Instructional Design Strategist - Integration Solutions

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Instructional Design Strategist - Integration Solutions

Company: Western Governors University

Location: Salt Lake City, UT, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Learning & Development Operations / Instructional Design

Date Posted: May 26, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the integration of innovative course features and cutting-edge learning design practices within a competency-based education framework.

• Serve as a primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) and mentor for instructional designers, guiding them on advanced instructional design techniques and content development.

• Lead the exploration and implementation of emerging educational technologies, with a strong focus on Generative AI applications, to enhance learning experiences.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration with assessment designers, visual designers, and other university stakeholders to ensure cohesive and high-quality learning solutions.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of best practices, ensuring consistency and scalability of instructional design methodologies across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests a strategic role, the responsibilities clearly indicate a senior-level individual contributor with significant mentoring and subject matter expertise, rather than pure strategic planning. The emphasis on "Integration Solutions" points towards operationalizing new technologies and methodologies into existing design processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the principal Subject Matter Expert (SME) for instructional designers, offering expert guidance on instructional design principles, curriculum development, and effective content creation strategies.

• Lead initiatives to integrate novel instructional design elements and innovative learning features into new and existing courses and programs, ensuring alignment with WGU's mission.

• Oversee the timely and effective implementation of new instructional design strategies, tools, and methodologies, actively monitoring their impact and efficacy.

• Serve as the main point of contact for instructional designers and cross-functional teams regarding best practices, "how-to" inquiries, and advanced techniques in course and program design.

• Mentor and train new and existing instructional designers, including contractors, to effectively scale instructional design capabilities and ensure consistent quality.

• Champion the research, exploration, and adoption of emerging technologies, particularly Generative AI, within instructional design and content development, documenting innovative strategies and best practices.

• Create, update, and maintain comprehensive best practice documentation, style guides, and process flows for instructional design roles to ensure standardization and quality.

• Partner with internal stakeholders, including academic quality teams, to refine instructional strategies, uphold rigorous academic quality standards, and calibrate quality benchmarks across various roles and departments.

• Play a pivotal role in the end-to-end course development lifecycle, ensuring all learning experiences align with WGU's unique competency-based education model and overarching academic objectives.

• Facilitate training sessions on the Content Management System (CMS) and ensure its effective utilization aligns with established content design and development practices.

• Lead and contribute to cross-functional projects focused on process improvement, recommending and implementing enhancements to boost instructional design and content development efficiency and effectiveness.

• Design and deliver training sessions, workshops, and educational resources to instructional designers and related roles, fostering a culture of continuous professional development.

• Perform other duties as assigned that contribute to the strategic advancement of instructional design and learning solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of expert individual contribution, leadership in innovation (especially AI), and team development through mentoring and training. The role requires a deep understanding of both instructional design theory and practical application within a large, established educational institution, with a focus on process optimization and quality assurance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, User Experience Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in instructional design and content development, with a strong emphasis on competency-based education (CBE) environments.

Required Skills:

• Expert knowledge of instructional design principles, learning theories, and curriculum development methodologies applicable to higher education.

• Advanced understanding and practical application of user experience (UX) principles within digital learning environments.

• Proven ability to lead and integrate innovative instructional design strategies, features, and emerging technologies, including Generative AI, into course design.

• Strong technical writing and documentation skills, with a demonstrated ability to create clear, concise, and actionable best practice guides and process documentation.

• Exceptional mentoring, coaching, and training capabilities, with experience in developing instructional designers and scaling team resources.

• Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional teams and collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders (e.g., subject matter experts, visual designers, assessment developers).

• Advanced project management skills, including the ability to manage complex projects, assess risks, and drive process improvements in a development lifecycle.

• A strong portfolio showcasing a proven track record of innovation in instructional design, course development, and process enhancements within an educational context.

• Robust problem-solving and analytical skills to evaluate instructional effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Excellent organizational and self-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex projects concurrently.

Preferred Skills:

• UI/UX Certification from a recognized institution.

• Quality Matters (QM) Certification, demonstrating expertise in quality assurance for online learning.

• AI Certification, including specialized knowledge in prompt engineering and practical AI applications in education.

• Terminal degree (e.g., Doctorate) in a relevant field.

• Advanced experience with sophisticated systems and procedures specifically for course and program development, including CMS management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of deep theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience. The emphasis on CBE, UX, and Generative AI suggests a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and practical application of new technologies in educational design. The "Experience in lieu of education" clause offers flexibility for highly experienced candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects that demonstrate expertise in instructional design strategy, curriculum development, and innovative feature integration.

• Include detailed case studies for at least two projects that highlight the implementation of new technologies or methodologies, with a specific focus on Generative AI applications or advanced UX design.

• Present evidence of process improvement initiatives led or significantly contributed to, detailing the problem, proposed solution, implementation, and measurable outcomes.

• Demonstrate experience in creating and documenting best practices, process flows, or training materials for instructional designers or content developers.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of documented instructional design processes, workflow diagrams, or style guides that you have developed or significantly contributed to.

