The Learning Experience Designer (LXD) is a seasoned instructional design professional who partners with seasoned faculty, instructors, subject matter experts (SMEs), and internal stakeholders to design, develop, and deliver a variety of high-quality, accessible, and engaging online learning experiences (i.e., online graduate degree programs, online undergraduate courses, MOOCs, bootcamps, workforce training and development, certificate programs, etc.). Working under general direction in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, the LXD manages multiple concurrent projects and is accountable for course-level design quality, delivery timelines, and alignment with institutional and division standards.
This role applies evidence-based learning design methodologies, adult learning theory, and educational technologies to create learner-centered courses that support a diverse set of adult learners. The LXD brings a future-forward mindset to their practice, thoughtfully integrating AI-informed workflows, prompt engineering, learning data, and continuous improvement practices into learning design and project execution, using professional judgment to enhance quality, efficiency, and scalability while maintaining academic integrity and accessibility.
The LXD serves as a model practitioner within the team, demonstrating strong design judgment, proactive project management and communication, and effective faculty partnership. This role contributes to shared standards, documentation, and evolving best practices, helping elevate learning and instructional design quality across projects and supporting the organization’s mission to expand access to high-quality education.
Apply By Date August 8, 2026 at 11:59pm, PST
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
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Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, educational technology, education, learning sciences, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
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Experience with instructional design principles, adult learning theories, and strategies in the creation of quality and complex online courses, including transforming and redesigning traditional classroom courses for online delivery for a variety of online programs and diverse stakeholders (i.e., online graduate degree programs, online undergraduate courses, MOOCs, bootcamps, workforce training development, certificate programs).
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Experience confidently leading and partnering with seasoned faculty, continuing lecturers, SME’s, program staff, and other stakeholders in the instructional and learning design process, including preparing design and media tracking documents, communications, and proposals in course design. Experience in project planning and management, including coordinating project resources for multiple projects simultaneously.
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Experience using industry-standard instructional and learning technology for design, development, and delivery of online courses and course assets, including learning management systems, design applications, synchronous learning tools, video and multimedia management, generative AI, and active learning environments.
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Experience incorporating quality standards and ADA design and development standards for web-based design and delivery into online course content development, including familiarity with the concept of universal design.
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Experience designing, building, and maintaining courses using various design applications (i.e., Articulate 360, Rise, Storyline, CidiLabs DesignPlus, etc.) and in learning management systems (i.e., Canvas, Coursera, etc.), including integration of multimedia and learning technology tools and LTI integrations.
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Demonstrated ability to manage multiple instructional design projects concurrently, apply scope–time–cost trade-offs, and meet delivery milestones through proactive communication.
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Working knowledge of ADA, WCAG, and Universal Design for Learning principles, with experience designing and remediating accessible online learning materials.
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Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with seasoned faculty, instructors, SMEs, and internal stakeholders on the telephone, online, via direct messages, and via email in a collaborative team environment. Excellent political acumen to interact confidently with internal and external stakeholders, including UC Davis seasoned faculty, to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a collaborative team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
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Training or certification related to accessibility and/or quality assurance (i.e., QM, OLC Scorecard, UDL).
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Master’s degree in instructional design, educational technology, learning sciences, or a related discipline.
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Advanced experience with generative AI tools and prompt-engineering techniques to support instructional design practices and workflows.
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Experience with UI/UX design principles to facilitate the optimization and effectiveness of learning for diverse learner populations.
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Experience in faculty and instructor development (developing and teaching workshops, designing resources, such as infographics, micro learnings, multimedia assets, etc.)
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Experience collecting and analyzing learning analytics data to inform new or augmented design practices to improve student learning.
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Experience contributing to shared instructional design standards, templates, or documentation.
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Advanced knowledge and skill with generative AI tools and prompt-engineering techniques to support instructional design practices and workflows.
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Familiarity with learning analytics, course evaluation data, or continuous improvement frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
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45% - Learning Design, Development & AI-Informed Practice
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30% - Project Management, Delivery & Stakeholder Communication
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15% - Accessibility, Quality Assurance & Compliance
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10% - Continuous Improvement, Innovation & 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 and program teams to design and deliver engaging, accessible, and scalable learning experiences. LIT 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. LIT values thoughtful experimentation, ethical and purposeful use of AI, and strong project discipline to ensure learning experiences are not only engaging but also delivered on time, within scope, and at scale.
Designers in the Learning Innovation Department work in close partnership with faculty, instructors, and subject matter experts, serving as trusted collaborators who translate instructional vision into meaningful online learning experiences. The team fosters a culture of continuous learning, shared standards, and professional growth, where individuals are encouraged to refine their craft, learn from one another, and contribute to evolving best practices that raise the quality of online education across the organization.
Joining the Learning Innovation Department means contributing to a mission-driven environment where learning experience design is both a craft and a catalyst—supporting equitable access to education, advancing teaching and learning innovation, and helping learners achieve meaningful outcomes at every stage of their educational journey.
POSITION INFORMATION
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Salary or Pay Range: $69,600/annually - $124,200/annually
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Salary Frequency: Annually
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UC Job Title: INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER 3
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Appointment Type: Staff: Career
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Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
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Shift (Work Schedule): Monday -Friday, 8am – 5pm
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Location: Sacramento, CA.
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Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
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Benefits Eligible: Yes
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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
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High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
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UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
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Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
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Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
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WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
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On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
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Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
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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
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Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
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Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
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Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
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Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
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Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
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Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
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Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
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Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
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Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
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Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands
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Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
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This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
