Instructional Designer

Instructional Designer

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Instructional Designer.

Location: Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division: Dean's Office - Nursing

Position Type: Staff

Employment Status: Full Time

Grant Funded: Yes

Pay Grade: E12

Posting Close Date: March 31, 2026

Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary: The Instructional Designer is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the learning environment of a graduate research training program. This role involves designing, implementing, and updating instructional materials, managing online learning platforms, and collaborating with faculty and staff to ensure engaging and effective training experiences. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in instructional design and a passion for supporting graduate-level research education.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Curriculum Development Design and update instructional content, including online modules, presentations, and training materials, to support program goals and research skills development.
2. Learning Management System (LMS) Maintenance - Manage the program's LMS, ensuring functionality, accessibility, and user support for faculty and trainees.
3. Instructional Support - Collaborate with faculty to develop interactive and evidence-based teaching strategies for seminars, workshops, and research training activities.
4. Evaluation and Feedback - Collect and analyze feedback from trainees and faculty to assess the effectiveness of instructional materials and make improvements.
5. Technology Integration - Identify and implement new tools and technologies to enhance the learning experience and promote active engagement.
6. Compliance and Documentation - Ensure instructional content aligns with institutional and accreditation requirements, maintaining accurate records of educational activities.
7. Performs other duties as assigned to advance the research and scholarly mission of the Center.

Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related field; and one (1) to two (2) years of experience in designing and delivering instructional content, preferably in a higher education or research training setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proficiency in using and managing Learning Management Systems (LMS), including course setup, user support, and troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of instructional design principles, adult learning theories, and curriculum development models.
• Experience designing and delivering instructional content using software tools
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to evaluate instructional effectiveness using learner feedback and performance data to inform improvements.
• Competence in integrating educational technologies to enhance learner engagement and interactivity.
• Competence in collecting, analyzing, and presenting research metrics to support program evaluation, reporting, and strategic decision-making.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly to all audiences.
• Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and compliance with institutional and accreditation standards.
• Commitment to maintaining accurate records, ensuring compliance with program and funding requirements, and safeguarding confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications: PhD degree from an accredited college or university in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or related fields, previous experience in higher education, a research setting or with NIH, NSF, or other federal grants, and/or knowledge of research compliance, reporting systems, and academic funding mechanisms.

About The University of Southern Mississippi: Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.