Instructional Designer and Learning Specialist

$80,000 - $80,000/Yr

Virginia Tech - Blacksburg, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Blacksburg, VA

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Instructional Designer and Learning Specialist plays a crucial role within the Talent Development team at Virginia Tech, focusing on the design and facilitation of training programs that align with the university's mission. This position involves creating instructional materials and resources using established learning theories, ensuring that training content is effective and engaging for all university employees. The role also includes managing the Learning Management System (LMS) and collaborating with subject matter experts to enhance professional development across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate training programs and resources aligned with the university's mission.
• Analyze learning needs and write performance-based objectives.
• Select instructional techniques to develop and revise training content for professional development programs.
• Manage the administration of the PageUp Learning Management System (LMS).
• Support the PageUp Performance Management System.
• Advise on developing HR Business Process training to support strategic HR goals.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to optimize learning resources for university employees.

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.
• Experience in designing and delivering training, including curriculum planning 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.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy with respect for confidentiality.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality task execution.
• High emotional intelligence and effective communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in creativity, collaboration, and a growth mindset.
• Experience working with an LMS (PageUp preferred), including data entry and reporting.
• 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.

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 and training coordinators in course design and development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and MS Teams).
• Experience in higher education or the public sector.
• Strong project management skills including overseeing content creation and updates.
• HR Generalist experience.

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities
• Inclusive community
• Diverse enrollment
• Research opportunities
• Shared governance participation