OPT Instructional Design Specialist Jobs
Instructional Design Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in education technology, curriculum development, or learning sciences. Your 12-month OPT window (up to 36 months on STEM OPT) gives you time to build a portfolio and secure an employer willing to sponsor long-term.
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Get Access To All JobsTitle:
Instructional Designer
Job Type:
Regular
Company:
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Department:
Enterprise Revenue Cycle Administration
Time Type:
Full time
Weekly Hours:
40
FTE:
1
Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)
Summary
About the Role
At Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We're looking for a creative and collaborative Learning & Communications Specialist who is passionate about helping employees grow, learn, and succeed.
In this role, you'll design engaging learning experiences and communications that support workforce development, operational improvements, and organizational initiatives. You'll partner with leaders and subject matter experts across the organization to transform complex information into clear, effective training and communication tools that help employees do their best work.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys blending creativity, technology, storytelling, and education to make a meaningful impact on both employees and patient care.
As a Learning & Communications Specialist, you will:
- Design and develop engaging learning programs, training materials, and digital content
- Create multimedia resources, including presentations, videos, job aids, and other educational materials
- Partner with leaders and subject matter experts to identify learning needs and develop effective solutions
- Support organizational initiatives by creating communication plans and employee-facing content
- Translate complex information into clear, accessible, and engaging learning experiences
- Leverage learning technologies and digital tools to enhance employee engagement and knowledge retention
- Coordinate projects from planning through implementation, ensuring timelines and goals are met
- Measure effectiveness and identify opportunities to continuously improve learning programs and communications
- Help drive adoption of new processes, systems, and workplace initiatives through thoughtful education and communication strategies
What You'll Bring
We're looking for someone who is curious, creative, organized, and passionate about helping others learn.
Successful candidates will typically have:
- Experience creating educational, training, communications, or multimedia content
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain information clearly
- An eye for design, detail, and user experience
- Experience managing projects and balancing multiple priorities
- The ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
- Comfort using technology and learning new digital tools and platforms
- A commitment to continuous improvement and delivering high-quality work
Education & Experience
You will meet the qualifications if you have one of the following combinations of education and experience:
- Master's degree in Digital Media, Communications, Instructional Design, Education, Business, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field and at least 1 year of relevant professional experience
- Bachelor's degree in one of the above fields and at least 3 years of relevant professional experience
- Associate degree in one of the above fields and at least 5 years of relevant professional experience
Relevant experience may include instructional design, training and development, digital communications, content creation, media production, project coordination, education, or related work.
Why You'll Love Working Here
At Roswell Park, your work has purpose. Every employee plays a role in advancing groundbreaking cancer research, delivering compassionate patient care, and improving lives around the world.
When you join our team, you'll enjoy:
- Meaningful work that supports a mission-driven organization dedicated to ending cancer
- The opportunity to collaborate with experts across healthcare, research, education, and administration
- A culture that values innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth
- Access to advanced technology and tools that help employees succeed
- Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits
- A supportive and inclusive workplace where your contributions are valued
- Opportunities for career development and ongoing learning
- The chance to make a lasting impact on the employee experience and the patients we serve
If you're a strong communicator, creative problem solver, and learning professional who enjoys helping others succeed, we'd love to hear from you. Join Roswell Park and help create engaging learning experiences that empower our workforce and advance our mission.
The starting salary for this position is $35.36/hr. This includes a full comprehensive benefits package.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
- Master's degree in Digital Media, Communications, Instructional Design, Education, Business, Marketing, Journalism or a related field and the equivalent of one (1) year of full-time experience in media production, digital communications, content development, education or training support, project coordination or a related function; or
- Bachelor's degree in Digital Media, Communications, Instructional Design, Education, Business, Marketing, Journalism or a related field and the equivalent of three (3) years of full-time experience in media production, digital communications, content development, education or training support, project coordination or a related function; or
- Associate's degree in Digital Media, Communications, Instructional Design, Education, Business, Marketing, Journalism or a related field and the equivalent of five (5) years of full-time experience in media production, digital communications, content development, education or training support, project coordination or a related function.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corporation (RPCIC) is committed to equal employment opportunity. We do not discriminate against employees, applicants, or job seekers on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, performance, and business needs. We are committed to maintaining a fair, respectful workplace where employees are valued for their contributions and supported in advancing our mission.
