Instructional Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Instructional Design Consultant

Company: University of North Texas System

Location: Denton, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Learning & Development Operations / Educational Technology

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearheads the end-to-end learning design lifecycle for innovative professional, workforce, and executive programs, driving learner success and organizational objectives.

• Acts as a strategic learning partner, collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) and stakeholders to conceptualize, develop, and implement engaging and accessible learning experiences.

• Leverages advanced knowledge of learning experience design (LXD) principles and practices to create outcome-driven educational solutions across various delivery modalities.

• Manages multiple learning projects concurrently, ensuring adherence to timelines, quality standards, and stakeholder expectations within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Strategic Educational Alliances division, indicating a focus on external partnerships, industry alignment, and innovative program development beyond traditional academic offerings. The emphasis on "workforce-ready solutions" and "career ready on day one" suggests a strong connection to applied learning and employer needs, aligning it with GTM (Go-to-Market) operational principles within the education sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the entire learning experience design process from initial concept and needs assessment through to final implementation and evaluation.

• Collaborate closely with subject matter experts (SMEs), business partners, and diverse stakeholders to define learning goals, identify project requirements, and recommend optimal learning strategies.

• Design and develop impactful learning experiences, including assessments, credentialing programs, and supporting resources that directly contribute to learner success, workforce development, and overarching organizational objectives.

• Conduct thorough evaluations of learner characteristics, business requirements, accessibility needs, technical environments, project constraints, and available resources to determine the most effective learning approaches and technologies.

• Apply established learning design best practices, universal design for learning (UDL) principles, accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG), quality assurance frameworks, copyright and fair use guidelines, and emerging technologies to enhance learning effectiveness and overall user experience.

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including technical support, content developers, and marketing, to ensure seamless communication, maintain high project quality standards, support successful implementation, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the division.

• Facilitate project planning activities, meticulously monitor project timelines, coordinate the delivery of all project components, and provide regular, clear progress updates to stakeholders and relevant teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic consulting, hands-on design, and project management, typical of mid-level operations roles that bridge technical execution with business objectives. The requirement to "evaluate learner characteristics, business requirements, accessibility considerations, technical environments, project constraints, and available resources" points to a need for analytical and problem-solving skills akin to operations analysis.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Curriculum Development, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in instructional design, learning experience design, or a similar role, with a demonstrated track record of leading learning projects from conception to completion.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in learning experience design (LXD) principles and adult learning theories.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex organizational goals and diverse learner needs into effective, outcome-driven learning solutions.

• Strong consultative skills for engaging with subject matter experts (SMEs), business partners, and stakeholders to identify learning needs and propose strategic learning solutions.

• Proven experience designing and developing engaging learning experiences across multiple delivery modalities, including online (synchronous and asynchronous), hybrid, and face-to-face formats.

• Excellent project leadership and project management capabilities, with a proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities, strict timelines, critical deliverables, and complex stakeholder expectations.

• Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced environments, with a capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously while consistently delivering high-quality outcomes.

• Knowledge of current learning and development environments that specifically support career growth, workforce readiness, and continuing education initiatives.

• Solid understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA) and best practices for designing inclusive learning experiences.

• Familiarity with copyright, fair use, and intellectual property considerations relevant to educational and training content development.

• Proficiency in leveraging a variety of learning technologies, multimedia development tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline/Rise, Adobe Creative Suite), and educational technology platforms.

• Ability to analyze learning data and performance metrics to make evidence-based recommendations for continuous improvement of learning outcomes.

• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.

• Strong critical thinking, analytical problem-solving, and decisive decision-making skills. Preferred Skills:

• Master's degree in a related field with specific experience in designing executive, professional, workforce, or continuing education programs.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder learning projects from initiation to completion.

• Experience with learning analytics platforms and the application of data to drive learning strategy.

• Proficiency with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and emerging technologies for enhancing learning design and learner engagement.

• Experience with quality assurance processes and continuous improvement methodologies in a learning development context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "translating organizational goals and learner needs into effective, outcome-driven learning solutions" and "ability to analyze data and make evidence-based recommendations" aligns this role with operations functions that require strategic thinking and analytical rigor. The requirement for AI tool proficiency is a forward-looking skill increasingly valued in GTM and L&D operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 diverse learning design projects, demonstrating expertise across different modalities (online, hybrid, blended) and target audiences (professional, executive, workforce).

