Lead Learning Experience Designer (Instructional Designer 4)

The Lead Learning Experience Designer (Instructional Designer 4) is a technical leader and subject-matter expert in instructional design and learning experience strategy who partners with senior faculty, academic leadership, program directors, and cross-functional stakeholders to design, produce, deliver, and continuously improve complex, high-impact online and blended learning programs (e.g., graduate and undergraduate degree programs, continuing and professional education, workforce development, and related initiatives). Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the incumbent both leads and actively executes program-level instructional design strategy. This includes translating academic and instructional vision into coherent, learner-centered course and program designs; ensuring alignment across courses within a program; and applying learning science, quality standards, accessibility requirements, and appropriate technologies to deliver effective and scalable learning experiences. The role balances strategic oversight, project management, and execution with hands-on responsibility for course design, development, and delivery across degree programs and other complex learning initiatives. The incumbent is recognized as an expert practitioner and trusted advisor who brings advanced design judgment, exceptional communication skills, and professional credibility to all engagements. This role routinely addresses novel, precedent-setting instructional challenges, formulates creative and scalable solutions, and establishes repeatable design and production approaches that inform team practice. Through both leadership and execution, the position contributes to the continuous evolution of learning experience design standards, processes, and innovation across the organization. Apply By Date: 4/1/26 Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, educational technology, learning sciences, education, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience. Extensive experience leading the design of complex online or blended learning experiences across multiple courses or programs with advanced experience applying instructional design theory, adult learning principles, and educational technologies to solve novel or ambiguous instructional challenges. Demonstrated expertise and experience partnering with senior faculty, academic leaders, and diverse stakeholders on advanced instructional design initiatives. Demonstrated experience applying instructional quality standards and assurance frameworks (e.g., Quality Matters, OLC Scorecard, Universal Design for Learning, internal QA frameworks) to the design, review, and continuous improvement of learning experiences at scale from planning to delivery. Experience establishing and applying robust instructional design processes, frameworks, standards, and project management workflows used by various types of stakeholders. Advanced-level knowledge of instructional design theory, learning sciences, and adult learning methodologies. Advanced knowledge of instructional quality assurance standards and the ability to operationalize quality frameworks within complex instructional design environments. Advanced ability to analyze complex, unprecedented problems and formulate scalable instructional/learning solutions and to plan, resource, and monitor instructional design initiatives across complex environments. Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to represent the organization credibly at senior levels. Strong professional judgment, autonomy, and accountability in decision-making. Advanced knowledge of learning technologies, learning management systems, multimedia platforms, and emerging instructional tools. Advanced ability to plan, resource, and monitor instructional design initiatives across complex environments. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in a related discipline. Experience leading or advancing AI-informed instructional design initiatives or workflows. Experience with learning analytics, performance data, or program-level evaluation. Experience contributing to faculty development, organizational learning, or instructional design governance. Advanced knowledge of AI-enabled learning design and ethical technology integration. Familiarity with formal quality assurance frameworks or accreditation-aligned review processes. Experience influencing organizational practice without formal supervisory authority. Key Responsibilities 30% - Program-Level & Course-Level Learning Design, Strategy & AI-Informed Practice 25% - Faculty Partnership, Consultation & Organizational Representation 25% - Production Leadership, Process Design & Delivery Oversight 15% - Accessibility, Quality Assurance & Learning Design Governance Department Overview UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is the lifelong learning arm of the university. The division maintains the most diverse portfolio on the campus, with programs spanning pre-college, professional continuing education, workforce development, international academic and cultural exchange, and training services for corporate and agency partners. As a global leader in continuing education, CPE serves learners regionally, nationally and globally, and posts more than 55K enrollments annually making it the third largest UC Extension by enrollment. Beyond its community-facing role, CPE serves as the internal hub for online education in support of other academic units on the campus. CPE employs approximately 180 employees and draws on the expertise of approximately 1,700 instructors. POSITION INFORMATION Salary or Pay Range: $85500.00 - $157300.00 Salary Frequency: Monthly Salary Grade: Grade 23 UC Job Title: INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER 4 UC Job Code: 006147 Number of Positions: 1 Percentage of Time: 100 Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, Standard Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM) Benefits Eligible: Yes This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work) Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page. High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position.

This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment. To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

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