive, engaging, and effective instructional materials rooted in sound adult learning principles and based on established project objectives and standards. This position will also support existing training programs making revisions as IT system and application features change. This job requires knowledge and skills in the use of multimedia production systems, web design, learning management systems, and/or interactive authoring. The IT Instructional Designer I must be able to apply their knowledge of and skills with multimedia tools, software, and graphics applications to help translate technical content to end users.
The position applies adult learning principles, instructional design practices, technical communication methods, and multimedia tools to translate complex technical content into instructor-led, virtual, blended, and self-paced learning materials for technical and non-technical audiences.
ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
USF is proud to be an innovating partner within the Tampa Bay region, listed by Forbes as the top emerging tech city in the country.
USF Information Technology (USF IT) provides technology services and support for the University of South Florida. The IT team, led by the Vice President and CIO, provides the following services: Administrative Services, Client Support, Communication Services, Teaching and Learning, Analytics and Reporting, Mobile and Web Services, Consulting Services, Cybersecurity Service and Research Technologies. For more information, please visit: Information Technology | University of South Florida (usf.edu).
ADDITIONAL INFO FOR APPLICANTS: The selected candidate must have current work authorization in the United States. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
USF offers GREAT BENEFITS to full-time employees!!
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Paid Vacation Days
- Paid Sick Days
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Various Retirement Options , including 401K employer match Tuition Assistance (available for yourself, spouse, partner or dependent)
For more information about your total compensation package and other USF benefits, please visit: Work at USF
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES:
- Develop Training Solutions: Create training materials/modules using multimedia tools.
- Create end-user documentation, training curriculum, and training materials based on adoption needs and project deliverables.
- Convert source material into effective online, end-user documentation, i.e. quick guides or job aids.
- Create effective training materials that draw on sound instructional design principles.
- Maintain Development Standards: Stay abreast of industry documentation and training standards. Work closely with the team lead to evolve and maintain standards for documentation and training.
- Maintain Training: Pilot courses and materials when appropriate to ensure necessary changes and revisions are made prior to and post-implementation. Executes plans for revisions that meet learners' needs and clients' outcomes.
- Present/Train: Facilitate trainings with varied audiences.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Adult Education, Educational Technology, Communications, Information Systems, Technical Communication, Business, or a related field, and one year of experience in instructional design, technical training, knowledge management, content development, technical writing, or a related professional role.
Relevant education, training, certifications, and directly related professional experience may be considered in accordance with University and Central HR guidelines.
- Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
- SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
- A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
- (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
- (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
- (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
- (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
- (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
- Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
- Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience supporting an IT organization, service desk, technical support operation, or higher-education environment; developing online learning and technical documentation; using learning management systems, multimedia production, video editing, graphic design, or interactive authoring tools; and applying IT Service Management, knowledge management, accessibility, or inclusive-design practices.
TECHNICAL SKILLS:
Knowledge of instructional design models, adult learning principles, training evaluation, technical writing, content governance, accessibility practices, and learning-management publishing workflows. Ability to create and maintain instructor-led, virtual, blended, and digital learning resources using Microsoft 365, learning management systems, multimedia applications, video tools, graphic applications, and interactive authoring technologies. Ability to translate technical information into clear, accurate, and usable resources; coordinate course-material testing, revision, publication, and production verification; and confirm that published coursework is accessible and functions as intended.
INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE:
Working knowledge of IT service delivery, customer support operations, incident and request processes, knowledge management, employee onboarding, change adoption, continuous improvement, and the needs of diverse adult learners in a large organizational environment.
SOFT SKILLS:
Strong written, verbal, visual, facilitation, consultation, project coordination, organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to communicate regularly and professionally with internal stakeholders and external administrative partners; manage multiple assignments; coordinate testing and revisions; track work through successful publication; resolve content or delivery issues; work independently; meet deadlines; incorporate feedback; and collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
IT CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Growth Mindset: Takes ownership of personal growth and embraces the concept that intelligence and talent can be developed through continuous learning. Willing to take on new challenges, and views failure as an opportunity to grow.
- Communication: Comfortable using a broad range of communication styles, and chooses appropriate, effective ways to communicate. Adapts communication style depending on the audience and situation. Listens and asks questions to develop a better understanding.
- Collaboration: Collaborates with others in the pursuit of common missions, visions, values and goals. Fosters a sense of community within and across teams, building on mutual respect, trust, and drawing on the strengths of others.
- Client Obsession: Client focused when creating solutions or solving problems, believing that everything we do is to earn and keep our clients’ trust.
- Ownership: Takes responsibility, accountability and proactively focuses on areas they can directly influence. Understands their role within the team and recognizes that they share the team’s successes and failures.
- Outcome Driven: Focuses on desired results, business outcomes, and how to achieve them. Takes appropriate actions to ensure commitments are met and results achieved.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
Lead Instructional Designer Jobs by Experience Level
See All 382+ Lead Instructional Designer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsLead Instructional Designer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Ryder System55
- Tesla6
- CDW4
- Booz Allen Hamilton4
- Leidos3
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software10
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
- Education3
- Staffing & Recruiting3
- Banking & Financial Services3
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lead instructional designer jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in instructional design, education, or a related field
- Proficiency in Articulate Storyline, Rise, or comparable eLearning authoring tools
- Five or more years of instructional design experience with at least one leadership responsibility
- Demonstrated ability to apply ADDIE, SAM, or agile instructional design methodologies
- Experience collaborating with subject matter experts to develop technical or compliance training
- Familiarity with learning management systems such as Cornerstone, Workday Learning, or similar platforms
Tips for Your Lead Instructional Designer Job Search
Tailor your portfolio to business outcomes
Lead instructional designer roles expect proof that your work moved a needle. Include before-and-after metrics like reduced onboarding time or improved assessment scores, not just screenshots of finished courses. Hiring managers want to see the problem you solved, not just the deliverable.
List your authoring tools explicitly
Articulate Storyline, Rise, Captivate, and Lectora appear as hard filters in many applicant tracking systems. Spell out every tool you have hands-on experience with, including version familiarity, so your resume clears automated screens before a human ever reads it.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists lead instructional designer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that name your industry vertical
Lead instructional designer work looks very different in financial services versus healthcare versus tech. Filter your search by industry and read the job description for domain-specific vocabulary. Applying with examples from a matching vertical puts you ahead of generalist candidates.
Prepare a needs-analysis walkthrough for interviews
Many lead instructional designer interviews include a case study or design challenge. Practice narrating your ADDIE or SAM process out loud, focusing on the discovery phase. Interviewers want to hear how you identify gaps, not just how you build solutions.
Negotiate scope alongside salary
Lead roles often come with ambiguous ownership over team, tools, or vendor relationships. Before accepting an offer, clarify whether you manage direct reports, what your budget authority covers, and how success is measured in the first year. These details affect your day-to-day more than title does.
Lead Instructional Designer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most lead instructional designers?
The most active employers for lead instructional designers right now are Ryder System, Tesla, and CDW, and the most openings are in Texas, California, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially strong in corporate learning, healthcare systems, and large technology companies with internal training functions.
How many lead instructional designer jobs are remote?
About 73% of lead instructional designer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting strong demand for distributed learning teams. Roles focused on eLearning development and digital curriculum design tend to be the most remote-friendly, while positions tied to in-person facilitation or on-site compliance training are more likely to require a physical presence.
How do you become a lead instructional designer?
Start by building a portfolio that demonstrates end-to-end design work, from needs analysis through evaluation. Earn proficiency in at least one major authoring tool and one learning management system. Take on project lead or mentoring responsibilities in your current role to show leadership readiness. A master's degree in instructional design or learning technology strengthens your candidacy for senior and lead-level positions.
Can you get hired as a lead instructional designer without direct leadership experience?
You can move into a lead instructional designer role without formal management experience if you can demonstrate informal leadership, such as leading a project team, mentoring junior designers, or owning a full program from discovery to deployment. Hiring managers often weight portfolio depth and cross-functional collaboration over a previous title, especially in organizations building their learning function from scratch.
What does the lead instructional designer interview process look like?
Most lead instructional designer interviews include an initial recruiter screen, a hiring manager conversation focused on your design philosophy and stakeholder experience, and a practical assessment such as a portfolio review or take-home design challenge. Final rounds typically involve a panel with learning team members or department heads and may include a presentation of your case study. Expect questions about how you manage competing priorities and work with subject matter experts.
Where can I find and apply to lead instructional designer jobs?
You can find and apply to lead instructional designer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your experience and preferred industry, and apply directly to each listing that fits your goals.
See All 382+ Lead Instructional Designer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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