Instructional Designer

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), is a non-governmental, not-for-profit international organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in migration by advancing fair and humane public policy, facilitating and providing direct professional services, and promoting the full participation of migrants in community life. For over 100 years, we have shaped history with the belief that immigrants strengthen our communities, economy and social fabric through freedom, hard work, and family unity. To learn more about our work, please go to our official website at www.refugees.org. 

OVERVIEW

The Instructional Designer is responsible for the development of instructional materials to support all training and staff development department needs in USCRI’s Home Study and Post Release Services (HS/PRS) program. This position will work collaboratively with internal and external representatives/subject matter experts to assist in the development of various multimedia elements, including audio, video, and graphic/animated components in support of implementing online and project-based learning. The Instructional Designer will participate in the design and development of eLearning/online courses, assessments and evaluations of learner retention of material, and provide instructional design support and guidance to subject matter experts in the creation of online course content and associated print materials. This position will have an administrative role within the Learning Management System to ensure fluidity of platform and course functionality. This position reports to the Program Manager for Training and Staff Development. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Use software/applications (such as Adobe Creative Suite and Adobe Captivate) to design the graphic and animated content for Learning and Development course material;
• Apply adult learning theories and instructional design methodology to create engaging learning activities and compelling courses that enhance engagement and knowledge retention;
• Research, recommend, produce and edit training materials for a variety of delivery methods including eLearning, instructor-led, and blended learning;
• Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts in planning and scoping requirements for curriculum;
• Function independently and as part of the training team in the design, development, and testing of instructional materials;
• Review curriculum offerings from team members, providing feedback and suggestions for improvement, as well as contribute to new curriculum and/or program ideas;
• Contribute to storyboarding, authoring, and development of eLearning content and blended learning solutions utilizing Articulate 360 course authoring tools;
• Confirm learning objectives throughout the course development and piloting processes;
• Design and develop supportive learning aids for on-the-job training materials;
• Develop assessments, tests, quizzes, surveys and evaluations for each course to assess learners' retention of knowledge gained from training; help determine the criteria used to judge learners' performance and assist in the development of assessment instruments;
• Understand instructional design end goals and create graphic design content that matches these goals;
• Follow strict brand guidelines as well as other graphical and written standards; 
• Effectively visualize instructional graphics, the user interface and the finished product;
• Apply tested instructional design and graphic design theories, practices and methods;
• Maintain project documentation and course folders;
• Serve as the point person for LMS user accounts and troubleshooting; and
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job duties indicated is not to be an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s).   

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred in Educational Technology, Instructional Technology/Design, Information Systems or other related fields; 
• At least three years of instructional design experience in a professional setting; 
• Proficiency in multimedia software packages (Captivate, Flash, Articulate), digital video editing and streaming, and other production tools.
• Ability to write documentation and user guides for training material;
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with all internal and external stakeholders;
• Excellent organizational, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; 
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically proficiency with Word, PowerPoint and Excel is required; 
• Strong technology skills and ability to effectively utilize web-based training platforms and online learning management systems (LMS);  
• Non-profit experience working with immigrant children and families is preferred;
• Strict adherence to timeframes, policy and procedure;
• Ability to prioritize duties and multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to work well independently and in a team;
• Ability to track and analyze data; 
• Position is remote and the candidate must have an appropriate workspace to complete documentation, phone calls, and video conferencing; 
• Willing to travel a few times annually;
• Candidate must demonstrate a commitment to comply with mandatory state reporting requirement for child abuse and neglect; 
• Candidate must have dedication to the human rights of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers and displaced people; 
• Candidate must pass a criminal background check that includes history of conviction of child and sexual abuse; and
• Demonstrated support of USCRI’s values by exhibiting respect for others, maintenance of confidential information and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace. 

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS 

• Satisfactory completion of USCRI’s Orientation and Training;
• Satisfactory completion of funder required trainings upon hire and on an annual basis; and
• Complete additional training as identified by supervisor or Human Resources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity;
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands;
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying; and
• Quantitative/mathematical ability (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, standard measurements).

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

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer.