Instructional Designer

📋 Description

• • As an Instructional Designer at Forward Financing, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the learning and development landscape of a mission-driven fintech company dedicated to empowering small businesses. This remote position offers a unique opportunity to move beyond traditional instructional design and become a strategic Learning Partner, consulting with stakeholders to solve complex business problems and drive innovation, particularly through the integration of Artificial Intelligence into learning and work processes.
• • You will be instrumental in designing and developing high-impact leadership curricula and performance management resources. This involves translating sophisticated management frameworks into practical, actionable scenarios, engaging role-playing exercises, and readily accessible "Just-in-Time" guides that directly support the annual performance cycle and foster continuous development among our leaders.
• • A key responsibility will be the optimization of global functional onboarding experiences. Your expertise will be leveraged to structure and refine content that significantly reduces the "time-to-ramp" for new hires, ensuring they are not only proficient in their roles quickly but also seamlessly integrated into Forward Financing's unique culture and values.
• • The role demands the creation of comprehensive materials for synchronous virtual learning environments, such as Zoom and Google Meet. This includes developing visually engaging slide decks that capture attention, crafting detailed facilitator guides that empower instructors, and designing interactive breakout activities that promote active participation and knowledge retention.
• • You will also be involved in video production, requiring you to edit training videos, screen captures, and interviews. Comfort with trimming footage, syncing audio, removing background noise, and applying polish using industry-standard tools like Adobe Premiere, Camtasia, or Canva is essential for creating professional and effective learning assets.
• • A significant aspect of the role involves leveraging eLearning and rapid design methodologies. You will build SCORM-compliant courses using Articulate Storyline/Rise 360, and quickly create on-brand supplementary assets like thumbnails, worksheets, and infographics using Canva, ensuring a consistent and professional learning experience.
• • Embracing the future of learning, you will utilize Generative AI tools to accelerate the creation of training outlines, draft scripts, and develop course assets, thereby moving beyond traditional development timelines. Furthermore, you will actively support the organization's AI enablement by designing resources and "Just-in-Time" guides that empower employees across all departments to effectively use AI tools in their daily work, enhancing productivity and innovation.
• • You will be responsible for maintaining a well-organized library of learning assets and managing the upload and testing of courses within the Learning Management System (LMS) to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of learning progress.
• • This position offers the chance to be a strategic partner, consulting with various business units to understand their unique learning needs and challenges. You will have the autonomy to propose and implement innovative learning solutions that directly address business objectives and contribute to the company's overall success.
• • By joining Forward Financing, you will contribute to a mission-driven company that provides essential capital to small businesses, many of whom are underserved by traditional financial institutions. Your work will directly impact the ability of these businesses to grow and thrive.
• • The role encourages a "Partner" and Innovator Mindset, where strong consulting skills are valued. You will be empowered to challenge stakeholders constructively to ensure training solutions genuinely solve business problems and are eager to guide colleagues in adopting new technologies, such as AI, to boost their productivity.
• • You will be at the forefront of integrating AI into learning and development, helping to define how the company leverages this technology for employee growth and operational efficiency. This includes exploring new AI-powered learning modalities and tools.
• • The position requires a deep understanding of adult learning principles and various learning modalities, enabling you to select the most effective approach—whether it's a video, a live workshop, or a job aid—to achieve optimal learning outcomes.
• • You will contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and extraordinary achievement, aligning with Forward Financing's core values of driving the mission, keeping it real, acting with kindness, and shooting for extraordinary.