Instructional Designer/Communications Specialist

Job Summary

The Instructional Designer/Communications Specialist is responsible for supporting the institution's employee development, training, and organizational learning initiatives within the Human Resources Office. This position applies instructional design principles and adult learning methodologies to assess training needs, design and develop effective learning experiences, facilitate training programs, and evaluate learning outcomes.

The Instructional Designer/Communications Specialist serves as a key resource for departmental communication and employee learning, partnering with departments across the institution to identify development needs and provide practical, effective solutions. This position researches best practices and emerging trends in training, instructional design, and professional development and translates that research into high-quality learning programs aligned with institutional goals and the needs of a higher education environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish productive relationships with individuals and departments across the institution.
• Strong instructional design and learning development skills.
• Ability to analyze learning and performance needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Strong presentation and facilitation abilities with diverse audiences.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging, and accessible learning content.
• Strong research, analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• A solutions-oriented mindset and ability to develop practical approaches to organizational learning and employee development needs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use data, feedback, and evaluation results to continuously improve learning programs.
• Creativity and innovation in the design and delivery of learning experiences.
• Strong project management, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively while also managing assignments independently.
• Ability to adapt learning strategies and communication approaches to meet the needs of a diverse higher education community.
• Commitment to customer service, continuous improvement, and professional excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development, Human Resources, Instructional Design, Organizational Development, Education, Training and Development or a related field and three (3) years of experience in training and development, instructional design, human resources, organizational development, employee development, or a related field.

OR

• A combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resource Development, Human Resources, Instructional Design, Organizational Development, Education, or a related field.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience with a learning management system (LMS) or other learning technology platforms.
• Experience developing online, virtual, or blended learning programs.
• Experience applying instructional design models such as ADDIE or other systematic instructional design methodologies.
• Experience developing assessments and evaluating learning outcomes.
• Professional certification in human resources, instructional design, training and development, or a related discipline.

Compensation & Benefits

• Job Family – Human Resources Professional 2
• Market Range - 7 Salary Schedules
• While our salary ranges provide a compensation framework, initial offers typically do not fall at the top of the range. Salary offers are based on each candidate’s qualifications, experience, and overall alignment with the position, while ensuring internal equity across the organization.
• For information on benefits, please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/ .

Application Instructions and additional details

• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
• Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.