Job Description
Role Purpose
The Senior Instructional Designer is an advanced practitioner and consultative learning partner who diagnoses performance needs, architects innovative solutions, and leads complex end-to-end learning design across NVA. Working with Enterprise L&D program owners, business leaders and subject matter experts, this role determines when learning is, and is not, the right intervention. The role combines exceptional instructional design craft with performance consulting, measurement, digital innovation and hands-on development. It also strengthens design standards and supports the growth of other designers; program strategy and business accountability remain with program owners.
Performance Consulting & Discovery
• Lead discovery with stakeholders to clarify business goals, desired behaviors, audience contexts, barriers to performance, and evidence of success. Distinguish knowledge or skill gaps from process, system, motivation or environmental barriers.
• Challenge training-first requests constructively; recommend practical performance solutions, including workflow supports, communications, manager tools, job aids, practice, reinforcement and formal learning where appropriate.
• Create measurable performance objectives, design briefs, learner journeys and evaluation plans aligned to enterprise priorities and field realities.
Advanced Learning Architecture & Design
• Own instructional architecture and end-to-end design for complex blended programs across leadership development, onboarding, team effectiveness, operational enablement and cross-enterprise initiatives.
• Apply adult learning science, scenario-based and experiential design, accessibility and inclusive design, practice, feedback, spaced reinforcement and transfer-to-work principles.
• Build and/or direct development of high-quality instructor-led and virtual sessions, eLearning, simulations, facilitator guides, workbooks, playbooks, assessments and performance-support assets.
• Prototype, pilot, test and iterate learning solutions; ensure facilitator readiness, clear implementation requirements, content quality and maintainability.
Digital Learning, AI & Design Innovation
• Bring advanced proficiency in authoring and multimedia tools such as Articulate 360 (Rise and Storyline), presentation tools, video and virtual learning platforms; select tools based on learning and operational needs.
• Explore responsible use of generative AI and emerging learning technologies for needs analysis, content structuring, prototyping, accessibility, personalization and development efficiency, with appropriate human review, confidentiality and quality controls.
• Design for scalable distribution through enterprise learning platforms and in-the-flow-of-work channels, partnering with LMS and learning operations specialists on deployment.
Measurement, Partnerships & Design Leadership
• Define practical success measures with program owners; evaluate experience quality, learning, behavior adoption and relevant performance indicators; use evidence to improve solutions.
• Consult across Enterprise L&D and functions such as Operations, People, Clinical Learning, Legal and IT while respecting functional content ownership and decision rights.
• Maintain design standards, reusable templates, accessibility and quality checks; mentor and review the work of instructional designers without requiring formal people management.
• Manage complex, concurrent projects with strong stakeholder communication, prioritization, version control and delivery discipline.
Qualifications
• 5-8+ years of progressively complex instructional design, learning experience design and performance consulting experience, including independent ownership of enterprise-scale projects.
• Demonstrated portfolio of sophisticated blended, digital and performance-support solutions; advanced proficiency in Articulate 360 or equivalent tools and excellent writing and visual design skills.
• Ability to conduct credible performance diagnosis, consult confidently with leaders, translate ambiguity into an actionable design strategy, and evaluate outcomes.
• Strong understanding of learning science, accessibility and project management; experience coaching designers or setting design standards.
• Experience applying AI to learning workflows is strongly preferred; familiarity with data-informed learning design, healthcare/veterinary or distributed frontline environments is an asset.
• Relevant education or equivalent experience in instructional design, adult learning, education, organizational development or related disciplines.
Success Measures
• Performance needs are accurately diagnosed and solutions target the right barriers; complex learning projects move from discovery through implementation with clear measures.
• Learning solutions are accessible, practical, scalable and demonstrably useful in the flow of work; design quality and team capability improve over time.
Compensation: $84,000 - $105,000
AIP: 10%
FSLA Status: Exempt
NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
