Sr Instructional Designer

Metra; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra seeks an experienced Senior Instructional Designer to lead development of comprehensive employee training programs for the Operations Learning and Development department. You will assess training needs, collaborate with client departments, and write assignments for corporate initiatives.

The role emphasizes designing engaging materials across in-person and online formats, aligning with Federal regulations and OSHA standards, and delivering projects on schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, Adult Education, Instructional Design, Industrial Organization Psychology, or Technical Writing OR combination of education and experience equaling four years in technical writing or curriculum design.
• Minimum of five years of instructional design or training development experience, including at least two years in designing learning solutions.
• Knowledge of instructional theories and principles for hard copy and web-based materials.
• Knowledge of adult learning theories and instructional design models.
• Experience with class facilitation and various teaching techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead and collaborate to develop new learning deliverables or processes to improve efficiency.
• Design and update instructional materials using adult learning theory and design principles.
• Define learning objectives and implement industry and corporate standards into document design.
• Lead projects: prioritize, define requirements, collaborate with SMEs, and deliver on schedule.
• Identify, develop, and deliver innovative training materials across formats (classroom, online, blended, self-study).
• Promote safe work practices and contribute to a safe work environment.

Skills

Instructional design

Project management

Adult learning theory

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Learning management systems

Job description

Salary Range

$89,287.00 - $133,931.00

Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The Operations Training Department is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering training services for the Mechanical and Engineering Divisions. Training is delivered to comply with Federal Railroad Administration and OSHA regulations. The Mechanical Division audience includes Carmen, Electricians, Sheet Metal Workers, and Machinists. The Engineering Division audience includes the workforce employed by the Track, Signal, Capital Construction, Communications, Electrical Maintenance and Building/Bridges departments.

Reporting to the Sr. Div. Director Operations Learning and Development, the Senior Instructional Designer designs, develops, and facilitates comprehensive employee development training programs tailored to the unique needs of the organization; assesses training needs; and designs, develops, and leads various training programs, including entry and advanced-level courses. The position also determines staff development needs, appropriate delivery methods, and assess/enhance the quality of training programs; collaborates with client departments to develop learning solutions and execute training curricula; and leads instructional projects, implements creative learning techniques, and supports the department by writing assignments associated with corporate initiatives.

The primary duties include: Lead and collaborate with peers to develop new learning deliverables or processes that improve efficiency and effectiveness of the agency. Design, develop, maintain, edit, and update instructional materials using adult learning theory, design principles, and creativity that appeals to various learning styles. Define learning objectives, develop project standards, identify appropriate instructional strategies, and implement industry and corporate standards into document design. Lead instructional design projects including: prioritizing projects and defining requirements; analyzing assignments to determine plans and strategies; building relationships and collaborating with subject-matter-experts on curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation; negotiating and resolving design elements and content matters; and delivering project documents on schedule. Identify, develop, and deliver innovative and creative training materials and methodologies, and maintain documentation for facilitator-led training, on-line, blended learning, self-study, and job aids. Lead and facilitate training and participate in train-the-trainer programs. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.

Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in English, Adult Education, Instructional Design, Industrial Organization Psychology, or Technical Writing OR lieu of specified degree, a combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four years in technical writing or curriculum design.
2. In addition to #1, must have a minimum of five years of instructional design or training development experience, which includes at least two years in designing learning solutions.
3. Considerable knowledge of current instructional theories and principles applicable to both hard copy and web-based instructional materials.
4. Considerable knowledge of adult learning theories and instructional design models.
5. Considerable knowledge of class facilitation using a variety of teaching techniques.
6. Knowledge of information architecture principles and methods.
7. Knowledge of multi-media design tools.
8. Solid skills in applying instructional design, effective learning principles, and creativity in course design.
9. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
10. Strong interpersonal skills to creatively to motivate and engage participants in the learning process.
11. Strong human relations skills in dealing with all levels of staff, external groups/customers, and organizations.
12. Strong project and time management skills.
13. Advanced skill using Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.
14. Ability to listen, analyze information, and interpret client needs.
15. Ability to meet deadlines and work with minimal supervision.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. For general assistance, please contact [e-mail]. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.