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Director of Instructional Design - Edtech

Academian Inc · United States

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About the RoleWe are seeking a strategic and client-focused Director of Instructional Design to lead the design, development, and delivery of high-impact learning solutions across K-12 and EdTech organizations.This role will serve as a senior learning leader and trusted advisor to clients, translating complex academic and workforce learning needs into scalable, innovative instructional strategies. The Director will drive solution excellence, lead cross-functional teams, and ensure delivery of measurable learning outcomes across diverse educational ecosystems.The ideal candidate brings deep expertise across education segments, strong stakeholder management skills, and a proven ability to lead complex, multi-modal learning initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Client Leadership & Strategic PartnershipServe as the senior instructional design leader for key client engagements across K-12 districts, higher education institutions, and EdTech organizations.Partner with academic leaders, product teams, and administrators to define learning strategies aligned with institutional and business goals.Lead discovery workshops, curriculum mapping, and needs analyses across diverse learner populations.Present strategic recommendations and learning roadmaps to executive stakeholders.Instructional Design & Learning StrategyDefine and oversee instructional frameworks that support curriculum development, digital learning, courseware, and program design.Ensure solutions align with learning standards, accreditation considerations, and industry best practices.Guide the design of multi-modal learning experiences including digital courses, blended programs, instructor-led training, and interactive learning products.Drive innovation through emerging learning technologies, AI-enabled learning, and data-driven design.Team Leadership & Delivery ExcellenceLead and mentor multidisciplinary teams including instructional designers, learning consultants, content developers, and SMEs.Oversee multiple concurrent programs ensuring quality, timelines, and budgets are achieved.Establish scalable processes, quality standards, and continuous improvement practices.Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture.Business Impact & GrowthSupport business development through solutioning, proposals, and client presentations.Identify opportunities to expand partnerships across programs, disciplines, and learning initiatives.Contribute to thought leadership across K-12, higher education, and EdTech learning innovation.QualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field.15+ years of experience in instructional design or learning strategy across K-12, higher education, EdTech, or learning services environments.Proven experience in a client-facing, consulting, or strategic leadership role.Demonstrated experience leading large-scale curriculum, courseware, or digital learning initiatives.Strong knowledge of learning standards, accreditation environments, and curriculum frameworks.Expertise in instructional design methodologies (ADDIE, SAM, Design Thinking).Excellent executive communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.Preferred ExperienceExperience working with school districts, universities, or EdTech product organizations.Background in digital transformation or online program development.Experience supporting grant-funded or large institutional initiatives.Familiarity with LMS platforms, learning analytics, and content authoring tools.