This position supports San José State University's goal of increasing online access to higher education for working adult learners, especially those from historically underserved communities, by helping them advance their education and earn a degree. The Instructional Designer promotes the effective use of current and emerging technologies to create innovative and engaging e-learning environments for SJSU Online, a fully remote academic program that helps students with some college credits earn a bachelor's degree.
Responsibilities
Consult with faculty and staff to adapt existing courses and programs for online delivery and other forms of e-learning
Design and develop online instructional materials that support academic courses/programs grounded in sound educational theory and best practices in instructional design
Create instructional course content in collaboration and partnership with faculty, departments, SJSU Online Staff and other stakeholders
Work with faculty to develop teaching and learning environments that emphasize active learning and incorporate appropriate instructional technologies
Create and facilitate the creation of accessible instructional content
Design, develop, and maintain course templates within the learning management system for different SJSU Online programs
Leverage the learning management system and/or other instructional technologies to serve the educational and administrative community with resources in support of instruction
Support e-learning by designing, developing, and implementing tools and resources for students
Conduct online workshops and support online course events for faculty related to using different department-supported technologies
Requirements
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field
Two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
General awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and a willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices
Thorough knowledge in using learning management systems and other instructional technologies, as well as knowledge of software administration
Ability to understand, analyze and diagnose faculty, staff, and student needs and translate these needs into instructional solutions
Knowledge of best practices in quality assurance in online course design
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Proficiency and hands-on experience in web and mobile technologies
Ability to enhance web-based courses with knowledge of best practices and e-learning principles
Thorough knowledge and demonstrable skills in applying a variety of software applications and web-based authoring and publishing systems: e.g., Camtasia, Photoshop, HTML editors, Zoom, Microsoft Office
In-depth knowledge of systems analysis and development, applications programming, and database analysis
Ability to design and develop user-friendly interfaces that comply with accessibility as defined in Section 508
Strong written and oral communication skills
Nice to have:
Master’s Degree in a related field
Experience in educational technology, instructional design, distributed learning, or an equivalent discipline
Advanced technical knowledge of Learning Management Systems and specialized higher education software
Strong working command of accessibility standards and HTML to support online course design
Experience collaborating on multi-functional team-based projects
Experience in partnering with Faculty/Subject Matter Experts in course development and design from start to finish
Experience in preparing professional development programming and/or teaching workshops in higher education
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary
Important Details
Schedule: $6,492 per month (Step 1)
Application deadline: July 21, 2026
Application Process
Complete the SJSU Online Employment Application
Attach Resume
Attach Letter of Interest
Additional Information
Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.
The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure.
Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.
SJSU is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g. H1-B VISAS).
All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.
About the Company
San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.
San José State University is a major, comprehensive public university located in Silicon Valley.
