Quality Assurance Learning Experience Designer

C

Covista

Quality Assurance Learning Experience Designer

Columbia, MD
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Description

    The Quality Assurance (QA) & Learning Experience Designer leads the design, review, validation, and continuous improvement of digital learning products, including academic programs, online and hybrid courses, micro-credentials, and competency-based offerings. This role integrates instructional design expertise with rigorous quality assurance processes to ensure learning products meet academic, regulatory, accessibility, and institutional excellence standards.

    The position serves as a cross-functional partner to academic leaders, subject matter experts (SMEs), product teams, marketing stakeholders, and third-party vendors to ensure all learning assets are pedagogically sound, technically functional, accessible, and aligned to defined competencies and business objectives.

    Quality Assurance & Review Leadership

    • Lead comprehensive QA reviews across all development phases, including: Copy-editing and editorial accuracy reviews, Functional reviews within LMS/LCMS environments, Content alignment and instructional integrity reviews, ADA and accessibility compliance checks
    • Develop and apply structured QA rubrics, checklists, and review protocols to ensure consistency and scalability.
    • Ensure alignment between course learning outcomes, program outcomes, assessments, and competency frameworks.
    • Validate content for accuracy, clarity, inclusivity, accessibility, and alignment with adult learning principles.
    • Monitor adherence to institutional, accreditation, and regulatory standards.

    Instructional Design & Learning Experience Development

    • Design and review learning experiences for multiple modalities, including: Fully online and hybrid courses, Competency-based education (CBE) programs, Self-paced and micro-learning formats, Stackable credentials and workforce-aligned offerings
    • Apply adult learning theory, andragogy, backward design, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and evidence-based instructional models.
    • Ensure instructional materials integrate multimedia (text, graphics, video, interactive elements) in ways that enhance engagement and mastery.
    • Collaborate with SMEs to storyboard, prototype, and refine course materials.
    • Evaluate and select instructional technologies to enhance learner outcomes.

    ADA Compliance & Accessibility

    • Ensure all digital learning content aligns with ADA standards and WCAG accessibility guidelines.
    • Conduct accessibility audits on course materials, multimedia assets, and assessments.
    • Provide remediation guidance for inaccessible content.
    • Advocate for inclusive design practices that support diverse learners.

    Change Management & Process Optimization

    • Support organizational adoption of QA frameworks and standardized review processes.
    • Lead change management efforts related to new development workflows, QA standards, and technology implementation.
    • Train and onboard SMEs, vendors, and internal stakeholders on quality expectations and review processes.
    • Identify workflow inefficiencies and implement continuous improvement strategies.
    • Establish governance structures to support scalable QA practices across portfolios.

    Stakeholder & Vendor Collaboration

    • Serve as the quality liaison across internal teams, academic partners, and third-party vendors.
    • Evaluate vendor and contractor deliverables to ensure compliance with design, accessibility, and academic standards.
    • Facilitate design and review meetings to incorporate feedback and maintain alignment.
    • Manage competing timelines while ensuring quality benchmarks are met.

    Project & Performance Management

    • Develop and manage project plans that align milestones with QA checkpoints.
    • Ensure deliverables meet timeline, scope, budget, and quality expectations.
    • Track review findings and implement corrective actions.
    • Maintain documentation of review outcomes, version control, and audit trails.
  • Qualifications

    Qualifications

    • Master’s Degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Curriculum Development, or related field.
    • Five (5) plus years of experience in online learning design and development.
    • Demonstrated experience in structured quality assurance reviews for digital learning products.
    • Strong copy-editing and content review skills.
    • Experience applying rubrics, QA checklists, and competency-based models.
    • Working knowledge of ADA compliance standards and WCAG accessibility guidelines.
    • Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS).
    • Strong understanding of adult learning theory, instructional design frameworks, and curriculum mapping.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

    Preferred

    • PhD in related field.
    • Experience in higher education or workforce-aligned credential programs.
    • Experience managing cross-functional or vendor-based development projects.
    • Familiarity with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements.
    • Experience with tools such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Rise, or similar.
    • Certification in Quality Matters (QM), accessibility, or change management a plus.

    Additional Information

    _In support of the pay transparency laws enacted across the country, the expected salary range for this position is between $61,720.78 and $108,334.92. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; geographic location; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. Our Talent Acquisition Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to learning more about your salary requirements. The position qualifies for the below benefits.

    Covista offers a robust suite of benefits including:_

    • Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
    • 401k Retirement Program + 6% employer match
    • Participation in Covista's Flexible Time Off (FTO) Policy
    • _12 Paid Holidays

    For more information related to our benefits please visit: https://careers.covista.com/benefits

    You are also eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance._

    Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation