Instructional Designer

Position Summary

Franklin Pierce University is seeking a skilled and collaborative Instructional Designer to support the development of online training materials and credit-bearing coursework in regenerative medicine. This role is critical to FPUs participation in the Re-Gen Valley Tech Hub, ensuring that educational content is evidence-based, engaging, accessible, and aligned with current and emerging clinical practice.

The ideal candidate will possess a blend of pedagogical theory with the technical expertise required to architect high-impact online learning experiences for a diverse range of students and professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum Design & Development

• Collaborate with SMEs: Build strong partnerships with faculty and subject matter experts (SMEs) to design and evaluate credit-bearing, continuing education, and interprofessional education (IPE) programs.
• Instructional Mapping: Lead the storyboarding process to define instructional flow, media integration, and assessment strategies for online and hybrid formats.
• Backward Design: Apply backward design methodology to ensure all content is strictly aligned with established learning objectives and clinical outcomes.
• Project Management: Navigate the full curriculum lifecycle, managing timelines, revision cycles, and institutional governance requirements.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure high-quality, equitable, and rigorous educational experiences.
• LMS Development: Build and test interactive courses, modules, and assessments within the Canvas Learning Management System.
• Innovative Pathways: Contribute to the design of stackable credentials and competency-based pathways to meet evolving industry needs.

Accessibility & Universal Design

• UDL Integration: Ensure all instructional materials adhere to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to support diverse learner needs.
• Compliance Standards: Apply WCAG-compliant design practices across all digital course components.
• Multimedia Accessibility: Partner with Multimedia Specialist to ensure inclusive formatting, including captioning and visual contrast optimizations.

Technology Integration & Continuous Improvement

• EdTech Integration: Guide faculty in evaluating and integrating emerging educational technologies to enhance student engagement.
• Multimedia Collaboration: Work with creative teams to integrate video, animation, and interactive learning objects that simplify complex clinical concepts.
• Feedback: Contribute to processes for collecting feedback and tracking the impact of design and delivery on learner outcomes.
• Continuous Improvement: Continuously review, refine, and improve course content and delivery based on data and faculty input.

Professional Development & Collaboration

• Collaborate and support professional development and training sessions for faculty and staff on instructional design principles, educational technologies, and best practices in online learning
• Contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous learning across the Re-Gen Valley Clinical Readiness team
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the broader initiative

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Master's degree in Education, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a closely related field (will consider experience in lieu of education)
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in course design, development, and support across multiple teaching modalities
• Relevant experience with Canvas LMS.
• Experience with on-screen lecture capture software, such as Canvas Studio or Kaltura.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with faculty, industry experts, and learner support staff in the development of instructional content
• Experience with active learning strategies, project-based learning, and adult learning theory
• Experience creating and facilitating professional development and training sessions
• Experience applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
• Experience ensuring accessibility in course design and course materials.
• One to two (1-2) years of teaching or training experience in a formal educational setting
• Ability to work as a collaborative team member as well as independently.
• Ability to learn and adapt to recent technology at a rapid pace.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and to address the needs of the academic/staff community with professionalism, diplomacy, and sensitivity.
• Ability to handle highly confidential material, understanding that all University information should only be disclosed to others who have a need to know, for legitimate business reasons.
• Ability to engage with people at all skill levels.
• Disposition as a creative, analytical person with the ability to suggest multiple solutions.
• Ability to exercise and apply sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Aptitude for working effectively with students, instructors, staff, and colleagues; enthusiasm for delivering high-quality and timely service to an academic community.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and positive working relationships with internal and external constituents.
• Ability to accept verbal and written technical instructions, supervision, assignments, change, and correction.
• Ability to explain technical concepts and procedures to non-technical users.
• Ability to work effectively, decisively and flexibly in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage simultaneous priorities under pressure.
• Assume responsibility for completing tasks in a timely manner.
• Make a positive contribution and commitment to the team's processes and goals.
• Maintain professionalism in all situations and settings.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures established by Franklin Pierce University.
• Must be adaptable to working across multiple time zones and willing to adjust schedule as necessary.

Preferred

• Experience with a variety of Learning Management Systems (e.g., Canvas, D2L/Brightspace, Blackboard)
• Experience with competency-based education frameworks or stackable credential design
• Familiarity with regenerative medicine, health sciences, or emerging clinical practice content areas
• Experience working in higher education or with interprofessional health sciences education programs
• Awareness of Quality Matters or other course review rubrics

About Franklin Pierce University

Franklin Pierce University is a private, student-centered university with its main campus in Rindge, New Hampshire, and academic centers in Manchester and Lebanon, NH, as well as programs in Austin, TX and Goodyear, AZ. Since its founding in 1962, FPU has been a catalyst for academic success and personal growth, offering a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs grounded in a strong liberal education. FPUs participation in the Re-Gen Valley Tech Hub reflects the Universitys commitment to innovation, regional impact, and ensuring that New Hampshires current and future healthcare professionals are prepared to lead in an era of rapid clinical and scientific transformation.

Franklin Pierce University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive academic community.