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 April 1, 2026 at 11:59pm PST

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• 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
• 5% - Leadership, Mentorship & Professional Practice

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.

At the center of CPE's online and digital learning ecosystem is the Learning Innovation Department, a multidisciplinary group of instructional designers, learning systems experts, media professionals, and quality assurance specialists who partner with faculty, instructors, SME's, and program teams to design and deliver engaging, accessible, and scalable learning experiences. Learning Innovation serves both CPE programs and the broader UC Davis campus as a hub for online learning expertise, innovation, and continuous improvement.

The Learning Innovation team is driven by a shared commitment to learner-centered design, accessibility, and educational excellence. The team applies evidence-based instructional design practices, emerging educational technologies, and data-informed decision-making to support a wide range of learning experiences, from fully online courses and certificates to hybrid and innovative program models. The department values thoughtful experimentation, ethical and purposeful use of AI, and strong project discipline to ensure learning experiences are delivered with quality, consistency, and scale.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $85,500/annually - $157,300/annually
• Salary Frequency: Annually
• UC Job Title: INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER 4
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday -Friday, 8am - 5pm
• Location: Sacramento, CA.
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. 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.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• 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

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours