Instructional Designer

Job Summary:  The Instructional Designer supports the Program Development Department’s work in the creation and delivery of professional learning for educators and web-based learning for the instructors and trainers of Wilson Programs.

The Instructional Designer position develops engaging learning activities and course content for professional learning related to Wilson Programs. The goal is to facilitate learners in acquiring knowledge, skills, and competencies in an effective and appealing manner.

Essential Job Functions

• Design a variety of instructional materials for traditional instructor-led courses, online programs, web-based learning aids or products, and other programs as needed.
• Create engaging learning activities and compelling course content that enhances retention and transfer of professional learning.
• Develop materials for courses based on information provided by Wilson’s subject matter experts, professional learning team, and instructors to create the best coursework possible.
• Create realistic objectives for learning or performance for educators and trainers.
• Determine the criteria to evaluate the learner’s performance and develop assessment instruments.
• Redesign courses for online presentation that are conducive to distance learning programs while still adhering to academic goals of Wilson.
• Recommend changes to existing courses, including technology, or instructional methods, to better adhere to delivery options.
• Analyze courses to ensure they meet or exceed Wilson standards and provide reports for leadership review.
• Adapt coursework to assist learners with disabilities so that they are able to experience the same learning opportunities as others.
• Collaborate with other Wilson teams to launch new and updated courses and trainings.
• Maintain project documentation and course resources.
• Troubleshoot, problem solve, and edit coursework as needed.
• Remain aware of all emerging trends in instructional technologies and make recommendations about when to adopt certain systems to continue to offer the best learning experience possible.
• Understand and display WLT’s values.
• Other duties as assigned

 Minimum Requirements/Skills:

• Proven work experience in instructional design and with instructional technology.
• Strong knowledge of learning theories and instructional design models.
• Lesson and curriculum planning skills.
• Solid knowledge of course development software and learning management systems (LMS).
• Visual design skills (Photoshop, Illustrator) and ability to storyboard.
• Ability to write effective copy, instructional text, audio scripts/video scripts.
• Must be able to work with multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Must be collaborative and be able to work independently.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional project management and problem-solving skills.
• Should have a background in accessibility, usability, and experience design, information design and communications, as well as knowledge of instructional design models, strategies, and best practices.
• Experience building SCORM 1.2 and 2004 courses, with Articulate course development tools preferred.

 Special Competency Requirements:

• The ability to conceptually and intuitively understand how people learn.
• Know how to connect with an audience on an emotional level.
• Be capable of imagining oneself as the learner/audience member.
• Brainstorm creative treatments and innovative instructional strategies.
• The ability to convert a classroom lecture to a creative, innovative, interactive online course that helps students learn, more efficiently and retain their newly acquired knowledge over time.
• Visualize instructional graphics, the user interface, interactions and the finished product.
• Meld minds with Subject Matter Experts and team members.
• Know the capabilities of eLearning development tools and software.
• Understand related fields—usability and experience design, information design, communications and new technologies.

Education or Certification: 

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, education, educational technology or an equivalent field
• Master’s Degree preferred.

Experience:

• Two to four years in instructional design, experience in developing online, mobile training, and instructor-led courses, and experience with e-learning technology platforms and learning management systems.

Wilson Language Training is an Equal Opportunity, Drug-Free Employer Committed to Diversity in the Workplace.  M/W/D/V