Learning Design & LMS Development Consultant (Contract Role)

Consultancy Summary

The Sanar Institute seeks an experienced Learning Design & LMS Development Consultant to lead the transformation and elevation of three major e-learning programs.

This role will lead the full learning design lifecycle—from conceptual development to the creation of high-quality asynchronous learning experiences—integrating trauma-conscious, equity-centered, and evidence-based educational practices throughout. The ideal consultant is a seasoned learning architect with deep expertise in adult learning, asynchronous instructional design, LMS development, and complex curriculum structuring.

The consultant will translate existing curricula and manual-based training into dynamic, accessible, and engaging online learning pathways. This includes drafting full curricula, producing SCORM files (Articulate

Storyline 360 or equivalent), developing narration scripts, designing learner activities, establishing module progression, and creating multi-disciplinary learning tracks aligned with professional accreditation requirements.

This role requires someone who can partner collaboratively, uphold trauma-informed principles, and bring technical and creative precision to complex content rooted in interpersonal violence work and healing-centered practice.

Scope of Work

1. Learning Architecture & Course Redesign

• Transform existing curricula and manual-based content into comprehensive asynchronous learning experiences.

• Strengthen existing asynchronous course modules to enhance learning retention and application.

• Design module flow, progression, and learner pathways using provided materials and outlines.

• Develop multi-disciplinary learning tracks tailored to distinct professional groups (e.g., legal, mental health, medical).

• Align course structure with continuing education accreditation requirements across multiple professional disciplines.

• Produce learning design recommendations grounded in adult learning theory, neuroscience, and best practices in asynchronous learning.

2. Content Development & Narration

• Develop two full course curricula from existing training content into LMS page content, SCORM files, and other formats needed for partner or vendor integration.

• Strengthen one existing LMS-based course with additional content to improve engagement, application, and retention.

• Draft narration scripts, learning prompts, and instructional language consistent with Sanar’s voice—rooted in compassion, neuroscience, anti-oppressive principles, and lived-experience leadership.

• Identify opportunities to increase interactivity and deepen learner integration in both asynchronous coursework and live application settings.

3. Activity, Assessment & Application Design

• Create applied learning activities, scenario-based exercises, reflections, and integrations across all three learning initiatives.

• Translate in-person activities into engaging asynchronous formats and knowledge assessments.

• Build formative and summative assessments that measure competency, readiness, and integration.

• Recommend LMS-based activity formats that optimize engagement while maintaining accessibility and trauma-conscious design.

4. Technical LMS & Web Integration

• Build LMS components for two learning initiatives in LearnDash and WordPress, in collaboration with Sanar’s LMS vendor.

• Develop SCORM-compliant course files for the third learning initiative for use in a partner entity’s customized LMS.

• Create a cohesive, intuitive learner experience across modules, tracks, and supplemental materials.

• Ensure accessibility (captions, transcripts, alt-text, plain-language options) and trauma-conscious online pacing.

• Optimize LMS and SCORM structure for scalability, sustainability, and future fee-based program models.

5. Accreditation Pathway Development

• Assess course components for accreditation alignment across multiple disciplines.

• Recommend and implement structural adjustments that support future certification pathways (target: 2027).

• Generate competency alignment maps, frameworks, and supporting materials needed for accreditation processes.

Additional Scope Considerations

In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the consultant may support other project-aligned learning design or LMS development tasks as reasonably required to ensure the successful completion of the three learning initiatives.

Deliverables and Project Scope (January–October)

The consultant will lead the transformation of three substantial learning initiatives, each comparable in scope to a 40-hour instructor-guided training course now requiring translation into a trauma-conscious asynchronous format.

Deliverables will include:

A. Cross-Initiative Deliverables (All Three Programs)

• Development of project workplans, timelines, milestone charts, and ongoing progress documentation.

• Weekly written progress summaries and monthly project reports.

• Full asynchronous conversion of all designated course materials with clear module architecture and learning progression.

• Drafted narration scripts for all modules in Sanar’s established voice and tone.

• Redesigned learning application activities and assessments (scenario-based, reflective, competency-based).

• Development of multi-disciplinary learning tracks aligned with distinct professional requirements.

• Accreditation-aligned frameworks and competency maps outlining required adaptations for different disciplines.

• Supplemental learning materials, learner guides, worksheets, reflection tools, and additional media to support retention and application.

• Strategic recommendations for sustainability, scalability, and long-term fee-based expansion.

B. LMS Build Deliverables (Two Learning Initiatives)

• Fully developed, user-tested LMS modules in LearnDash within a WordPress environment.

• Implementation of activities, assessments, prerequisites, pacing, and track selection logic.

• Creation of LMS learning portals, resource guides, landing pages, and learner navigation supports.

• Accessibility and trauma-conscious design integrated into all module elements.

• Quality assurance testing and technical troubleshooting, with documentation.

C. SCORM Package Deliverables (Third Learning Initiative)

• Fully developed SCORM-compliant course files using Articulate Storyline 360 (or equivalent).

• Integration of all modules, narration, activities, and assessments into SCORM packages.

• Quality assurance testing for SCORM compatibility, accessibility, and usability.

• Technical documentation and implementation guidance for the partner LMS.

Additional Deliverable Considerations

In addition to the deliverables described above, the consultant may produce supplemental, project-aligned materials or learning assets as reasonably required to support the successful completion of the three learning initiatives.

Collaboration & Meetings Requirements

This engagement requires a high level of collaboration, consistent communication, and reliable availability. Because the learning design work directly informs several internal timelines, the consultant must be able to

prioritize this project throughout the contract period.

Expectations include:

• Biweekly standing meetings with the Co-CEO (Thrive) and Managing Director.

• Monthly progress review sessions to evaluate deliverables and timelines.

• Active participation in Monday.com for task management, deliverable tracking, and timeline updates.

• Consistent, timely email responsiveness to ensure fluid workflow and prevent bottlenecks.

• Additional meetings as needed during intensive phases such as module architecture development, scripting, and LMS/SCORM integration.

• Availability during core project periods when timely feedback, troubleshooting, or iteration is required.

• Regular asynchronous communication to maintain alignment between meetings.

Confidentiality & Intellectual Property

The consultant must sign a trauma-conscious confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement protecting sensitive program materials, organizational voice, and intellectual property. All content, designs, scripts, modules, learning tracks, assessments, and LMS/SCORM builds created under this contract will be

considered work-for-hire and fully owned by the Sanar Institute.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in instructional design, learning architecture, or curriculum development (5–10 years preferred).

• Significant experience designing asynchronous adult-learning programs.

• Advanced proficiency in LearnDash and WordPress LMS implementation (or equivalent).

• Proven experience developing high-quality narration, learning activities, and assessments.

• Sensitivity to trauma-conscious pedagogy, human-rights centered frameworks, and values-driven curriculum.

• Ability to translate complex conceptual content into accessible, engaging learning design.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

• Portfolio demonstrating comparable LMS development and learning design work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mission-driven or social justice–aligned organizations.

• Familiarity with neurobiology of learning, trauma-responsive education, or related fields.

• Experience supporting accreditation or continuing education course development.

Proposal Submission Instructions (Structured Bid)

Proposals must include:

1. Cover Letter: Brief introduction and description of alignment with project goals.

2. Proposed Approach: Methodology for transforming course materials and building multi-track

learning pathways.

3. Proposed Timeline: High-level timeline for January–October deliverables.

4. Flat Fee Proposal: Inclusive project fee structured around milestone payments.

5. Portfolio Samples: LMS courses, modules, or relevant learning architecture examples.

6. References: Two to three references from recent clients.

7. Statement of Values Alignment: Alignment with trauma-conscious and person-centered education.

Please submit all materials to kate@sanarinstitute.org and dom.bordenabe@sanar-institute.org