Learning Design Consultant (Temporary)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Learning Design Consultant (Temporary)

Company: Bow Valley College

Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Job Type: Temporary

Category: Educational Operations / Instructional Design

Date Posted: June 22, 2026

Experience Level: 4-6 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategic development and end-to-end design of innovative learning programs and courses that directly align with Bow Valley College's institutional priorities and workforce demands.

• Act as a key curriculum and innovation strategist, guiding the entire lifecycle from labor market research and job task analysis to full implementation within the Learning Management System (LMS).

• Champion contemporary teaching and learning practices, including Competency-Based Education (CBE), performance-based assessment, adult learning principles, and the ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

• Serve as a transformative force within the institution by coaching and mentoring faculty, program teams, and subject matter experts in advanced instructional design methodologies and curriculum development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as a "Learning Design Consultant," which falls under the broader umbrella of educational operations and instructional design. The focus on curriculum strategy, LMS implementation, and coaching subject matter experts indicates a strong operational component in ensuring the quality and relevance of educational offerings. The temporary nature of the role (concluding December 2026) is a critical factor for candidates to consider.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive design and development of new learning programs and courses, ensuring alignment with Bow Valley College's strategic objectives and current labor market needs.

• Conduct thorough labor market research and job task analyses to inform curriculum design and ensure workforce relevance and graduate employability.

• Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs), media specialists, Indigenous Learning Consultants, and operational staff to co-create inclusive, culturally responsive, and high-quality learning experiences.

• Implement and manage learning content within the College's Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring seamless delivery and user experience.

• Coach and mentor faculty and program teams on effective instructional design principles, contemporary teaching strategies, and the integration of digital tools.

• Leverage AI-enabled tools and structured prompt engineering to develop competency frameworks, assessments, and modular learning pathways that enhance learning efficiency and effectiveness.

• Facilitate co-design sessions and workshops with program teams to foster collaborative curriculum development and innovation.

• Support professional learning initiatives by assisting instructors in applying effective teaching strategies and aligning instructional practices with institutional models like CBE.

• Manage multiple curriculum development projects concurrently, coordinating timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder engagement to ensure successful project completion.

• Model professionalism, adaptability, and a service-oriented approach in all interactions and project engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic planning, hands-on curriculum development, and influential coaching. The role requires a deep understanding of educational frameworks like CBE and the practical application of AI in learning design, positioning the consultant as a key driver of educational innovation within the college's operational framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Learning Technologies, Education, Curriculum Development, or a closely related field is required.

• A Master's degree in Education, Curriculum Design, or Instructional Design is preferred.

• International education will require an assessment (e.g., IQAS, WES). Experience:

• 4–6 years of progressive experience in instructional design, curriculum development, or Competency-Based Education (CBE) program development.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage curriculum development projects from conception to implementation.

• Experience in mentoring or coaching others in instructional design best practices is preferred.

• Experience in developing or teaching skills-based, applied, or modular learning programs is an asset. Required Skills:

• Expertise in instructional design methodologies and learning theories (e.g.,ragile, ADDIE, SAM).

• Proficient in Competency-Based Education (CBE) principles and program development.

• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and their application in curriculum design.

• Demonstrated project management skills, including planning, execution, and stakeholder management.

• Ability to conduct labor market research and job task analysis to inform curriculum.

• Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) for content implementation and management.

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration and coaching.

• Adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving in dynamic educational environments. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing and implementing performance-based assessments.

• Proficiency in leveraging AI tools and structured prompt engineering for educational content creation.

• Experience in delivering professional learning sessions to educators.

• Familiarity with competency frameworks, modular curriculum architecture, or consulting in post-secondary institutions.

• Knowledge of Indigenous learning perspectives and culturally responsive pedagogy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is specifically tied to instructional design and CBE program development, highlighting the operational need for proven expertise in creating structured learning pathways. The preferred skills indicate a forward-thinking approach, emphasizing AI integration and modular design, which are becoming critical operational components in modern education.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive curriculum development projects, ideally demonstrating the full lifecycle from initial research to implemented learning modules.

• Include examples of learning objectives, assessment strategies (particularly performance-based), and instructional materials designed to meet specific competencies.

• Provide evidence of collaboration with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and stakeholders, illustrating your ability to translate their expertise into effective learning content.

• Demonstrate experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS), ideally showing how content was structured and deployed within a platform.

• If applicable, include examples of how AI tools were utilized in the design or development process, such as for competency mapping or content generation. Process Documentation:

• Detail your systematic approach to instructional design, outlining the phases you typically follow (e.g., analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation).

• Provide examples of how you document key project decisions, learning pathways, and assessment blueprints to ensure consistency and scalability.

• Illustrate your methods for evaluating the effectiveness of learning programs and incorporating feedback for continuous improvement, linking back to institutional goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio is essential for this role to demonstrate practical application of instructional design principles and project management skills. The emphasis on process documentation and system implementation within an LMS underscores the operational nature of ensuring educational programs are effectively delivered and maintained.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on regional salary research for Instructional Design Consultants in Calgary, Alberta, with 4-6 years of experience, the estimated salary range for this temporary position is CAD $70,000 - $90,000 annually. This range is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the duration of the contract.

Benefits:

As a temporary faculty position, benefits may differ from permanent roles. Typical benefits for temporary staff in Canadian post-secondary institutions may include:

• Access to employee assistance programs for mental health and well-being support.

• Opportunities for professional development and training relevant to instructional design and educational technology.

• Potential for participation in college-wide events and professional learning communities.