• Showcase how you have facilitated or documented the integration of new tools or technologies into existing design and development workflows.

• Submissions should reflect an understanding of how to measure the effectiveness and impact of implemented processes and content.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial given the "Strategist" and "SME" nature of the role. Candidates must be prepared to articulate not just what they designed, but how they designed it, the processes they followed, and the impact of their work, particularly concerning innovation and efficiency. The emphasis on AI and UX requires specific project examples in these areas.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,300.00 - $120,400.00 annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Access to Telehealth and dedicated Mental Healthcare services.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

• Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance coverage.

• Disability Coverage (short-term and long-term).

• Supplemental coverages including Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity.

• Legal Coverage and Identity Theft Protection.

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k) or similar).

• Employee Wellbeing Program to support holistic health.

• Significant Discounted WGU Tuition for employees.

• Generous and Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for rest and relaxation, without accrual requirements.

• Flexible Paid Sick Time, also without accrual requirements.

• 11 Paid Holidays per year.

• Up to 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, full-time regular position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the information available. The comprehensive benefits package is a significant draw, particularly the flexible PTO/sick time and parental leave, which are attractive to employees seeking work-life balance. The mention of "Professional 309" suggests an internal grading system that candidates should inquire about during the process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Online, Competency-Based Education)

Company Size: Large (1,000-5,000 employees, based on typical Workday job postings for WGU)

Founded: 1997. WGU was founded by 19 U.S. governors to lower the cost of higher education and expand access through competency-based learning.

Team Structure:

• The Instructional Design team likely operates within a broader Academic or Learning & Development department.

• This role functions as a senior SME and mentor, suggesting a hierarchical structure where this individual guides and develops other Instructional Designers.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement are core to WGU's operational philosophy, reflecting their competency-based model.

• Emphasis on innovation, particularly in educational technology and AI, to enhance learning outcomes and student success.

• A strong focus on scalable processes and documentation to maintain quality and consistency across a large student body and diverse program offerings.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: WGU's mission-driven culture, focused on student success and expanding access to education, is a significant aspect of its identity. The organization's pioneering approach to competency-based education means innovation and adaptability are likely highly valued. The size and established nature of the university imply structured processes and a need for robust operational strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Lead SME. This role represents a significant step beyond a standard Instructional Designer, involving leadership in innovation, mentoring, and process standardization. It's a position where deep expertise is leveraged to influence and elevate the entire team's capabilities.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to an Instructional Design Manager or Director, with significant autonomy in driving innovation and best practices within their specialized area (integration solutions, AI).

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the quality, effectiveness, and scalability of WGU's curriculum. By integrating new technologies and methodologies, it enhances the student learning experience, improves course completion rates, and ensures WGU remains at the forefront of educational innovation. The focus on AI and UX suggests a strategic impact on future learning product development.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in Generative AI for education, advanced UX design for learning, or specific program areas.

• Leadership: Transition to a formal management role (e.g., Instructional Design Manager) or a specialized lead role focusing on emerging technologies.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Move into roles within curriculum strategy, educational technology integration, or academic program development.

• Professional Development: Opportunities to attend conferences, pursue certifications (AI, UX, QM), and potentially engage in research or publication related to innovative educational design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Strategist" title, coupled with SME and mentoring responsibilities, positions this role as a key influencer in the evolution of WGU's learning products. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening specialized expertise or moving into leadership positions, reflecting a structured career path within a large educational institution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site position located in Salt Lake City, UT. This suggests a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration is expected.

Office Location(s): Salt Lake City Office. This location is likely a hub for administrative and academic support functions.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a professional office setting with dedicated workspaces for employees.

• Access to standard office technology, IT support, and potentially specialized software for instructional design and content management.

• Opportunities for in-person collaboration with colleagues, fostering team cohesion and spontaneous knowledge sharing. This is particularly relevant for a role focused on mentoring and cross-functional projects.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. While the role is on-site, WGU's culture may offer some flexibility within core hours, but the primary expectation is presence at the Salt Lake City office. Occasional travel (up to 20%) is required for company summits, conferences, and site visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is significant. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office environment and understand that while WGU offers flexibility in benefits (PTO), the core work arrangement for this role is in-person collaboration. The travel component indicates a need for adaptability and willingness to engage in business-related trips.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will likely assess resume and initial application against core requirements, focusing on experience in instructional design, CBE, and AI.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Focus on specific experience, mentoring capabilities, and understanding of WGU's model. Expect behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, demonstrating their approach to instructional design, innovation (especially AI), process improvement, and collaboration. This is a critical stage.

• Panel Interview: May involve interviews with other instructional designers, managers, or cross-functional stakeholders. Focus on team fit, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss alignment with WGU's mission and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or impact. Clearly label each project with its objective, your role, the technologies used (especially AI/UX), and the outcomes.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story. Explain the challenge, your strategy, the process you followed, the tools you used, and the measurable results. Quantify impact whenever possible (e.g., improved completion rates, efficiency gains).

• AI/UX Focus: Dedicate specific examples to your work with Generative AI and User Experience. Detail your approach to prompt engineering, ethical considerations, and how these technologies enhanced learning outcomes or design processes.

