Instructional Designer

About ELSAELSA is a global leader in AI-powered English communication training, dedicated to transforming how people learn and speak English with confidence. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, we operate across the U.S., Vietnam, Portugal, Indonesia, Brazil and Japan.Powered by proprietary speech-recognition technology and generative AI, ELSA delivers real-time, hyper-personalized feedback to help learners improve pronunciation, fluency, and overall communication effectiveness. With over 50 million learners and 1 billion hours of anonymized speech data, ELSAs depth of language training intelligence is unmatched in the industry.Our B2B flagship platforms ELSA Enterprise and ELSA Schools empower organizations and educational institutions to elevate communication capabilities and unlock personal and professional opportunities for their people. We design engaging, bite-sized learning experiences that adapt to each learners goals and context, ensuring measurable improvement and lasting confidenceOur vision is to become the global standard for real-time English communication training, enabling 1.5 billion language learners worldwide to speak clearly, be understood, and share their stories with the worldBacked by world-class investors including Googles Gradient Ventures, Monks Hill Ventures, and SOSV, ELSA has been recognized among the top global AI innovatorsForbes Top 4 Companies Using AI to Transform the WorldResearch Sniper Top 5 Best AI AppsASU+GSV EdTech 150CB Insights Top 100 AI CompaniesJoin us in shaping the future of language learning and empowering millions to unlock opportunity through confident communicationJob overviewWe are seeking a senior-level Instructional Designer to drive the creation of intuitive, engaging, and scalable learning experiences for ELSA’s global learners. In this high-impact Individual Contributor (IC) role, you will be responsible for the hands-on design of personalized learning paths, syllabus frameworks, and interactive AI-driven exercisesAs a core pedagogical expert, you will collaborate closely as an equal peer with cross-functional teams - including AI, Product, and Engineering - to ensure learning science and user experience (UX) remain central to our product features. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in English Language Teaching (ELT/ESL) with a strong data-driven mindset and fluency in leveraging AI tools for scale and personalizationKey Responsibilities1. Learning Experience & UX DesignDesign, structure, and iterate on personalized learning paths that align directly with learners' goals, proficiency levels, and in-app behaviorApply user experience (UX) principles to translate complex language learning goals into intuitive, interactive, and clear learner journeysPrototype, test, and iterate on new content formats and learning experiences to validate user engagement and educational effectiveness2. Instructional Design & Content DevelopmentPedagogical Excellence: Design digital learning modules, interactive exercises, and assessments by implementing diverse pedagogical approaches (e.g., guided discovery, task-based learning, flipped classroomSyllabus & Assessment: Craft robust syllabi aligned with international standards (CEFR/GSE descriptors) and develop targeted test and assessment strategies to evaluate learning outcomesDiverse Media: Create varied content formats, including 1-to-1 or group lesson flows, educational videos, and animated stories3. AI & Data-Driven LearningAI Feature Optimization: Partner closely with AI and engineering teams to co-develop, test, and optimize adaptive, AI-powered learning features and interactive exercisesContent Scaling: Actively explore and leverage generative AI tools to ideate, create, adapt, and scale interactive educational materialsData Evaluation: Continuous improvement of content by using learner data, user feedback, and key performance metrics to evaluate content effectiveness4. Cross-Functional Collaboration/ Stakeholder engagementSubject Matter Expertise: Serve as the core Instructional Design/ELT voice in cross-functional feature development teamTranslate product priorities into actionable design initiatives that support ELSA’s pedagogical directionWhat You Will HaveMust-Haves:Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Linguistics, Education, Instructional Design, Philology, or a related fieldf4–6+ years of hands-on experience in ELT/ESL materials writing, digital curriculum development, or instructional designRecognized certification in English language teaching and methodology (e.g., DELTA Module 1, TKT, IH Certificate in Advanced Methodology, or equivalent)Methodological Depth: Deep understanding of language acquisition, CEFR/GSE frameworks, task-based learning, and assessment designAI Fluency: Practical, hands-on experience utilizing AI-powered tools and prompt engineering to scale, adapt, or generate educational contentCross-Functional Skills: Strong history of working alongside Product Managers, Data Analysts, and Engineers to optimize digital productsExceptional professional proficiency in English (written and spoken)Nice-to-HaveExperience in EdTech, SaaS, or global education contextsFamiliarity with localization, multilingual learning, and culturally diverse learner needsBasic multimedia design skills (video, graphics, or animation)What We Offer:Be part of a mission-driven company making a difference in language learning worldwide.Work at the absolute storefront of cutting-edge generative AI applied to language learning.Collaborate with a highly talented, multicultural team of tech and linguistic innovators.Comprehensive employee well-being benefits.Free ELSA Premium courses to polish your language skills