• Each project should clearly articulate the initial learning need or business problem, the design process employed, the specific learning solutions developed, and measurable outcomes or impact.

• Demonstrate proficiency in applying learning design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM) and incorporating accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) into all developed materials.

• Include examples of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) considerations in digital learning environments, highlighting how user-centric design principles were applied.

• Showcase experience with various learning technologies, multimedia development tools, and the ability to integrate them effectively into comprehensive learning solutions. Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or case studies illustrating your approach to project planning, stakeholder consultation, and managing the full learning design lifecycle.

• Detail your methodology for conducting needs assessments, defining learning objectives, and developing assessments that align with program goals and measure learner performance.

• Showcase examples of how you have implemented quality assurance checks, gathered feedback, and utilized data analytics to refine and improve learning programs over time.

• Illustrate your process for collaborating with SMEs, technical teams, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project execution and delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Instructional Design Consultant role, a portfolio is critical. The emphasis on "measuring outcomes or impact," "accessibility standards," and "user-centric design" highlights the operational aspects of learning design, focusing on efficiency, effectiveness, and inclusivity – key metrics in GTM and operational excellence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $57,000 - $67,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Retirement Eligibility: Participation in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), a significant benefit for long-term financial planning and security.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay to promote work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, and conferences to enhance skills in instructional design, learning technologies, and related fields.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and work-related challenges.

• Tuition Assistance: Potential for tuition benefits for employees and their dependents, supporting continuous learning.

Working Hours: Standard full-time employment, typically 40 hours per week. The role operates under a hybrid work model, requiring a combination of on-campus and remote work. Specific on-campus days will be determined by departmental needs and project requirements, ensuring flexibility while maintaining collaborative presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $57,000-$67,000 is within the typical mid-level range for Instructional Design Consultants in Texas, considering the Master's degree and 3+ years of experience requirement. The TRS eligibility is a substantial benefit specific to Texas public education employment. The hybrid model offers operational flexibility, a key consideration for many professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Public University System)

Company Size: The University of North Texas System employs over 14,000 individuals, indicating a large, complex organizational structure with diverse departments and opportunities. This scale suggests robust operational processes and a significant impact on the North Texas region.

Founded: The University of North Texas System's components have long histories, with the system itself evolving to encompass multiple institutions. This institutional depth implies a stable, established environment with a commitment to long-term educational and economic impact.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Division of Strategic Educational Alliances, specifically supporting the UNT-Strategic Educational Alliance (SEA) department. This division focuses on innovative, cross-boundary initiatives, including Executive and Professional Learning, UNT Online, and UNT Frisco.

• The Instructional Design Consultant will likely report to a manager or director within the SEA division, potentially overseeing a team of instructional designers or working as an individual contributor on high-priority projects.

• Collaboration is expected across various university units, external employers, and academic disciplines, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate a large organizational matrix. Methodology:

• The division emphasizes leveraging data to uncover opportunities and develop new models, suggesting a data-driven approach to program development and strategy.

• Learning design methodologies will likely incorporate principles of learner-centricity, accessibility, and outcome-based design, aiming for practical application and workforce readiness.

• Emphasis on "innovation," "collaboration," and "extending reach, relevance, and impact" points to a dynamic, forward-thinking operational approach within the division.

Company Website: https://www.untsystem.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The "people-first values-based culture" (We Care, Better Together, Courageous Integrity, Be Curious, Show Your Fire) emphasizes collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement, which are critical for successful operations teams. The division's focus on strategic alliances and workforce solutions suggests an operational orientation towards market needs and partnerships.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level position, acting as a consultant and project lead. It requires demonstrated expertise in instructional design and project management, with the ability to operate with a degree of autonomy and strategic influence within the division. The role is pivotal in translating strategic goals into tangible learning products.

Reporting Structure: The Instructional Design Consultant will report to a manager or director within the Strategic Educational Alliances division. They will collaborate extensively with subject matter experts, program managers, and potentially external partners. This structure allows for direct contribution to strategic initiatives while maintaining clear lines of accountability.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the UNT System's ability to deliver relevant, high-quality professional and workforce development programs. By creating engaging and effective learning experiences, the consultant contributes to:

• Revenue Generation: Through the successful development and delivery of executive and professional learning programs.

• Market Relevance: Ensuring the university's offerings meet evolving workforce demands and industry needs.

• Learner Success: Equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary for career advancement and economic opportunity.

• Brand Reputation: Enhancing the UNT System's standing as an innovative provider of accessible, impactful education.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as learning analytics, AI in education, accessibility design, or specific industry program development.

• Leadership: Advance into roles with greater project scope, team leadership, or strategic planning responsibilities within the division or system.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain experience in program management, curriculum strategy, or educational technology integration by collaborating on diverse initiatives.

• Continuous Learning: Access to professional development, conferences, and training to stay abreast of the latest trends in instructional design and educational technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant operational impact by directly contributing to the development and delivery of revenue-generating programs. Growth opportunities are tied to expanding operational responsibilities, strategic influence, and specialization within the dynamic field of educational technology and workforce development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is designated as a hybrid work model, meaning it combines remote work with required on-campus presence. This offers flexibility while ensuring opportunities for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Denton, Texas, at the University of North Texas campus. Specific on-campus attendance will be required for stakeholder meetings, project collaboration, team activities, and training events, as dictated by business needs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Strategic Educational Alliances division fosters a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging interaction with SMEs, program managers, and other university stakeholders to drive innovation.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to university IT resources, learning management systems (LMS), multimedia development tools, and other relevant educational technologies necessary for their role.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, project check-ins, and cross-functional collaboration sessions will be integral to the work, providing ample opportunities for knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. While the hybrid model offers flexibility, the nature of project-based work may occasionally require adjusted hours to meet critical deadlines or facilitate stakeholder availability across different time zones or schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the work environment, offering operational flexibility. The requirement for on-campus presence emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and stakeholder engagement, typical in roles that bridge strategic initiatives with practical execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review focusing on qualifications, experience, and alignment with minimum requirements. Candidates are encouraged to highlight relevant project examples and achievements.

• Portfolio Submission & Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing their instructional design work. This is a critical step where the quality of design, project management, and results-driven approach will be assessed.

• Skills-Based Interview: A structured interview focusing on behavioral and situational questions related to instructional design principles, project management, stakeholder collaboration, problem-solving, and experience with learning technologies.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio piece in detail or complete a short design challenge to demonstrate their design process, critical thinking, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager and potentially key stakeholders to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and the division's objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that best showcase your skills in LXD, project leadership, and measurable impact. Tailor your selection to highlight experience with professional/workforce development if possible.

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role, the design process, key features/solutions, technologies used, and quantifiable results or learned lessons. Use visuals where appropriate.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your systematic approach to design, including needs analysis, SME consultation, iterative development, and quality assurance.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Showcase instances where you effectively partnered with SMEs, stakeholders, and technical teams to achieve project success.

• Showcase Innovation: Include examples where you leveraged new technologies, AI, or innovative pedagogical approaches to enhance learning.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to common instructional design challenges, such as working with reluctant SMEs, managing scope creep, ensuring accessibility, or adapting to tight deadlines.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on the "why" behind your choices.

• Familiarize yourself with the UNT System's values and the Strategic Educational Alliances division's mission to demonstrate cultural alignment and understanding of their strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge underscores the practical, results-oriented nature of this operations role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just theoretical knowledge but also the ability to execute and deliver effective learning solutions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Proficiency with enterprise-level LMS platforms (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle) for course deployment, management, and reporting.

• Authoring Tools: Advanced skills in industry-standard e-learning authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Articulate Rise, Adobe Captivate, or similar platforms for creating interactive content.

• Multimedia Development: Experience with tools for creating and editing audio and video content (e.g., Camtasia, Adobe Premiere Pro, Audacity) to enhance learning materials.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, or Google Workspace for communication, collaboration, and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Learning Analytics Tools: Ability to interpret data from LMS and other learning platforms to assess learner progress, engagement, and course effectiveness.

• Data Analysis Software: Basic proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) for tracking project metrics and performance indicators.

• Survey Tools: Experience with tools like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or Google Forms for collecting learner feedback and performance data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how learning programs integrate with student information systems (SIS) or customer relationship management (CRM) for professional programs is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts within learning platforms or project management tools to streamline design and development processes.

• Experience with accessibility checkers and compliance tools to ensure all developed content meets required standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in specific authoring tools and LMS platforms is crucial. The mention of AI tools indicates a need for candidates to be aware of and potentially utilize emerging technologies in their design process, reflecting an operational focus on efficiency and innovation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• We Care: Demonstrating empathy and a commitment to supporting learners and colleagues in their educational and professional journeys.