Reasonable Accommodation Request
RPCIC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, employment process, or to perform your job, please contact HR-BenefitsandLeaves@roswellpark.org and provide information about your request and preferred contact method.
Our Core Values
RPCIC is committed to fostering an environment where patients, families, employees, volunteers, and members of our community are treated with dignity, courtesy, and respect. We believe our mission is strengthened when individuals contribute their experiences, perspectives, and ideas and work together toward a common purpose. Our actions are guided by our core values of Innovation, Integrity, Teamwork, Commitment, Compassion, and Respect.
Historical Compensation Information Statement
Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.
Title:
Instructional Designer
Job Type:
Regular
Company:
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Department:
Enterprise Revenue Cycle Administration
Time Type:
Full time
Weekly Hours:
40
FTE:
1
Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)
Summary
About the Role
At Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We're looking for a creative and collaborative Learning & Communications Specialist who is passionate about helping employees grow, learn, and succeed.
In this role, you'll design engaging learning experiences and communications that support workforce development, operational improvements, and organizational initiatives. You'll partner with leaders and subject matter experts across the organization to transform complex information into clear, effective training and communication tools that help employees do their best work.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys blending creativity, technology, storytelling, and education to make a meaningful impact on both employees and patient care.
As a Learning & Communications Specialist, you will:
- Design and develop engaging learning programs, training materials, and digital content
- Create multimedia resources, including presentations, videos, job aids, and other educational materials
- Partner with leaders and subject matter experts to identify learning needs and develop effective solutions
- Support organizational initiatives by creating communication plans and employee-facing content
- Translate complex information into clear, accessible, and engaging learning experiences
- Leverage learning technologies and digital tools to enhance employee engagement and knowledge retention
- Coordinate projects from planning through implementation, ensuring timelines and goals are met
- Measure effectiveness and identify opportunities to continuously improve learning programs and communications
- Help drive adoption of new processes, systems, and workplace initiatives through thoughtful education and communication strategies
What You'll Bring
We're looking for someone who is curious, creative, organized, and passionate about helping others learn.
Successful candidates will typically have:
- Experience creating educational, training, communications, or multimedia content
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain information clearly
- An eye for design, detail, and user experience
- Experience managing projects and balancing multiple priorities
- The ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
- Comfort using technology and learning new digital tools and platforms
- A commitment to continuous improvement and delivering high-quality work
Education & Experience
You will meet the qualifications if you have one of the following combinations of education and experience:
- Master's degree in Digital Media, Communications, Instructional Design, Education, Business, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field and at least 1 year of relevant professional experience
- Bachelor's degree in one of the above fields and at least 3 years of relevant professional experience
- Associate degree in one of the above fields and at least 5 years of relevant professional experience
Relevant experience may include instructional design, training and development, digital communications, content creation, media production, project coordination, education, or related work.
Why You'll Love Working Here
At Roswell Park, your work has purpose. Every employee plays a role in advancing groundbreaking cancer research, delivering compassionate patient care, and improving lives around the world.
When you join our team, you'll enjoy:
- Meaningful work that supports a mission-driven organization dedicated to ending cancer
- The opportunity to collaborate with experts across healthcare, research, education, and administration
- A culture that values innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth
- Access to advanced technology and tools that help employees succeed
- Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits
- A supportive and inclusive workplace where your contributions are valued
- Opportunities for career development and ongoing learning
- The chance to make a lasting impact on the employee experience and the patients we serve
If you're a strong communicator, creative problem solver, and learning professional who enjoys helping others succeed, we'd love to hear from you. Join Roswell Park and help create engaging learning experiences that empower our workforce and advance our mission.
The starting salary for this position is $35.36/hr. This includes a full comprehensive benefits package.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
- Master's degree in Digital Media, Communications, Instructional Design, Education, Business, Marketing, Journalism or a related field and the equivalent of one (1) year of full-time experience in media production, digital communications, content development, education or training support, project coordination or a related function; or
- Bachelor's degree in Digital Media, Communications, Instructional Design, Education, Business, Marketing, Journalism or a related field and the equivalent of three (3) years of full-time experience in media production, digital communications, content development, education or training support, project coordination or a related function; or
- Associate's degree in Digital Media, Communications, Instructional Design, Education, Business, Marketing, Journalism or a related field and the equivalent of five (5) years of full-time experience in media production, digital communications, content development, education or training support, project coordination or a related function.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corporation (RPCIC) is committed to equal employment opportunity. We do not discriminate against employees, applicants, or job seekers on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, performance, and business needs. We are committed to maintaining a fair, respectful workplace where employees are valued for their contributions and supported in advancing our mission.
