Virtual Instructional Designer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Surge Staffing  Columbus, Ohio, United States 

Instructional Designer

Summary

The Instructional Designer is responsible for designing, developing, and continuously improving learning solutions that support employee performance, onboarding, professional development, and organizational goals. This role partners with subject matter experts, business leaders, Training Specialists, and other members of the Learning and Development team to translate business needs and complex information into engaging, effective, and practical learning experiences.

The Instructional Designer applies adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, and performance-based learning strategies to create instructor-led, virtual, blended, and digital learning solutions. This role contributes to the development of scalable learning programs and supports the continuous improvement of learning content, resources, and experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Design & Learning Development

1. Design and develop instructor-led, virtual, blended, and digital learning experiences based on identified business and performance needs.
2. Apply adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies to create effective and engaging learning solutions.
3. Develop facilitator guides, participant materials, presentations, assessments, job aids, knowledge checks, and performance support resources.
4. Translate complex processes, systems, policies, and procedures into clear, learner-centered content.
5. Develop learning objectives, instructional activities, assessments, and practice opportunities aligned to desired performance outcomes.
6. Ensure learning materials are accurate, accessible, engaging, and aligned with established instructional design standards.
7. Update and maintain existing learning programs based on organizational changes, learner feedback, and business needs.

Learning Needs Analysis

1. Partner with stakeholders and subject matter experts to understand business challenges, performance gaps, and learning needs.
2. Conduct basic learning needs analyses and recommend appropriate learning or performance support solutions.
3. Identify when training is appropriate and when alternative solutions may better address a performance or business need.
4. Translate business requirements into clear learning objectives and development plans.
5. Collaborate with Training Specialists to ensure learning solutions are practical and applicable to the employee experience.

Stakeholder Collaboration

1. Build strong working relationships with business leaders, subject matter experts, Training Specialists, and cross-functional partners.
2. Facilitate content review sessions and incorporate stakeholder feedback into learning solutions.
3. Communicate project status, risks, timelines, and deliverables effectively.
4. Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting established deadlines and quality expectations.
5. Provide instructional design recommendations that support business objectives and employee performance.

Digital Learning & Technology

1. Design and develop eLearning and digital learning experiences using appropriate authoring tools and technologies.
2. Support the development of learning content within the Learning Management System.
3. Incorporate multimedia, interactive activities, knowledge checks, simulations, and other digital learning strategies when appropriate.
4. Partner with multimedia and creative resources to incorporate video, graphics, animation, and other visual elements into learning experiences.
5. Stay current with instructional design trends, learning technologies, and emerging approaches to digital learning.

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

1. Gather learner and stakeholder feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of learning solutions.
2. Review assessment results, participation data, and other available learning metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
3. Recommend and implement updates to learning content, activities, assessments, and performance support resources.
4. Ensure learning programs remain current, relevant, and aligned with business needs.
5. Contribute to the continuous improvement of instructional design processes, templates, standards, and workflows.

Preferred Qualifications

1. 3-5 years of experience in instructional design, curriculum development, corporate learning, training, or learning and development.
2. Experience designing instructor-led, virtual, blended, and/or digital learning solutions.
3. Working knowledge of instructional design methodologies and adult learning principles.
4. Experience developing facilitator guides, participant materials, eLearning, assessments, job aids, and other learning resources.
5. Experience with Learning Management Systems and eLearning authoring tools such as Articulate 360, Rise, Storyline, Camtasia, or similar platforms.
6. Strong writing, editing, presentation, communication, and organizational skills.
7. Strong project management and stakeholder collaboration skills.
8. Ability to translate complex information into clear, practical, and engaging learning experiences.
9. Experience supporting learning and development, organizational development, or employee development initiatives preferred.

Success Measures

1. Quality, accuracy, and effectiveness of learning solutions.
2. Timely delivery of assigned learning projects and deliverables.
3. Learner engagement and application of learning.
4. Stakeholder satisfaction with instructional design support.
5. Effectiveness and usability of learning materials and performance support resources.
6. Continuous improvement of learning programs based on learner feedback, business needs, and performance outcomes

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