• Better Together: Fostering a collaborative spirit, actively seeking input from SMEs and stakeholders, and working cross-functionally to achieve shared goals.

• Courageous Integrity: Upholding high standards in design quality, ethical content development, and honest communication with all parties involved.

• Be Curious: Actively seeking new knowledge, exploring innovative learning design approaches, and staying updated on emerging educational technologies and trends.

• Show Your Fire: Exhibiting passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to creating impactful learning experiences that drive success for learners and the UNT System.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Engaging proactively with SMEs, program managers, and other university departments to understand needs and co-create solutions.

• Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive criticism and iterative feedback throughout the design process to ensure optimal learning outcomes.

• Knowledge-Sharing: Contributing to a culture of continuous learning by sharing best practices, insights, and experiences with colleagues within the division and the broader university community.

• Solution-Focused: Concentrating efforts on developing practical, effective, and innovative learning solutions that address specific business and learner challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The UNT System's core values are deeply integrated into its operational culture, emphasizing a people-centric, collaborative, and forward-thinking approach. This is essential for roles that require extensive stakeholder interaction and a commitment to continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing diverse expectations and requirements from SMEs, business partners, and learners to create cohesive learning experiences.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying current with the fast-paced advancements in educational technology and AI, and integrating them effectively into learning design strategies.

• Scalability of Quality: Ensuring consistent high quality and accessibility across a growing portfolio of programs, often with accelerated timelines.

• Measuring Impact: Developing robust methods for assessing the effectiveness and ROI of learning programs beyond simple completion rates, linking them to workforce readiness and organizational goals.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced LXD Certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications in instructional design, learning analytics, or user experience design.

• Industry Conferences: Attending relevant conferences (e.g., ATD, Upskill, eLearning Guild) to network and learn about emerging trends and best practices.

• Internal Training & Workshops: Participating in UNT System-provided professional development opportunities focused on leadership, project management, and new technologies.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior leaders and experienced professionals within the division and across the UNT System.

• Cross-Departmental Projects: Engaging in projects that involve other divisions or universities within the system to broaden experience and understanding of different operational contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of operations roles in educational technology, requiring adaptability and continuous skill development. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise and expanding strategic influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex learning project you led from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, your strategic approach, and the measurable outcomes?" (Focus on project management, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you approach consulting with subject matter experts who may have limited experience with instructional design or educational technology?" (Assess consultative and communication skills.)

• "Imagine you need to design a new professional development program for a rapidly changing industry. What steps would you take to ensure the program remains relevant and effective?" (Evaluate strategic planning, needs analysis, and agility.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, how do you see your instructional design philosophy aligning with the UNT System's values, particularly 'Be Curious' and 'Show Your Fire'?" (Demonstrate cultural fit and understanding.)

• "How would you contribute to the collaborative environment within the Strategic Educational Alliances division?" (Assess teamwork and interpersonal skills.)

• "How do you ensure that learning experiences are both engaging for learners and aligned with the strategic objectives of the organization?" (Link design to business impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame your portfolio presentation as a narrative for each project, highlighting the journey from problem to solution and impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., improved performance, increased engagement, positive feedback scores, ROI).

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design methodology, including how you collaborate with stakeholders, conduct research, and ensure quality.

• Highlight Technology Integration: Demonstrate your proficiency with relevant authoring tools, LMS, and other technologies used in your projects.

• Address Accessibility: Be prepared to discuss how you incorporate accessibility standards into your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, project management acumen, and the ability to operate effectively within a large educational system's operational framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Instructional Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the UNT System's careers portal via the provided link.

• Curate and Refine Your Portfolio: Select your most impactful instructional design projects, ensuring they highlight your ability to manage projects, collaborate with stakeholders, and deliver measurable learning outcomes. Prepare a concise presentation or overview of 2-3 key projects.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "learning experience design," "project management," "stakeholder management," "accessibility standards," and specific authoring tools. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research the UNT System and the Strategic Educational Alliances division. Practice answering behavioral questions related to your experience, and be ready to articulate your design philosophy and how it aligns with the system's values.

• Develop Case Study Talking Points: If a case study or presentation is required, outline your talking points to clearly communicate your process, rationale, and the results of your work, focusing on operational efficiency and learner impact.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.