[Hiring] Specialist, Instructional Designer @Best Friends Animal Society

Role Description

Best Friends’ Learning Advancement Team is looking for the most amazing, caring, and AWESOME instructional designer. Instructional designers are the foundation of our programs and learning opportunities, including those offered in partnership with Southern Utah University, and play a central role in shaping high-quality educational experiences.

This role significantly influences how learning opportunities are created and experienced by those working in, or aspiring to work in, the animal services field - all with the ultimate goal of saving the lives of pets in shelters.

Our perfect candidate is passionate about helping people help animals, energized by creative problem solving, and always striving to make learning meaningful and student-centered.

The Instructional Designer, Specialist position is a key role providing an advanced specialty in designing innovative learning materials. This role will work closely with the Manager of Instructional Design, Instructional Design team members, and Learning Advancement leadership and staff to oversee instructional design projects and volunteers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Instructional Design team to design educationally-sound learning programs.
• Partner with the course development team in crafting clear, measurable learning objectives and authentic assessments.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to capture course-specific knowledge.
• Design and develop engaging, high-quality learning materials for various instructional formats.
• Collaborate with the Instructional Design team to select appropriate instructional design principles and strategies.
• Apply cognitive learning theories and accessibility guidelines to create inclusive learning experiences.
• Coordinate contractor and volunteer projects to ensure engaging instructional design products.
• Maintain learning materials and resources for consistency and content management.
• Engage in project management responsibilities for instructional design projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design preferred; equivalent combinations of certificates and experience will also be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly grasp the nuances of an unfamiliar field.
• Significant expertise in Articulate Rise and familiarity with HTML and JavaScript Rise code blocks.
• Proficient in Vyond or similar animation software; proficiency in Camtasia is a plus.
• Deep knowledge of instructional design technology and emerging tools.
• Proven ability to apply adult learning theory and integrate principles of diversity and accessibility.
• Experience collaborating effectively with subject matter experts.
• Demonstrated experience designing creative, exploratory assessments.
• Sharp eye for tailoring stylistic elements to match the tone of the surrounding material.
• Proficiency in building and managing content within Canvas or other LMS preferred.
• Demonstrated ability in managing and supporting all phases of instructional design project management.
• Experience applying quality assurance processes and content management best practices.
• Ability to explore creative solutions while upholding alignment with organizational standards.
• Openness to coaching and mentorship.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and adapt flexibly to setbacks.

Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer and/or on the phone for extended periods of time.
• Travel may be up to 10%, including overnight stays when needed.
• Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to department needs.

Benefits

• Supportive and fun team environment.
• Opportunity to create impactful learning experiences.