Careers at Virginia Tech

The Instructional Designer will collaborate with faculty and subject matter experts to design, develop, and deliver engaging, accessible, and innovative courses and learning experiences. This role provides expertise in instructional design, online pedagogy, emerging learning technologies, and adult learning theory. The successful candidate will manage multiple projects, guide faculty in course development, and apply evidence-based practices to enhance teaching and learning for the Learning and Organizational Development unit of Virginia Cooperative Extension programs.

VCE LOD description
The Learning and Organizational Development unit increases Virginia Cooperative Extension’s capacity to advance the wellbeing of all Virginians by ensuring our faculty, staff, and volunteers have the skills, tools, and resources to deliver high quality, needs driven, research-based Extension educational programs. The instructional designer will be part of a highly functioning, internally focused team with faculty members focused on employee development, volunteer engagement, data integration, and program development, and evaluation.

This position is a restricted, one-year appointment.

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, instructional technology, education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with at least one learning management system (Canvas preferred); instructional authoring tools such as Articulate, Captivate, or Camtasia; Adobe Creative Cloud; Microsoft 365; and Zoom for web conferencing and online faculty support.
• Proven ability to design and develop high-quality instructional materials in multiple formats (print, video, graphics, multimedia).
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (ADA, WCAG, Section 508) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with all audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage projects independently in an unstructured environment.
• Willingness to occasionally work evenings, weekends, and travel overnight.
• Must report to the office on the main VT campus in Blacksburg, Virginia up to twice a month.

Advanced degree in instructional design, instructional technology, or related field.
• Experience training and supporting faculty in the use of instructional technologies and online teaching best practices.
• Knowledge of learning analytics and experience using data to improve course design and learner outcomes.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, and their application to adult learning.
• Experience with project management.

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

$62,000 - $67,000

40

November 3, 2025

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a professional portfolio showcasing 2–3 representative work samples that demonstrate instructional design and technology expertise. Acceptable examples may include:
• Course modules, multimedia learning objects, or training materials.
• Faculty development resources or support guides.
• Assessments or reports that show how learning activities connect to course outcomes.

The successful candidate will be required to have a valid driver's license with an acceptable and safe driving record.

Travel required. Must be available for local travel to report to the office in Blacksburg, Virginia up to twice a month.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

This position offers flexibility for remote or hybrid work arrangements. The successful candidate must reside in Virginia.

This position is a restricted, one-year appointment.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.