• Accumulation of vacation pay, typically at a rate of 4% of gross earnings. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week.

• Specific daily schedules may be flexible, subject to project needs and team collaboration requirements.

• The role is primarily on-site in Calgary, requiring consistent presence during working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary estimate has been provided based on typical compensation for similar roles in Calgary, Alberta. Given the temporary nature and the specific context of a college environment, benefits might be structured differently than for permanent positions. The focus is on providing a realistic expectation for compensation and benefits for a contract role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Post-Secondary Education / Applied Research in Health and Educational Technology.

Company Size: Bow Valley College serves over 15,000 students, indicating a large and complex operational environment with numerous academic departments and support services.

Founded: The college has a history of 60 years, suggesting a stable institution with established processes, while also embracing innovation, as evidenced by its focus on applied research and educational technology.

Team Structure:

• The Learning Design Consultant will join the Centre for Academic Innovation, reporting to the Associate Dean.

• This team likely comprises other instructional designers, educational technologists, Indigenous Learning Consultants, and support staff focused on enhancing teaching and learning.

• Collaboration is key, with frequent interaction expected with subject matter experts (SMEs), program chairs, faculty, media specialists, and online delivery officers across various departments. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the focus on labor market research and performance-based assessment.

• Workflow optimization is central to the role, with an emphasis on efficient curriculum development and LMS implementation.

• Automation and technology integration are encouraged, particularly through the use of AI-enabled tools in learning design.

Company Website: https://bowvalleycollege.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "launching," "advancing," and "evolving" students highlights a mission-driven culture that values career outcomes and continuous development. The industry context of post-secondary education necessitates robust operational processes to ensure quality, accessibility, and relevance of educational programs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-level to senior-level consultant position within the educational operations domain. It requires significant autonomy in managing projects and influencing pedagogical approaches, fitting a "Consultant" or "Specialist" designation.

Reporting Structure: The Learning Design Consultant reports to the Associate Dean of the Centre for Academic Innovation. This senior reporting line indicates the strategic importance of the role and its direct contribution to institutional academic planning and quality assurance.

Operations Impact: The Learning Design Consultant directly impacts the college's operational effectiveness by ensuring that learning programs are designed to meet labor market demands, are delivered efficiently through technology (LMS), and are methodologically sound (CBE, performance-based assessment). This operational excellence translates directly into student success, graduate employability, and the college's reputation for providing future-oriented education.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in emerging educational technologies, AI in learning, and advanced instructional design models like Competency-Based Education.

• Leadership Potential: Develop leadership skills through mentoring faculty and leading cross-functional project teams, potentially leading to roles like Senior Learning Designer or Manager of Academic Innovation.

• Specialization: Gain specialized knowledge in areas such as online learning delivery, assessment design, or specific program areas within the college's portfolio.

• Network Expansion: Build a strong professional network within Bow Valley College and the broader post-secondary education sector in Alberta.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for professional growth within the specialized field of educational operations and instructional design, moving towards leadership and specialized expertise. The impact is tangible, directly shaping the student learning experience and the college's capacity for delivering relevant, high-quality education.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position based in Calgary, Alberta. The work environment will be within the Bow Valley College campus, likely involving office space within the Centre for Academic Innovation.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Bow Valley College, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4V1. The college has multiple campuses across Calgary, so the specific building or campus may vary based on departmental placement.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, requiring frequent interaction with colleagues within the Centre for Academic Innovation and with faculty/SMEs from various academic departments.

• Access to modern educational technology, including the Learning Management System (LMS), collaboration tools, and potentially specialized instructional design software, is anticipated.

• The environment fosters innovation and continuous learning, encouraging the exploration of new teaching methodologies and technologies.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will be full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start/end times, subject to operational requirements and team coordination needs. The temporary nature of the position means it is expected to conclude by December 2026.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Calgary is a key aspect of the work environment. The collaborative nature of the role within the Centre for Academic Innovation suggests an environment that values teamwork and knowledge sharing, essential for effective operational execution in educational design.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review focusing on qualifications, experience in instructional design, CBE, and project leadership.

• First Interview: Likely a behavioral and situational interview with the Associate Dean and potentially other members of the Centre for Academic Innovation. This stage will assess your understanding of adult learning principles, your approach to curriculum development, and your coaching/mentoring style.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work from their portfolio. This is a critical step to demonstrate your design process, your ability to articulate complex educational strategies, and your understanding of measurable learning outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your role, the challenges faced, and the impact of your design.

• Second Interview/Final Round: May involve a case study or a more in-depth discussion on specific skills like AI prompt engineering or CBE implementation. This stage will also assess cultural fit and long-term strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in curriculum development, CBE, and potentially AI integration. Prioritize projects that demonstrate end-to-end design and impact.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design methodology for each project. Use visuals where possible to illustrate learning pathways, assessment structures, and content modules.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the effectiveness of your designs. This could include student engagement rates, assessment success rates, or feedback from stakeholders.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize your role in working with SMEs, faculty, and other stakeholders. Show how you facilitated their input and translated their expertise into learning outcomes.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices, the challenges you encountered, and how you adapted your approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Instructional Design Case Study: Expect a scenario requiring you to outline a plan for developing a new course or module, including identifying learning objectives, assessment strategies, and potential challenges.

• AI Prompt Engineering Scenario: You might be asked to draft prompts for AI tools to generate learning content, assessment questions, or competency frameworks.

• CBE Implementation Discussion: Be prepared to discuss the operational aspects of implementing CBE, including faculty training, assessment validation, and progress tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview