Instructional Designer

Cornerstone Research; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 84,200 - 103,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare options

Monthly wellness subsidy

Generous paid time off

Mentorship and continuous learning opportunities

Job summary

Cornerstone Research in Chicago is seeking an experienced Instructional Designer to lead the creation of captivating learning solutions aimed at improving consultant performance. This role involves designing and developing multimedia content that meets identified learning outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of relevant experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, and a passion for creating effective and engaging training programs. Strong writing, communication skills, and a bachelor’s degree in a related field are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in professional services preferred.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly to peers and management.
• Must have examples of work to showcase.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to learn financial and operational functions.

Responsibilities

• Design learner-centered, performance-based solutions using various delivery methods.
• Create interactive content using appropriate authoring systems.
• Collaborate with program managers to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Identify innovative instructional design strategies to increase engagement.

Skills

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud

Experience with Articulate 360

Strong writing and editing skills

Ability to multi-task

Experience designing for multiple devices

Education

Bachelor’s degree in multi-media or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

Canva

Job description

Role Overview

If you enjoy creating captivating and interactive learning solutions within a professional services environment, then we would like to meet with you!

The Instructional Designer is a part of the Learning team and is responsible for leading a content creation process and developing highly interactive learning solutions designed to improve consultant performance at Cornerstone Research. This role curates, designs, and develops multi‑media content that meets identified learning outcomes and builds knowledge and capability for the consultant population. In addition, this person must be able to work with a high level of independence, while also working collaboratively within and across multiple firm groups.

At Cornerstone Research, you will be part of a thriving, 1,100‑strong team that spans nine offices, comprises more than 55 nationalities, and leads the industry in its commitment to develop team members across all levels. Inc. Magazine has recognized Cornerstone Research five times as a Best Workplace for its outstanding employee engagement, collaborative culture, and professional growth opportunities.

You’ll Love It Here If You:

• Embrace learning and continuous improvement
• Set and strive for a high bar of excellence
• Believe that teamwork leads to success: ask us what it means to be #onefirmfirm!
• Take pride in always doing your best work, even if it's harder or takes longer
• Are passionate about what you do

How You’ll Help Our Team Succeed:

• Design and develop learner‑centered, performance‑based solutions that utilize a variety of delivery methods: e‑learning/on‑demand, instructor‑led training, online classrooms, virtual learning environments, performance support, distance learning, etc.
• Create highly effective interactive content using appropriate authoring systems and software applications as needed. Content includes digital assets such as graphic elements, animations, 3‑D modeling, video, narrated presentations, layouts, and templates.
• Adhere to project scope, timelines, budget and priorities for all assigned activities.
• Collaborate with Program Managers to evaluate effectiveness of programs‑in‑cluding development of learning metrics.
• Identify and recommend innovative instructional design strategies, technology practices, and best‑in‑class practices to increase content engagement, usability, and effectiveness.
• Proactively collaborate with team members, subject matter experts, and firm leaders.

What You’ll Need to Be Successful:

• 5+ years of relevant experience that demonstrates increasing capability and responsibility; professional services experience preferred.
• Strong demonstrated proficiency in development applications: Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, Audition, InDesign and Dreamweaver), Canva, Articulate 360 (Storyline, Studio, Replay), and Microsoft 365. Experience in AI learning tools a plus.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with a focus on clear and concise writing style.
• Ability to multi‑task, flexibly prioritize projects and has a high‑attention to detail.
• Experience designing for multiple devices (mobile, tablet and desktop).
• Ability to communicate ideas simply and clearly to peers, management, and business partners.
• Must be flexible in an ever‑changing environment.
• Passion, creativity and a positive outlook with a commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Examples of work are required for this position.
• Experience developing professional services development content a plus.
• The desire to take initiative and actively contribute to the team and the firm.
• The ability to communicate effectively and professionally.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to learn the firm’s financial and operational functions.
• The mindset to provide superior service.
• The ability to commute to our offices to comply with our hybrid work policy of 2–3 days per week in office.
• Bachelor’s degree in multi‑media, graphic design, digital marketing, fine arts, instructional design, or related discipline.

Compensation

Base Salary Range:

Boston: $88,200.00 - $108,500.00

Chicago: $84,200.00 - $103,500.00

Los Angeles: $88,500.00 - $108,800.00

New York: $90,100.00 - $110,700.00

San Francisco/Silicon Valley: $96,600.00 - $121,100.00

Washington, DC: $86,500.00 - $106,300.00

Individual base compensation will be tailored to your primary work location and the unique depth of experience you bring to the firm.

Annual Performance Bonus

This role is eligible for a discretionary bonus with a target of 10%.

This serves as a meaningful way for us to celebrate excellence, awarded based on both individual impact and our collective success as a firm.

A Holistic Investment in You

We view compensation as more than just a paycheck; it is an investment in your well‑being and future. Our industry‑leading benefits are designed to offer peace of mind and flexibility, featuring:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive healthcare options, a monthly wellness subsidy, and complimentary access to premium wellness apps.
• Financial Security: Robust retirement savings plans to secure your long‑term financial goals.
• Work‑Life Blend: A hybrid work model that balances collaborative in‑office time with telecommuting flexibility, alongside generous paid time off to recharge.
• Family & Personal Support: Specialized support including fertility treatments, parental leave, back‑up childcare, eldercare services, concierge assistance for personal errands, and pet care.
• Growth & Culture: A firm‑wide commitment to mentorship, continuous learning, and a vibrant, inclusive community.

Please note that relocation assistance is not available for this role. We look forward to learning more about how your unique perspective can strengthen our team.

Who We Are

Cornerstone Research provides economic and financial analysis and expert testimony in all phases of commercial litigation and regulatory proceedings.

We work with a broad network of testifying experts, including leaders from academia and industry, who are recognized for their depth of knowledge, accomplishments, and research. Our staff consultants contribute expertise in economics, finance, accounting, and marketing, as well as business acumen, familiarity with the litigation process, and a commitment to produce outstanding results.

We’re looking for passionate individuals who share our firm’s core values and can bring varied perspectives and experiences to our team. The firm’s uniquely collegial, supportive atmosphere makes Cornerstone Research a great place to work. We invest in our people in a host of ways, from providing meaningful learning and development opportunities to organizing memorable social events. To many, our culture and our people are the most exciting, enriching aspects of a Cornerstone Research career.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cornerstone Research provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to legally protected categories, such as age, sex, gender, gender identity, race, color, creed/religious belief, medical condition, predisposing genetic characteristics or genetic information or testing, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, military status, veteran status, arrest or conviction record (except where permitted by law), sexual orientation, ethnic background, citizen status, ancestry, national origin, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law.