Lead Instructional Designer

CDW•Chicago, IL

20d•$114,000 - $158,800

About The Position

The Lead Instructional Designer uses instructional design knowledge, learning technologies, and project management expertise to lead complex learning and enablement initiatives focused on developing leadership, selling, and technical skills. The role partners with senior leadership to implement development programs that support CDW’s strategies and business goals. Its scope includes identifying, designing, developing, implementing, and measuring training solutions using varied learning tools, as well as contributing to organizational improvement projects. The Lead Instructional Designer leads complex projects, identifies and implements innovative learning solutions, uses emerging technologies, and coaches peers on instructional design practices and modern learning tools. The role manages learning initiatives from needs assessment through evaluation; consults with cross-functional stakeholders; applies instructional design, project management, and AI-enabled learning practices; assesses learner skills and business impact; and presents recommendations to executive audiences. It also mentors instructional design colleagues, works with external vendors when needed, develops and maintains curricula and content governance processes, and identifies opportunities for ongoing program improvement. Travel may be required up to 10%. The salary range is $114,000–$158,800, depending on experience and skill set, with an annual bonus target of 10% subject to plan terms and conditions. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic differentials. CDW describes its benefits in an external benefits overview; specific benefits are not enumerated in the posting. CDW emphasizes responsible, curious, and adaptive use of AI and describes a collaborative workplace focused on learning, support, and meaningful contributions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
Seven years’ experience as a CDW coworker or seven years’ work experience in instructional design or a related field.
Current, in-depth knowledge of learning technologies, AI-enabled development tools, instructional design best practices, adult learning theory, evaluation methodologies, and industry trends.
Depth and/or breadth of expertise in instructional design, adult learning theories, and evaluation methodologies.
Demonstrated instructional design and project management experience with a successful record of improving learner knowledge, performance, effectiveness, and business outcomes.
Ability to lead multiple complex initiatives, balance competing priorities, adapt to changing business needs, and meet project timelines and stakeholder expectations.
Ability to interpret internal and external business challenges and recommend training-design best practices to address them.
Ability to affect customer, operational, project, or service objectives while working within functional objectives.
Ability to communicate complex concepts, anticipate potential objections, and influence others to adopt a different point of view.
Demonstrated time-management skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to build and maintain productive, collaborative cross-functional relationships.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, collaboration platforms, learning management systems, and content development platforms, including Articulate Rise, Articulate Storyline, Synthesia, and Camtasia.
Demonstrated ability to use AI writing, design, image, audio, video, automation, and low-code or no-code tools to accelerate learning design and content production.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Learning and Development, or Organizational Development.
Strong knowledge of advanced sales skills and strategy.
Strong technical aptitude.
Experience working with sales and services organizations to increase revenue and profit performance.

Responsibilities

Lead complex learning and enablement initiatives from needs assessment through implementation and evaluation, including prioritization, instructional design, stakeholder communications, and outcomes measurement.
Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to define business requirements and translate needs into organizational improvement solutions.
Research and apply instructional design, enablement, AI-enabled learning, project management, and industry best practices to improve processes and organizational effectiveness.
Lead multiple concurrent initiatives, managing stakeholder alignment, governance, resources, risks, dependencies, accountability, and delivery of business outcomes.
Measure and assess learner skills, client satisfaction, and business impact; establish strategies for addressing gaps and advise on ways to reinforce skills.
Write and present recommendations, project proposals, and business reviews for internal executive audiences.
Mentor and coach instructional design team members and provide thought leadership on instructional design practices, AI-enabled workflows, and learning technologies.
Evaluate, select, and partner with external vendors or contractors to build or tailor materials when necessary.
Continuously develop instructional design and project management skills based on current concepts and technology.
Design and develop learning experiences using modern learning technologies, AI-enabled development tools, and emerging approaches to improve efficiency, learner engagement, skill development, knowledge retention, and business impact.
Manage curriculum review, content governance, and lifecycle processes with subject matter experts to keep content current, relevant, and aligned with business priorities.
Identify opportunities for continuous program improvement and develop business case recommendations for changes.
Travel up to 10%.