Reasonable Accommodation Request
RPCIC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, employment process, or to perform your job, please contact HR-BenefitsandLeaves@roswellpark.org and provide information about your request and preferred contact method.
Our Core Values
RPCIC is committed to fostering an environment where patients, families, employees, volunteers, and members of our community are treated with dignity, courtesy, and respect. We believe our mission is strengthened when individuals contribute their experiences, perspectives, and ideas and work together toward a common purpose. Our actions are guided by our core values of Innovation, Integrity, Teamwork, Commitment, Compassion, and Respect.
Historical Compensation Information Statement
Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.
See all 153+ OPT Instructional Design Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Instructional Design Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Instructional Design Specialist
Target employers with established L&D teams
Large corporations, universities, and healthcare systems typically have dedicated learning and development departments. These organizations hire instructional designers regularly and are more likely to have existing visa sponsorship infrastructure than small startups or solo consulting shops.
Lead with your e-learning tool expertise
Employers screening OPT candidates want proof you can contribute immediately. Highlighting hands-on experience with Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or Canvas LMS signals job-ready skills and reduces the hesitation some hiring managers feel about sponsorship timelines and onboarding investment.
Frame your degree field carefully on applications
STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree classification. If your degree is in instructional technology, learning sciences, or educational technology, confirm it carries a STEM designation with your DSO before applying, as this significantly extends your authorized work period.
Apply to higher education institutions proactively
Colleges and universities are among the most OPT-friendly employers for instructional designers. They frequently hire for course development and faculty support roles, understand student visa timelines well, and often have in-house international HR processes that simplify the sponsorship conversation.
Build a public portfolio before reaching out
Sponsorship decisions often come down to demonstrable impact. A portfolio showing sample modules, storyboards, or completed courses gives hiring managers concrete evidence of your capabilities, making it easier to justify the investment in sponsoring your work authorization beyond OPT.
Browse OPT-friendly roles on Migrate Mate
Not all instructional design postings are open to OPT candidates. Migrate Mate filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, so you can focus your time on employers already prepared to work with F-1 students rather than discovering the limitation late in the interview process.
Instructional Design Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Instructional Design Specialist role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in instructional technology, educational technology, learning sciences, or a related STEM-designated field, you likely qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Degrees in general education or communications may not qualify. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles expecting a longer authorization window.
How hard is it to find instructional design employers willing to sponsor OPT?
It varies by sector. Large technology companies, healthcare systems, and universities sponsor instructional designers with reasonable frequency because they have recurring hiring needs and established HR processes. Smaller e-learning agencies and consulting firms are less predictable. Migrate Mate surfaces roles specifically filtered for OPT and sponsorship willingness, which cuts out a significant amount of guesswork during your job search.
Can I work as a freelance instructional designer on OPT?
Yes, self-employment is permitted on OPT as long as you are actively working in a role directly related to your degree field. You must be able to document the work and show it meets the employment reporting requirements your DSO tracks. Sporadic project work without a clear business structure can create compliance risk, so speak with your international student office before pursuing this path.
What visa options exist after OPT expires for instructional designers?
The H-1B visa is the most common path. Instructional Design Specialist roles can qualify as specialty occupations when the position requires a bachelor's degree in instructional design, educational technology, or a closely related field. Some candidates also explore the O-1A for individuals with demonstrated expertise. Employer sponsorship is required for both, so identifying a willing employer before your OPT ends is critical.
What should I include on my resume to stand out as an OPT candidate for this role?
Prioritize concrete deliverables over job duties. List specific tools you have used, including authoring platforms and LMS systems, alongside measurable outcomes like completion rates or learner feedback scores if available. Include your OPT authorization period and degree field clearly so employers can assess fit quickly. A link to a portfolio is strongly recommended, as it removes uncertainty about your skill level that a resume alone cannot resolve.