Lead Instructional Designer - Virtual Learning Environments

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive salary

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Lead Instructional Designer to drive the development of advanced e-learning in a fully remote setting. You will lead a team of designers, align courses with business goals, and mentor peers while championing accessibility and innovation.

You will oversee the full design lifecycle, collaborate with SMEs and technologists, and deliver scalable programs. A strong portfolio and leadership track record are essential for success in this senior role.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Education Technology, or related field.
• 7+ years in instructional design and e-learning, incl. 2+ years in leadership.
• Proficient with Articulate Storyline and Adobe Captivate; LMS experience.
• Strong knowledge of adult learning theory and ADDIE/SAM models.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a remote setting.
• Track record of delivering complex projects on time and budget.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Portfolio of sophisticated e-learning designs is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex, high-impact e-learning courses and virtual learning experiences.
• Manage and mentor a team of instructional designers, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development support.
• Oversee the entire instructional design lifecycle, from needs analysis and concept development to implementation and evaluation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to define learning objectives and ensure alignment with business goals.
• Drive the adoption of innovative instructional design strategies, technologies, and best practices.
• Ensure the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of all learning content developed by the team.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and budgets for curriculum development initiatives.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions for subject matter experts and other stakeholders on instructional design principles and tools.
• Conduct needs assessments and performance analyses to identify learning gaps and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Champion accessibility and inclusivity in all learning design efforts.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Analytical thinking

Instructional design

Education

Master's degree in Instructional Design

Tools

Articulate Storyline

Adobe Captivate

LMS experience

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Lead Instructional Designer to spearhead the development of cutting-edge virtual learning environments. This is a fully remote, senior-level position requiring a strategic thinker with a proven track record in designing engaging, effective, and scalable e-learning solutions. You will lead a team of instructional designers and collaborate closely with subject matter experts, multimedia developers, and learning technologists to create impactful educational experiences. This role is fundamental to our client's mission of delivering high-quality, accessible education through advanced digital platforms. As a remote-first organization, we foster a culture of autonomy, collaboration, and continuous improvement, providing the tools and support necessary for success. If you are passionate about leveraging technology to transform learning and eager to lead in a dynamic, virtual setting, this opportunity is for you. Your expertise will directly shape the future of our online offerings and empower learners globally. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team, where innovative ideas are encouraged and celebrated, regardless of location.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex, high-impact e-learning courses and virtual learning experiences.
• Manage and mentor a team of instructional designers, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development support.
• Oversee the entire instructional design lifecycle, from needs analysis and concept development to implementation and evaluation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to define learning objectives and ensure alignment with business goals.
• Drive the adoption of innovative instructional design strategies, technologies, and best practices.
• Ensure the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of all learning content developed by the team.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and budgets for curriculum development initiatives.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions for subject matter experts and other stakeholders on instructional design principles and tools.
• Conduct needs assessments and performance analyses to identify learning gaps and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Champion accessibility and inclusivity in all learning design efforts.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Education Technology, Curriculum Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in instructional design and e-learning development, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience with various authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate) and learning management systems (LMS).
• Demonstrated expertise in adult learning theories, curriculum design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM), and engaging online pedagogy.
• Proven ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams in a remote work environment.
• Exceptional project management skills, with a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Portfolio showcasing a range of sophisticated e-learning design projects is mandatory.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering significant autonomy and flexibility. Our client provides a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and ample opportunities for professional growth and development. You will have access to state-of-the-art design tools and technologies. We foster a collaborative and supportive remote culture, with regular virtual team-building activities and a commitment to work-life balance. This role offers the chance to lead impactful projects and shape the future of digital education.