Instructional Designer and Learning Specialist

Details • Blacksburg, VA

16d • $80,000

About The Position

The Instructional Designer and Learning Specialist works as a collaborative member of the Talent Development team, responsible for designing and facilitating training programs and resources aligned with our mission. Using instructional design techniques rooted in learning theory, this role creates written lesson plans, exercises, performance tests, e-learning curricula, and job aids for learners at all levels. Key responsibilities include analyzing learning needs, writing performance-based objectives, and selecting instructional techniques to develop and revise training content for enterprise-wide professional development programs. This role also manages the administration of the PageUp Learning Management System (LMS) and supports the PageUp Performance Management System. The specialist advises on developing HR Business Process training to support strategic HR goals. Collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) across the university, this position ensures that learning resources are optimized for all university employees, promoting engagement and professional development across the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Education, Training & Development, or related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Experience in instructional design and curriculum development in a training or teaching role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in designing and delivering training, including curriculum planning, instructional design, and learning assessment.
• Knowledge of eLearning standards and adult learning theory.
• Strong sense of ownership, urgency, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in applying critical thinking and project/time management skills.
• Proficiency in delivering presentations and facilitating group sessions.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with team members and leaders across the organization.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy, with a high level of personal integrity and respect for confidentiality.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality task execution.
• High emotional intelligence and effective communications skills.
• Demonstrated experience in creativity, collaboration and a growth-mindset.
• Experience working with an LMS(PageUp preferred), including data entry, reporting, and end-user support.
• Technical proficiency in e-learning tools (e.g., Rise, Storyline, Articulate 360, Adobe, Captivate) and SCORM standards.
• Ability to analyze data in Excel and create reports.
• Ability to collaborate with SMEs and other stakeholders in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree and/or professional certification in a related area.
• Experience in hybrid and/or online learning and development.
• Proficiency in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator).
• Experience in multimedia content development (videos, interactive modules, etc.).
• Experience working with faculty, training coordinators, program coordinators, and SMEs in course design and development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and MS Teams).
• Experience higher education or the public sector.
• Strong project management skills including overseeing content creation and updates.
• HR Generalist experience.

Responsibilities

• Designing and facilitating training programs and resources aligned with our mission.
• Creating written lesson plans, exercises, performance tests, e-learning curricula, and job aids for learners at all levels.
• Analyzing learning needs.
• Writing performance-based objectives.
• Selecting instructional techniques to develop and revise training content for enterprise-wide professional development programs.
• Managing the administration of the PageUp Learning Management System (LMS) and supports the PageUp Performance Management System.
• Advising on developing HR Business Process training to support strategic HR goals.
• Collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) across the university.
• Ensuring that learning resources are optimized for all university employees, promoting engagement and professional development across the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees