Instructional Design Specialist

Instructional Design Specialist

Thayer Leadership is a premier executive leader development organization that offers unparalleled leadership experiences that blend world-class applied academic and experiential sessions to unleash the “whole leader." Our battle- and boardroom-tested faculty deliver transformative learning opportunities that inspire action based on our values of purpose driven character, commitment to excellence, and innovative spirit (www.thayerleadership.com). In addition to our in-person offerings at the historic Thayer Hotel at West Point, regionally, and around the globe, we also deliver our powerful leadership experiences digitally through various platforms in order to continue to bring our clients the West Point experience from their respective locations.

Thayer Leadership is seeking a professional Instructional Designer to support faculty and collaborate with cross-functional teams in preparing, reviewing, and enhancing learning experiences that align with client objectives, Thayer’s core content, and adult learning principles. The ideal candidate is motivated, organized, resourceful, creative, curious, tech-oriented, professional, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. As a values-driven organization, Thayer Leadership is looking for someone who embodies our values of Purpose Driven Character, Commitment to Excellence, and Innovative Spirit.

Essential functions:

• · Partner with other departments in Thayer Leadership to design and deliver leadership development programs that align client objectives with Thayer Leadership’s core content.
• Serve as the primary instructional designer throughout the program lifecycle, providing expertise in adult learning principles, instructional design best practices, and learning experience design
• Review, customize, and quality-assure program content, ensuring learning materials meet client needs, support intended learning outcomes, and maintain alignment with Thayer standards.
• Guide faculty in the development and adaptation of session content by providing program objectives, participant insights, organizational context, and other key client information.
• Evaluate and enhance online and live learning experiences (virtual and in person), ensuring seamless integration between prework, online learning, experiential activities, and instructor-led sessions.
• Monitor program flow and learner progression by identifying content gaps, unnecessary duplication, and opportunities to scaffold learning across sessions and delivery methods.
• Observe and support program delivery, providing real-time recommendations and adjustments to address client needs, improve learner engagement, and ensure program success. This includes occasional travel: regionally, in the greater United States, and Internationally.
• Collect, analyze, and communicate program observations, participant feedback, and evaluation data to faculty and internal stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and business development insights.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design or similar
• 5 years of relevant experience working in instructional design or curriculum development.
• Experience with online learning or learning on tech platforms (Blackboard, CorpU, etc.) preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel regionally, nationally, and internationally as required to support client engagements, team meetings, and organizational initiatives.
• Strong understanding of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other educational technologies that support effective adult learning experiences.
• Excellent knowledge of adult learning theories and instructional design models.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced, changing environment with multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to work with a variety of levels of stakeholders and individuals across the globe.
• Comfortable and professional interacting and communicating with faculty and global clients.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills, and attention to detail.
• Strong computer and technology skills: experience with Microsoft Office Suite is required (PowerPoint is used daily in this position—experience and comfort level navigating PowerPoint at a high level is a must).
• Curiosity and demonstrated proficiency in leveraging AI and other emerging technologies to drive innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement in learning experiences.
• Experience in Dropbox, Airtable and Zoom preferred, but not required

Compensation:

• Full-time position.
• Salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Blended work environment (virtual and in person). Expectation is to be able to support in-person programs and job duties, when conditions permit.
• Relocation assistance is not available for this position

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $58,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What are top three traits that make a great team member?
• Please submit cover letter, through the Indeed platform, as part of the application process.

Experience:

• Instructional design: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $58,000 - $65,000