Senior Instructional Designer
Junior Achievement
About Us
Junior Achievement aims to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization that gives students relevant, hands-on learning experiences that teach them to manage their money, plan for their economic future, own businesses, develop readiness for careers, college, or technical training, and make smart academic and financial choices.
JA Worldwide, representing all Junior Achievement organizations globally, was nominated for the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 for the Nobel Peace Prize. JA was nominated due to the organization’s global reach, success in delivering economic empowerment to youth at scale, and its ability to find unity in diversity. For centuries, unemployment and poverty have led to political instability, violence, and war. By economically empowering youth on all continents, JA serves as a conduit for peace.
Role Overview: Senior Instructional Designer
JA USA’s Education Team is seeking a Senior Instructional Designer to join our Instruction and Content team to lead the development of engaging, effective multimedia training solutions for adult learners. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a strong foundation in instructional design methodologies, adult learning principles, and multimedia development across diverse delivery formats, including facilitator-led, blended, and eLearning. The Senior Instructional Designer will report to the Senior Director, Instructional Design, and collaborate cross-functionally with various teams within the Education division to create high-quality, mission-aligned training experiences. This is a 2-year grant-funded, remote position.
Essential Functions
- Support, lead, and/or manage instructional design projects, as assigned, to support various initiatives focused on training materials.
- Work with Project Managers and manage projects to ensure appropriate delivery from concept to final release.
- Apply systems thinking to align training solutions with organizational frameworks, DE&I commitments, and long-term outcomes.
- Design comprehensive learning experiences grounded in adult learning theory and instructional design best practices.
- Develop engaging learning multimedia assets to meet diverse learner needs, including eLearning modules, videos, simulations, and interactive objects.
- Create facilitator guides and other support materials to ensure successful implementation by diverse audiences.
- Conduct needs assessments, as needed, to identify learning gaps, define performance objectives, and assess learner needs.
- Work within Learning Management Systems (LMS) and ensure functionality and compatibility.
- Work closely and collaboratively with subject matter experts, graphic designers, user experience specialists, and product managers to create high-quality training materials that meet project requirements.
- Stay current on trends in instructional design, adult education, learning technologies, and culturally responsive practices.
- Collaborate to maintain and update instructional design documentation around Learning Experience/Program Materials and Assets.
- Adhere to and provide input on production guidelines, style guides, and project scopes.
- Know JA's learning experiences, in general, and JA's mission and voice precisely.
Required Qualifications
- Five (5) or more years of experience designing and developing training for adult learners.
- Proficiency with eLearning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, RISE, Canva, Adobe Premiere).
- Experience with multimedia production (video, audio, graphics).
- Experience with LMS platforms (e.g., D2L, Canvas)
- Strong understanding of adult learning theory and instructional design models.
- Experience using data-driven evaluation methods to inform training design.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in a remote environment.
- Proven ability to lead projects independently and coordinate with contractors and vendors.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Education, Learning Technologies, or related field.
- Experience leveraging AI-powered tools to improve instructional design processes and efficiency.
- Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG)
- Understanding of culturally responsive approach to education.
- Familiarity with JA programming and JA Production Guidelines preferred.
Benefits
JA USA’s health care benefits provide coverage when needed—focusing on programs that support and encourage healthy living and your overall well-being. We offer medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, paid time off, and 401(k).
Our Commitment
At JA USA, we believe that our success is directly tied to our ability to foster an environment where all individuals have access to opportunities and can thrive. We are deeply committed to creating a workplace where inclusion and belonging are not just principles but lived experiences. This commitment drives us to attract, develop, retain, and promote a workforce that mirrors the communities we serve, bringing together a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and talents.
We embrace the unique contributions that every JA USA employee brings to our mission and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to join our team. By welcoming various voices, we continue to expand our understanding of the world, and we actively seek to elevate representation of different individual experiences and the perspectives they shape.
We are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and heard—where people can be their authentic selves and know that they belong. This is how we build a workplace where every individual can succeed, and where we work together to create lasting impact for the young people and communities we serve.
Additional Information
JA USA does not provide sponsorship for employment visas for this position. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship, now or in the future.