Western Governors University · 6 hours ago
Manager, Design & Development
Salt Lake City Office
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$85K/yr - $140K/yr
5+ years expWestern Governors University is committed to expanding access to higher education through innovative online programs. The Manager, Design & Development leads a team to create high-quality, competency-based learning experiences and assessments while ensuring alignment with institutional standards and fostering continuous improvement for student success.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Leads and supervises teams of instructional designers, assessment developers, and educational technologists, ensuring high performance, engagement, and accountability
Ensures overall design and development deliverables meet quality, consistency, and alignment expectations of curriculum and assessments with program goals, design specifications, and best practices
Uses data-driven insights to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement in curriculum and assessment content; develops actionable strategies to address them
Models and mentors best practices in leveraging AI in curriculum and assessment design, fostering innovation and continuous improvement within the team
Manages the design and development process for assigned projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards
Leads assessment design efforts, ensuring validity, relevance, technical accuracy, and alignment with program competencies and learning objectives
Plans staff assignments and determines best approaches/methods for completing assigned projects
Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, maintaining alignment through the design, development, delivery, and maintenance phases of projects
Analyzes stakeholder feedback and implements necessary improvements or changes to curriculum and assessments
Coordinates the delivery of course designs, scope specifications, and other design and development deliverables to development vendors or partners
Builds and maintains cross-functional partnerships to support the development and maintenance of high-quality learning experiences
Provides direct reports with measurable feedback, coaching, and professional development opportunities to enhance performance and growth
Manages risks and removes barriers to keep projects on track and aligned with institutional goals
Collaborates with stakeholders to establish detailed project timelines and milestones, ensuring proactive communication and on-time delivery
Participates in the development of innovative and engaging instructional strategies and assessment methods
Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Proven ability to lead, organize, and manage teams and their activities to achieve high-quality outcomes
Strong coaching and talent development skills, with experience managing direct reports
Experience delivering high-quality educational products in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and influence at all levels within a matrixed organization
Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail
Analytical mindset with experience using data to identify trends, drive decisions, and implement process improvements
Sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in fast-paced and dynamic environments
Ability to foster innovation, continuous improvement, and best practices in curriculum and assessment design
Experienced using AI in product design and development
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to various audiences and provide constructive feedback
Adaptability and resilience, with the ability to manage ambiguity and lead teams through change
Strong understanding of instructional design, curriculum development, adult learning theory, and assessment best practices
Commitment to creating inclusive, engaging, and learner-centered educational experiences
Proficiency with digital tools, learning management systems, and production workflows in online learning environments
Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Curriculum Development, Educational Technology, or a related field
5 years of relevant experience, including supervisory or team leadership experience
Broad management knowledge and understanding of instructional design and/or assessment development, with awareness of its impact on broader institutional goals
Preferred
Master's degree in Instructional Design, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Technology, Learning Sciences, or a related field
Experience creating innovative, mobile-first, social-by-design, gamified, or non-linear learning experiences at scale
Experience with UI/UX design principles, using AI in product design and development
Demonstrated experience with process development, implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives
Strong understanding of the higher education landscape and competency-based education models
Success in change management, particularly in stabilizing and structuring diffuse or ambiguous projects or processes
Benefits
Bonuses
Medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare
Health savings account and flexible spending account
Basic and voluntary life insurance
Disability coverage
Accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages
Legal and identity theft coverage
Retirement savings plan
Wellbeing program
Discounted WGU tuition
Flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual
Flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual
11 paid holidays
Other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave
Company
Western Governors University
Western Governors University focuses on improving lives by creating pathways to opportunity for its students.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Western Governors University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (6)
2024 (4)
2023 (12)
2022 (30)
2021 (17)
2020 (37)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
Kauffman Foundation
2025-05-08Grant
Leadership Team
Stephen Herzig
Vice President of Enterprise Solutions
Kacey Thorne
Senior Director, Academic Strategic Initiatives
Recent News
2025-12-02
Company data provided by crunchbase