• Process & Mentoring: Highlight instances where you developed or improved processes, documented best practices, or mentored other designers.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a set timeframe. Focus on the most impactful and relevant projects for this specific role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a scenario-based question or a mini-design challenge related to integrating a new technology (like AI) into an existing course or curriculum.

• Prepare to discuss how you would mentor a less experienced designer on a complex project or how you would approach standardizing a design process.

• Think about how you would measure the success of integrated solutions or new learning technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to not only design but to strategize, lead, mentor, and innovate, particularly with emerging technologies like AI. The portfolio presentation is likely the most crucial component for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): WGU likely uses a proprietary or heavily customized CMS. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) and content authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Rise) is essential.

• Instructional Design Software: Expertise in tools for course development, simulation, and e-learning creation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with learning analytics platforms to track student progress, engagement, and course effectiveness.

• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to interpret and present learning data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how student data flows from CRM systems into learning platforms can be beneficial.

• Experience with workflow automation tools or principles to streamline content development processes.

• Understanding of integration principles between different educational technology systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific CMS is not mentioned, but candidates should highlight experience with any robust learning management or content management systems. Proficiency in AI tools and prompt engineering is becoming increasingly critical and should be explicitly listed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student-Centricity: A core value at WGU, all efforts are focused on student success and expanding access to education.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Given WGU's pioneering status in CBE and focus on emerging tech, a willingness to explore and implement new ideas is paramount.

• Quality & Rigor: Maintaining high academic standards and ensuring the effectiveness of learning experiences.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across departments and with diverse teams to achieve common goals.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using evidence and analytics to inform strategies and measure impact.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Developing processes and solutions that can effectively serve a large and growing student population.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring active engagement with instructional designers, SMEs, assessment specialists, visual designers, and potentially IT.

• Emphasis on clear communication, feedback exchange, and a shared commitment to project goals.

• A culture that likely encourages proactive problem-solving and constructive debate to achieve optimal learning solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at WGU is deeply rooted in its mission. Candidates should demonstrate how their work ethic and values align with student success, innovation, and rigorous academic standards. The "Strategist" role implies a need to influence and guide others through collaboration rather than solely directive management.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integrating Generative AI: Navigating the complexities, ethical considerations, and effective application of Generative AI in an academic setting, ensuring pedagogical soundness.

• Scalability: Developing and implementing instructional design solutions that are scalable to serve a large and growing student body across numerous programs.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment across diverse departments with potentially differing priorities.

• Staying Ahead of EdTech Trends: Continuously researching and evaluating new technologies and methodologies to maintain WGU's innovative edge.

• Mentoring Diverse Skill Levels: Effectively guiding and developing instructional designers with varying levels of experience and expertise.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities for advanced certifications in AI, UX design, and Quality Matters.

• Conferences & Workshops: Attendance at leading educational technology and instructional design conferences.

• Internal Knowledge Sharing: Participation in workshops led by peers and internal experts on new technologies and methodologies.

• Leadership Development: Potential for formal leadership training and mentorship for career advancement within WGU.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned at the cutting edge of educational technology. Candidates should demonstrate a proactive approach to learning and a comfort with ambiguity and rapid change, particularly concerning AI integration. The challenges also present significant opportunities for professional growth and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the integration of a new technology or instructional design methodology into an existing curriculum. What was your process, and what were the outcomes?" (Focus on AI/UX if possible)

• "How would you mentor a junior instructional designer who is struggling to adopt new design principles or technologies?"

• "Imagine we want to use Generative AI to create personalized learning pathways. What are the key considerations, potential pitfalls, and how would you approach designing such a system?"

• "How do you ensure instructional design strategies remain aligned with academic quality standards and WGU's competency-based model?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about WGU's mission and competency-based education model, and how does your experience align with it?"

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within a team?"

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment and how you contribute to it."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your expertise in instructional design strategy, innovation (AI/UX), process improvement, and mentoring.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the methodologies and tools used, your specific contributions, and the quantifiable results.

• Be prepared to discuss your thought process behind your design decisions, especially concerning user experience and the integration of new technologies.

• Practice presenting your portfolio within the allotted time, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to speak extensively about your experience with Generative AI, prompt engineering, and user experience design in the context of education. Quantifiable results and clear articulation of your strategic thinking and leadership capabilities will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Instructional Design Strategist position:

• Submit Your Application Online: Complete the application form through the provided Workday link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Carefully select projects that best demonstrate your expertise in instructional design, particularly in areas like AI integration, UX design, CBE, and process improvement. Ensure your portfolio tells a clear story of impact and strategy.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly relevant to the job description, such as "Instructional Design," "Competency-Based Education," "Generative AI," "User Experience," "Mentoring," and "Process Improvement." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare for Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio with a focus on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and measurable outcomes. Anticipate questions about your approach to innovation and collaboration.

• Research WGU: Familiarize yourself with WGU's mission, values, competency-based education model, and recent initiatives, especially regarding technology and AI in education. Understand their unique approach to higher learning.

⚠️ 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.