Instructional Designer

Southwest Key Programs - Austin, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Austin, TX

Social Assistance

About the position

The Instructional Designer position at Southwest Key Programs is a full-time role that leverages extensive experience in instructional design, cognitive psychology, and adult learning theory to address knowledge or performance gaps. The designer will expertly analyze and organize content, design solutions, and write storyboards, scripts, and manuals. This role requires a deep understanding of how to use collaborative tools to facilitate effective learning experiences. The Instructional Designer will utilize the ADDIE model to create engaging learning activities and compelling course content that enhances retention and knowledge transfer. In this position, the designer will work closely with subject matter experts to identify the training needs of the target audience. They will develop clear learning objectives and instructional goals, ensuring that the content aligns with these objectives. The role also involves visualizing instructional graphics, user interfaces, and the final product, as well as creating graphic learning elements. The designer will conduct thorough instructional research and analysis on learners and their contexts, applying tested instructional design theories and methods to create effective learning experiences. Additionally, the Instructional Designer will design and develop exercises and activities that enhance evidence-based learning processes, create supporting materials such as audio, video, simulations, and games, and devise assessment methods to measure the effectiveness of the learning. Maintaining project documentation and course folders for compliance is also a key responsibility. The designer will participate in meetings and quality improvement initiatives as assigned, demonstrating adaptability to change and handling other essential tasks as needed.

Responsibilities

• Utilize the ADDIE model to create engaging learning activities and compelling course content.
• Work with subject matter experts to identify target audience's training needs.
• Develop learning objectives and instructional end goals that align with content.
• Visualize instructional graphics, user interfaces, and the finished product.
• Create graphic learning elements and visual aids.
• Conduct instructional research and analysis on learners and contexts.
• Apply tested instructional design theories, practices, and methods.
• Design and develop exercises and activities that enhance evidence-based learning processes.
• Create supporting material/media such as audio, video, simulations, and games.
• Devise progressive modes of assessment to measure the effectiveness of learning.
• Maintain project documentation and course folders to ensure compliance.
• Participate in meetings and quality improvement initiatives as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in instructional design, educational technology, or a similar field.
• Proven working experience in instructional design and instructional technology.
• Excellent knowledge of learning theories and instructional design models.
• Strong lesson and curriculum planning skills.
• Solid knowledge of course development software and at least one Learning Management System.
• Visual design skills using tools like Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Ability to write effective instructional text, audio scripts, and video scripts.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Understanding of varied learning styles and knowledge of assessment and evaluation methods.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in educational technology or related field (preferred).
• Bilingual in Spanish.
• At least two years of experience in non-profit organizations.