Instructional Designer

Overview

TITLE: Instructional Designer

RESPONSIBLE TO: Manager of Learning Content Development

SUPERVISES: N/A

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

BASIC FUNCTION:

• Support the design, development, and deployment of learning content for the Goodwill Academy, the first centrally supported, full scale, inclusive learning and development function to train critical roles across mission, retail and support functions for Goodwill member organizations.
• Provide course design expertise to create effective and engaging training informed by desired learning outcomes.

Responsibilities

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Lead the needs analysis, design and development of training content and activities to optimize the learner experience.
• Collaborate with the content lead, talent development team, and subject matter experts to plan and scope learning projects.
• Coordinate and manage course development and course revision projects from inception to completion.
• Partner with other teams to identify or develop training curricula, instructor manuals, learner guides, job aids, and performance support materials that match established objectives.
• Actively search for, creatively design, and implement effective methods to train and educate employees by applying best practices in adult learning theory and training delivery.
• Develop design documents, storyboards, and course materials for delivery of instructor led, hybrid, and online courses. Incorporate gamification, where applicable.
• Partner with learning implementation manager to deploy appropriate and useful evaluation approaches, synthesize feedback, and use it to identify performance gaps in courses, curricula, and programs.
• Monitor, evaluate and continuously improve training materials and courses based on participant feedback and latest trends in learning and development.
• Review and test new and revised curriculum offerings from third party vendors, provide feedback and suggestions for improvement; contribute to new curriculum or program ideas.
• Maintain content development project plans and provide regular updates to content lead on project status, including timelines, challenges, and risks.

RELATIONSHIPS:

• Internal: Daily contact with GII team members revolving around Goodwill Academy, training, and professional development needs.
• Goodwill Members: Frequent contact with local Goodwill organizations to deliver training in a variety of ways.
• External: Some contact with consultants, suppliers, and outside experts.
• Government Officials: N/A

Qualifications

SKILLS NEEDED:

• Demonstrated ability to manage the intake, design, delivery, and retirement of learning content.
• Demonstrated ability to understand learning needs and manage the learning experience to ensure effective learner results.
• Strong understanding and application of adult learning theory, instructional design process, industry standards, and best practices.
• Experience developing content for different modalities (e.g. instructor-led, eLearning, virtual training, blended learning).
• Knowledge of Section 508 standards and accessible design best practices.
• Ability to solve problems creatively.
• Proven ability to use data for continuous improvement and evaluation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills required.
• Excellent time management and organization skills.
• Ability to work with a wide array of team members from different levels within the organization.
• Ability to work with diverse member organizations to understand needs, concerns, and opportunities.
• Ability to manage vendors to effectively scope requirements and manage timelines, budget, and deliverables.
• Experience with authoring tools, such as Articulate Storyline, Rise 360, Lectora, Camtasia, or similar.
• Familiarity with learning management systems and other learning technology.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Teams, Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook) and Google G-Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides).

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Instructional Design, Adult Education/Learning, or equivalent degree or work experience.

EXPERIENCE: Strong background in adult learning, instructional strategy, and design methodologies. Minimum 5 years of experience creating high-quality, interactive, and effective learning solutions. Experience using learning technology tools and applications.

DECISION MAKING: Latitude is given to the position in carrying out work assignments.

SUPERVISION: Capacity to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams with other GII staff. Works with general supervision.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Typically sedentary, lifting 10 lbs. maximum. Travel and set-up logistics required on a regular basis.

EMOTIONAL EFFORT: Work environment usually hectic with periods of high stress. Will need a positive attitude to meet daily challenges.