The National Institute of Teaching is seeking a Content Designer to join our content team to support the development of a range of programmes including ITE, PGCE, ECTP and NPQs, and help shape high-quality, evidence-informed professional development for teachers and school leaders across England.  

We believe teaching is a fundamental societal good, a privilege and a responsibility. This belief sits at the heart of our work and informs the way we design learning that supports teachers and leaders to develop their expertise, improve outcomes for pupils and contribute to a stronger education system. 

 In this role, you will design and develop engaging, rigorous content across a range of formats, including online self-study, seminars, coaching and immersive experiences. Working closely with subject experts, teachers, leaders and academics, you will translate evidence and expertise into accessible, impactful learning that supports excellent practice in classrooms and schools.  

You will apply instructional design best practice, embed insights from research and contribute to ongoing programme improvement by testing new approaches and incorporating evidence into future iterations. This is an opportunity to influence programmes with lasting impact on the teaching profession and to help share learning across the wider education system. 

Closing date: 5 September 2026

Interviews will take place w/c 14 September 2026

Key responsibilities 

• Design and develop high-quality training materials, learning content and assessment materials for a range of programmes including ITT (inc PGCE), ECTP and NPQs  

• Apply instructional design methods, theories, tools and best practice to the creation of course materials, leveraging creativity to develop engaging activities and learning experiences in line with the educational approach of NIoT. 

• Work directly with teachers, school leaders and academic staff to translate their knowledge and expertise into impactful learning experiences. 

• Collaborate closely with counterparts to support the co-design of any integrated programme curriculum. 

• Embed insights from NIoT’s Research and Best Practice team including insights from Innovation, Improvement and Impact and the wider evidence base into the content, design and delivery of programme materials. 

• Design interventions to be tested by NIoT’s Research and Best Practice team as part of the Innovation, Improvement and Impact (3Is) approach, and take responsibility for the sensitive integration of elements of promise into the continuous improvement cycle. 

• Support the development of programme handbooks, resources and assessment materials for participants, facilitators and those supporting delivery, in collaboration with the Head of Faculty. 

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of NIoT’s programme materials, including the digital experience, drawing on participant feedback and evaluation data. 

• Potentially support the training and development of staff as recognised lecturers on an annual and ongoing basis, equipping them to deliver content that integrates critical reflection at Level 7 with QTS-aligned classroom practice. 

• Maintain course development templates, documentation and guidelines, and support the development of a consistent tone of voice and branding across NIoT programmes. 

• Ensure that records relating to content design and development are maintained in line with contract, compliance and quality requirements. 

• Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to health and safety, security and reporting concerns in accordance with procedures. 

• Demonstrate commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. 

• All staff who create, receive, and use records in the course of their job are responsible for ensuring that records are managed appropriately. It is therefore likely that this post-holder will have responsibility for record-keeping as part of the role. Employees are required to be conversant with the Institute’s policies and procedures on records management. 

• To sit on the PGCE viva assessment panels for a maximum of three days per year to support the process 

• To attend and support the delivery of the annual NIoT Graduation Day. 

Corporate responsibilities 

• To ensure that the responsibilities of the role are carried out in a way which reflects the mission and the values of the national institute. 

• To be aware of and observe all policies, procedures, working practices and regulations, and in particular to comply with policies relating to equal opportunities, health and safety, confidentiality, data protection and financial regulations, reporting any concerns to an appropriate person. 

• To comply with all reasonable management requests.  

Essential criteria 

• A commitment to the aims of the National Institute of Teaching. 

• Educated to level 7 or higher, experience of academic reading and writing at Level 7 or higher. 

• Experience of designing materials for NPQs, ECTP, initial teacher training, PGCE or other higher education programmes. 

• A proven track record / a minimum of 2+ years of experience in the development of educational materials, including presentations, e-learning material, checklists, participant guides, and other materials used in training and development. 

• Understanding of instructional design methods, theories and best practice. 

• Experience of designing materials that involve critical reflection. 

• Experience in the education sector, ideally as a teacher, leader or instructor. 

• Ability to train and support others, including teachers, school leaders and content design colleagues, to deliver materials that integrate critical reflection at Level 7 with QTS-aligned classroom practice. 

• Ability to build strong relationships with a diverse group of key stakeholders. 

• Excellent track record of delivery on collaborative projects against tight timelines. 

• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. 

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. 

Desirable criteria 

• Experience of designing materials that support Level 7 masters assessments, and an understanding of how to integrate this with QTS-aligned classroom practice. 

• Experience of working within a Lead Provider / Sub-contractor delivery model, or with DfE-funded programmes. 

• Familiarity with the regulatory environment for higher education and Initial Teacher Education (ITE), including Office for Students (OfS) requirements. 

• Previous exposure to or experience with User Experience (UX) Design and Design Thinking. 

• Experience of designing interventions for research purposes and disseminating findings successfully. 

• Experience of schools, especially those that face challenges such as those in ‘cold spots’. 

Working at the National Institute of Teaching 

Contract: Full time. Fixed term contract for 4 years due to funding.

Salary: £44,075 per annum plus benefits (+ London weighting if applicable) 

Key benefits: 

• Highly competitive pay and pay progression opportunities. 

• Flexible start and end working times. 

• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working. 

• At least 27 days’ holiday a year (plus 8 bank holidays) rising to 33 days after five years’ service. 

• Entry to the Local Government Pension Scheme 

• A stimulating, supportive and rewarding working environment with a dedicated team of likeminded professionals. 

• Excellent opportunities to develop your skills and experience and to progress your career 

 Further information    

We think a wide range of different work and educational experiences could support you to be successful in this role. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities.  

 Notes:   

• To ensure a fair and robust selection process, we expect all application responses to be based on your own original thoughts, skills and experience. Our system includes functionality to identify AI-generated content, and applications where responses appear not to be the candidate’s own work may be disregarded.

• We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. 

• Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

• This post requires a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) with a Children’s Barred List Check and Occupational Health Check is required as a condition of employment . 

• This document is an overview of the role.

• The responsibilities will include but will not be limited to those listed above and it is anticipated that the role will evolve over time and as such the duties may change.