Senior Instructional Designer - W2 Contract - Dallas - Fort Worth

SweetRush, Inc.; Texas; Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 135,000; Part time

Job summary

SweetRush, Inc. is seeking a Senior Instructional Designer for a 6-12 month W2 contract in a hybrid setting (3 days onsite in Dallas-Fort Worth area, 2 days remote).

You will design, develop, and validate engaging learning content for safety-critical and technical roles, guiding projects from concept to implementation. Responsibilities include leading program design, needs analyses, collaboration with SMEs, and mentoring junior designers.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in instructional design, ideally in technical or safety-critical environments.
• Proven experience designing for field-based, operational, or frontline audiences.
• Strong grasp of instructional design models (ADDIE, SAM), adult learning theory, and behavioral outcomes.
• Excellent visual communication and writing skills—you're clear, compelling, and on-brand.
• Experience using eLearning tools (Articulate, Rise, Vyond, Canva) and working within LMS platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of end-to-end training programs for safety-critical and technical roles
• Conduct needs analyses and translate performance goals into structured learning journeys
• Create high-quality instructional materials (eLearning, ILT, blended learning) using our client’s branding and standards
• Collaborate with SMEs, trainers, and stakeholders to validate content and ensure accuracy
• Support version control, documentation, and compliance tracking in partnership with Training Program Managers
• Mentor junior instructional designers and review deliverables for quality

Skills

Instructional design

Field-based audiences

ADDIE/SAM

Adult learning theory

eLearning tools + LMS

Clear writing

GenAI/Game design

Tools

Articulate

Rise

Vyond

Canva

Job description

Senior Instructional Designer - W2 Contract

Location: This is a hybrid position (3 days onsite, 2 days remote), with onsite required in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro area

SweetRush has an exciting opportunity for a talented Senior Instructional Design professional to join our client team!

Who We Are

At SweetRush, we believe that when you put people at the center of business, magic happens. As a global leader in learning and development, we blend high-end storytelling, emerging tech like AI and VR, and deep psychological insights to help organizations—from iconic global brands to essential nonprofits—flourish. We are a remote-first, tight-knit community built on a foundation of radical empathy and creative excellence. Our work isn’t just about the awards we win with incredible partners such as Hilton, Google, Bridgestone, Adidas, SHRM, and numerous others; it’s about balancing profit with a genuine desire to spread good in the world. If you are a caring innovator who believes work should be life-centered and impactful, then this is where you come in…

SweetRush is a remote organization, and as such, all resources must be technically savvy, have access to a strong internet signal, be comfortable with virtual/instant messaging and conferencing tools, and generally be available during established working hours.

About the Role

You will be creating dynamic, engaging, and exciting learning content from concept to implementation in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. You excel at simplifying concepts, procedures, and sophisticated technical information. You are curious about how things work and can deliver on your commitments. You'll focus on instructional design, content development, and collaboration.

Timeline: 6-12 months; extension will be based on client budget and resource performance

Contract Type: Hourly W-2 contract

Hours: 40 hours per week

Rate: $60/hour

Background checks and the review and signature of client policies and procedures are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of end-to-end training programs for safety-critical and technical roles
• Conduct needs analyses and translate performance goals into structured learning journeys
• Create high-quality instructional materials (eLearning, ILT, blended learning) using our client’s branding and standards
• Collaborate with SMEs, trainers, and stakeholders to validate content and ensure accuracy
• Support version control, documentation, and compliance tracking in partnership with Training Program Managers
• Mentor junior instructional designers and review deliverables for quality

Required Skills

• 6+ years of experience in instructional design, ideally in technical or safety-critical environments
• Proven experience designing for field-based, operational, or frontline audiences
• Strong grasp of instructional design models (ADDIE, SAM), adult learning theory, and behavioral outcomes
• Excellent visual communication and writing skills—you're clear, compelling, and on-brand
• Experience using eLearning tools (Articulate, Rise, Vyond, Canva) and working within LMS platforms

Bonus Skills

• Professional Certifications (instructional design)
• Experience with GenAI, game design, branching scenarios, and Wellsaid

SweetRush Is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, or belief; national, social, or ethnic origin; sex (including pregnancy); age; physical, mental, or sensory disability; HIV status; sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression; marital, civil union, or domestic partnership status; past or present military service; family medical history or genetic information; family or parental status; or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. SweetRush will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. We encourage applicants of all ages.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please note: We're all about remote work and have collaborators based all around the world; however, SweetRush is a US-based company, and English is our primary language. If you'd like to be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume in English. SweetRush believes in transparency and fairness. And for that reason, all of our active searches are available on the SweetRush “Join Us” page at https://www.sweetrush.com/join-us/ You can also find our openings posted on our LinkedIn company page under the “Jobs” tab at https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweetrush/jobs/. Unfortunately, cybercriminals take advantage of good people. Please know that SweetRush would never ask for your personal information, such as SSN, banking information, credit cards, etc., during the application or interview process. Always be mindful to protect your personal and financial information, and use careful judgment when providing information to talent acquisition professionals.