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Jobs · Education · Utah

Sr. Instructional Designer

NRG Energy · Lehi, UT · 6 days ago
EducationFull-time

Job Summary

The Sr. Content Designer is a senior-level individual contributor who designs, builds, and leads the development of complex, high-quality learning experiences across a wide range of modalities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Learning Design & Development

    • Design and develop complex, multi-layered learning solutions across multiple formats: eLearning, ILT, VILT, microlearning, video, blended, and performance support.
    • Lead the architecture of large-scale or multi-course learning programs, ensuring logical flow, scope alignment, and instructional coherence.
    • Partner with Learning Consultants to create sophisticated design documents, scripts, storyboards, interaction maps, and prototypes for complex learning challenges.
    • Develop content using advanced features of tools such as Articulate Storyline, Rise, Adobe Creative Cloud, or similar platforms.
    • Apply instructional design, cognitive load theory, UX/learner experience design, and accessibility best practices to all solutions.
    • Create interactive web objects and custom HTML/CSS/JavaScript elements to extend authoring tool capabilities and create richer learner experiences.
    • Integrate visuals, interactivity, branching scenarios, assessments, simulations, and rich media into learning products.
    • Ensure all content meets brand, accessibility and quality standards.

  • Video Development & Production

    • Produce and edit instructional videos, screen recordings, and micro-video content from concept through final delivery.
    • Edit footage using tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Camtasia, or similar; incorporate motion graphics, captions, and brand-consistent graphics.
    • Develop animated explainer videos, software simulations, and visual demonstrations to support complex or technical content.
    • Apply video best practices for instructional contexts: pacing, visual hierarchy, chunking, and engagement design.

  • AI-Augmented Learning Design

    • Integrate AI tools into the learning design workflow, including content generation, rapid prototyping, translation/localization support, and personalized learning pathways.
    • Evaluate and pilot emerging AI authoring platforms and tools (e.g., AI-driven voiceover, avatar tools, adaptive learning engines) for team adoption.
    • Apply prompt engineering and AI-assisted content development responsibly, ensuring accuracy, bias review, and alignment with learning objectives.
    • Stay current on AI ethics and responsible use guidelines as applied to learning content creation.

  • Web Objects & Advanced Interactivity

    • Design and build custom web objects for use within eLearning authoring tools, including interactive data visualizations, branching experiences, and gamified elements.
    • Leverage HTML5, CSS, and basic JavaScript to create interactions that go beyond standard authoring tool templates.
    • Collaborate with developers and/or the Learning Technology & Analytics Partner to troubleshoot, test, and optimize web object performance across devices and browsers.
    • Maintain and document web object component libraries for team reuse.

  • Mentorship & Team Development

    • Serve as a mentor and coach for junior and mid-level Content Designers, providing guidance on instructional strategy, creative execution, and tool proficiency.
    • Conduct structured reviews of team members' work, offering actionable, constructive feedback aligned with quality standards.
    • Lead or facilitate internal workshops, lunch-and-learns, or skill-building sessions to upskill the Content Design team.
    • Model professional standards in design thinking, project communication, and iterative development.
    • Support onboarding of new Content Designers by sharing resources, walkthroughs, and best practices.

  • Collaboration & Review

    • Partner with Learning Consultants to clarify complex project requirements, learning objectives, and success metrics.
    • Work with subject matter experts to design content, validate accuracy, and manage review cycles efficiently.
    • Lead or contribute to design reviews, peer critiques, and quality checkpoints across projects.
    • Incorporate stakeholder and learner feedback through iterative design, demonstrating flexibility without compromising learning integrity.

  • Continuous Improvement & Innovation

    • Stay current with emerging tools, research, and trends in L&D, instructional technology, and adjacent fields (UX, AI, video).
    • Propose and prototype improvements to team design processes, templates, component libraries, and quality standards.
    • Contribute to the evolution of the team's design system and style guide.
    • Share findings, tool evaluations, and industry insights with the broader team.

Required Skills & Experience

  • Education & Experience

    • Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience).
    • 5–9 years of hands-on instructional design or learning development experience, including significant experience building complex learning solutions.
    • Demonstrated portfolio of senior-level work spanning multiple modalities and complexity levels, including video production and interactive/web-based content.

  • Core Instructional & Design Skills

    • Advanced proficiency in authoring tools: Articulate Storyline 360, Rise, Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects) or equivalent.
    • Deep understanding of adult learning theory, instructional frameworks (ADDIE, SAM, backward design), and cognitive load management.
    • Strong skills in visual design, UX principles, and user-centered learning product design.
    • Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent complex projects, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.
    • Exceptional writing skills for instructional scripts, scenario-based learning, on-screen text, and facilitation guides.

  • Video Production

    • Proficiency in video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Camtasia or similar software.
    • Experience with motion graphics creation such as After Effects, Vyond, Doodly, or equivalent.

  • Web Objects & Technical Skills

    • Experience building custom web objects and interactive HTML5 elements for eLearning platforms.
    • Working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript sufficient to build or modify custom interactions.
    • Familiarity with SCORM, xAPI, and LMS/LRS platforms.
    • Understanding of responsive design principles and cross-device/cross-browser testing.

  • AI in Learning Design

    • PRACTICAL experience using AI tools in the L&D workflow (e.g., ChatGPT/Claude for content drafting, ElevenLabs or Murf for AI voiceover, Synthesia or HeyGen for AI video, etc.).
    • Ability to evaluate AI-generated content critically and apply appropriate quality and accuracy review processes.

  • Mentorship & Leadership

    • Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and upskill junior team members.
    • Experience leading design reviews, team training sessions, or internal knowledge-sharing initiatives.
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to give and receive constructive feedback professionally.

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Master's degree in Instructional Design, Learning Experience Design, Educational Technology, or related field.

  • Certifications in Instructional Design (ATD CPTD/CPLP, IDOL Academy, or equivalent) or video/multimedia production.

  • End-to-end video production experience: pre-production (scripting, shot planning), production (recording, directing), and post-production (editing, color, audio, captions, export).

  • Experience with accessibility compliance auditing and remediation (WCAG 2.1 AA or Section 508).

  • Familiarity with learning data, xAPI statements, and data-informed design iteration.

  • Experience with 3D modeling, VR/AR learning content, or immersive simulations.

  • Knowledge of project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum) as applied to L&D teams.

  • Experience contributing to or leading a design system or component library.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

  • Consistent delivery of complex, high-quality, engaging, and effective learning solutions across modalities - on time and within scope.

  • Video content has a professional polish, is instructionally sound, and elevates the learner experience.

  • Web objects and custom interactivity extend the team's design capabilities and are reused efficiently across projects.

  • AI tools are integrated into workflows in ways that increase speed and quality, not just output volume.

  • Junior and mid-level Content Designers grow measurably in skill, confidence, and output quality through mentorship and coaching.

  • The team's design standards, templates, and shared resources improve over time as a result of this role's contributions.

  • Solutions are learner-centered, accessible, brand-aligned, and tied to measurable business outcomes.

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