Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for E-Learning Course Designer

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about creating innovative and impactful learning solutions? We're on the hunt for a dynamic E-Learning Course Designer to join our forward-thinking team. In this pivotal role, you will be the architect of our digital learning landscape, responsible for the end-to-end design, development, and deployment of engaging e-learning courses, interactive modules, and comprehensive training programs. You will work hand-in-hand with subject matter experts (SMEs) and key stakeholders to translate complex concepts into intuitive and effective learning experiences that drive performance, enhance skills, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across the organization. If you have a flair for storytelling, a mind for instructional theory, and a passion for technology, this is your chance to shape the future of learning.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Corporate Trainer
Graphic Designer or Multimedia Specialist
K-12 Teacher or Higher Education Instructor
Technical Writer

Advancement To:

Senior or Lead Instructional Designer
Learning and Development (L&D) Manager
E-Learning Program or Project Manager
Head of Digital Learning

Lateral Moves:

Learning Experience (LX) or User Experience (UX) Designer
Learning Technologist or LMS Administrator
Multimedia Producer for Education

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design and develop interactive, engaging, and instructionally sound e-learning courses, virtual instructor-led training (vILT), and blended learning solutions using industry-standard authoring tools.
Collaborate closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) and stakeholders to identify target audience training needs and translate business requirements into clear learning objectives.
Apply tested instructional design theories, adult learning principles, and gamification strategies to create content that enhances knowledge retention and skill application.
Develop comprehensive project documentation, including design documents, detailed storyboards, scripts for voiceovers, and facilitator guides.
Create visually compelling and cohesive course assets, including graphics, animations, and interactive elements that align with brand guidelines and learning goals.
Author and produce high-quality video-based learning content, including recording, editing, and integrating screencasts, interviews, and demonstrations.
Build and implement effective knowledge checks, quizzes, and summative assessments to measure learning effectiveness and learner competency.
Manage the entire course development lifecycle, from initial analysis and scoping through to design, development, review, and deployment.
Upload, test, and maintain e-learning courses within the Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring proper functionality and tracking of SCORM/xAPI data.
Conduct thorough quality assurance (QA) testing on all learning materials to ensure they are free of errors, technically sound, and provide an optimal user experience.
Revise and update existing training materials and courses based on learner feedback, performance data, and evolving business needs.
Manage multiple instructional design projects simultaneously, adhering to strict timelines and managing stakeholder expectations throughout the process.
Pilot and iterate on learning solutions with target audiences to gather feedback and make data-driven improvements before full-scale launch.
Design and develop supporting materials and job aids, such as quick reference guides, infographics, and performance support tools to reinforce learning.
Research and recommend new learning technologies, methodologies, and best practices to drive innovation and efficiency within the L&D function.
Act as an internal consultant on adult learning and instructional design, providing guidance and support to other teams developing training content.
Ensure all learning content is accessible and compliant with standards such as WCAG 2.1, providing an equitable learning experience for all employees.
Curate and organize third-party learning content and resources to supplement custom-developed programs and build comprehensive learning paths.
Facilitate train-the-trainer sessions to prepare instructors for delivering virtual or blended learning programs effectively.
Partner with the communications team to develop marketing and launch plans that drive awareness and adoption of new learning initiatives.

Secondary Functions

Analyze learner engagement data and assessment results from the LMS to provide insights and recommendations for course improvement.
Contribute to the organization's broader learning strategy and educational technology roadmap by evaluating and proposing new tools and approaches.
Collaborate with various business units to translate performance gaps and development needs into actionable instructional requirements.
Participate actively in sprint planning, project retrospectives, and other agile ceremonies within the learning development team to improve processes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

E-Learning Authoring Tools: Expert-level proficiency in Articulate Storyline 360 and Rise; strong experience with Adobe Captivate.
LMS Administration: Experience with publishing and managing content in Learning Management Systems (e.g., Cornerstone, Docebo, Moodle, LearnUpon).
Multimedia Production: Proficiency in video and audio editing software (e.g., Camtasia, Adobe Premiere Pro, Audition).
Graphic Design: Strong skills in visual design using the Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator) to create custom graphics and layouts.
Instructional Design Models: Deep understanding and practical application of models like ADDIE, SAM, and Action Mapping.
Learning Standards: Knowledge of SCORM, xAPI (Tin Can), and AICC standards for course interoperability and tracking.
Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Smartsheet for managing project workflows.

Soft Skills

Creative Storytelling: Ability to transform dry, technical content into a compelling narrative that captivates and educates the learner.
Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively consult, negotiate, and build rapport with SMEs and business leaders.
Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts clearly and concisely.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Strong ability to analyze needs, identify performance gaps, and map them to appropriate learning solutions.
Project Management: Outstanding organizational skills with a proven ability to manage deadlines and juggle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Empathy: A user-centric mindset focused on understanding the learner's perspective, challenges, and motivations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Adult Learning, or a related discipline.
Professional certifications (e.g., CPTD, ATD Master Instructional Designer).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Instructional Design & Technology
Adult Education and Corporate Training
Communications
Human-Computer Interaction

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct experience in an instructional design or e-learning development role.

Preferred: A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing a range of e-learning projects (including interactive scenarios, simulations, and video) is required for consideration. Please include a link to your portfolio with your application.