Instructional Designer, Pardee Institute

Organizational SummaryThe Frederick S. Pardee Institute for International Futures is home to International Futures (IFs), an open-source, integrated assessment and forecasting platform. IFs uses systems dynamics, econometrics, and other quantitative techniques to analyze and explore hundreds of interconnected, macro-level variables across human, social, and natural systems through the end of this century and beyond.We use IFs and other bespoke data tools to inform real-world policy debates and decisions about long-term global trends-from climate change and conflict to development and security. Our work supports a global community of multilateral organizations, governments, and practitioners who are tackling today's most consequential issues.The Institute maintains 17 full-time staff members, employs approximately 100 students annually, and conducts an average of $1.6 million in sponsored research each year. We are housed within the University of Denver's Josef Korbel School of International Studies, a world-class academic setting focused on training the next generation of global leaders.Position SummaryThe Pardee Institute seeks au00a0part-time, temporary Instructional Designer to design and build fully asynchronous, high-impact learning experiencesu00a0that help professionals apply the International Futures (IFs) modeling tool in their own work.This role is a good fit for someone who:- Enjoys turning complex, technical content into clear, practical learning for busy professionals.- Is comfortable working with subject-matter experts (SMEs) and asking probing questions.- Cares about accessibility, clean UX, and data-informed iteration.- Wants a flexible, remote, project-based role with meaningful global impact.You will translate SME content intou00a0job-relevant microlearningu00a0with clear objectives, purposeful interactivity, knowledge checks with feedback, and a clean, low-friction user experience that works across bandwidth and devices. The ideal partner balances rigor and accessibility, embraces systems thinking and transparency, and designs primarily for mid-career strategists in the private and social sectors while maintaining credibility with the Institute's policy-engaged audiences.This is a non-benefited position not to exceed 1,000 hours in a calendar year.Essential Functions- Analyze and plan- Conduct a rapid needs analysis with SMEs.- Clarify learner profiles, workflows, and success criteria.- Convert high-level goals into measurable, module-level learning objectives and assessment plans (backward design).- Design learning architecture- Sequence modules to manage cognitive load and build progressive complexity.- Create storyboards/outlines for 3-5-minute micro-lessons.- Define interaction patterns (e.g., click-throughs, diagrams, lightweight animations), reflection prompts, and practice activities.- Apply a toolkit of learning strategies to create engaging eLearning experiences.- Develop content and assets- Build SCORM/xAPI-compliant modules (e.g., Articulate 360/Rise/Storyline).- Write scripts, on-screen text, and alt text.- Create simple motion/diagram assets (Vyond-style or equivalent).- Develop knowledge checks with targeted feedback and authentic tasks (case snippets, mini-projects) tied to IFs use cases.- Quality assurance and accessibility- Apply universal design for learning (UDL) and accessibility practices (color/contrast, keyboard navigation, captions/transcripts, descriptive alt text).- Use multimedia learning principles (e.g., signaling, coherence) and cognitive load checks.- Coordinate and incorporate peer/SME reviews; refine UX for clarity and ease of use.- Implementation and iteration- Package and publish modules to the LMS/LRS; verify tracking and reporting.- Set up simple dashboards for completion, time-on-task, and item analysis.- Run lig tweight pilots, analyze data, and deliver revisions to improve clarity, engagement, and performance.- Collaboration and project management- Maintain project schedules and track risks and issues.- Facilitate asynchronous reviews and communicate trade-offs clearly (quality, time, scope, cost).- Document key decisions to preserve transparency and responsible interpretation of forecasts.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Generative AI use Experience using AI in eLearning workflows (e.g., avatar-based presenter videos, AI-assisted whiteboard/animation) and ability to script, storyboard, and refine outputs (voice consistency, pacing, lip-sync, gestures, visual timing) to feel natural and non-distracting.- AI literacy Ability to design prompts, iterate thoughtfully, and apply guardrails to manage hallucinations, bias, and style drift-including knowing when to step away from AI and craft content manually.- Tools & tech Proficiency with Articulate 360 (Rise/Storyline), Vyond-style animation or equivalent tools, basic image/video editing, SCORM/xAPI packaging, and LMS workflows.- Accessibility & UX Practical understanding of UDL; WCAG-aligned habits (captions, transcripts, alt text, color contrast); mobile-first, low-bandwidth design.- Content translation Ability to turn complex modeling concepts (systems, scenarios, uncertainty) into clear, applied learning for busy professionals without overclaiming or oversimplifying.- Writing & visualization Concise microcopy, plain-language narration, and instructional graphics that reduce cognitive load.- Collaboration & PM Structured storyboarding, version control, review cycles, and stakeholder facilitation; comfort working asynchronously and transparently.- Data-informed iteration Ability to use basic analytics (e.g., completion rates, item difficulty, distractor analysis) to drive revisions.- Learning science & methods Familiarity with adult learning theory, cognitive load, backward design, constructive alignment, microlearning, scenario-based learning, and authentic assessment design.Required Qualifications- Current enrollment in a master's-level Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, Educational Technology, Human-Centered Design, or related program or a completed bachelor's degree in these or related fields.- Or 3-5+ years of experience developing asynchronous eLearning for adult professionals, including measurable outcomes and knowledge checks.- Demonstrated portfolio that showcases microlearning, scenario-based activities, assessment alignment, accessibility practices, and clean UX and interaction design.Preferred Qualifications- Master's degree in Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, or a related field.- Experience designing for data/modeling tools, analytical software, or technical platforms.- Familiarity with-or interest in developing familiarity with-International Futures (IFs) or systems-thinking education.- Experience with xAPI analytics dashboards, light motion graphics, and diagram-first explanations.- Background collaborating with research institutes, think tanks, or policy audiences.Working Environment- Status Part-time, temporary (contract or hourly).- Time commitment Estimated 20 hours per week at project start, averaging closer to 15 hours per week as the project progresses, with occasional surges during key review periods.- Location Remote, with occasional meetings during Denver (Mountain Time) business hours.- Flexibility Schedule is generally flexible as long as agreed-upon milestones are met and availability during review windows is maintained.Reporting and Collaboration- Reports to The Pardee Institute Director of Operations, with a dotted line to the Pardee Institute Director.- Collaborates with IFs SMEs, project manager, LMS admin, and QA reviewer(s).Physical Activities

Created: 2025-12-26