INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER

Department:                             Training and Development

Position Reports To:                Managing Director of Training and Development

Status:                                     Full time, exempt

Date:                                        February 2007

Summary:

Work collaboratively with the training department, operations and support center Associates and Management on the need, design, development, implementation and evaluation of identified business learning initiatives. Identify and interpret business and client needs. Produce programs and materials that will have maximum business and learning impact. Develop engaging, intuitive, informative and challenging learning materials and programs using sound instructional design principles. Continually explore new technologies for potential application to Associate and Management learning and instructional challenges. Maintain materials and programs on a regular basis. Continually adapt and learn new design and development procedures that will enhance the learner’s job performance.

 Responsibilities:

1.  Analysis

Assess and analyze operations Management and Associate population, job standards and performance needs. Interview Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Identify problems, challenges and performance gaps. Establish rapport and continued involvement with internal customers. Determine resource constraints and understand performance requirements. Evaluate needs assessment data. Report findings to supervisor and management steering committee.

2. Design

Develop learning objectives and evaluation strategies. Review and validate source materials and SME knowledge for accuracy and relevance. Determine media and delivery methods. Estimate project costs. Design and develop an overall strategic learning plan that is aligned with business objectives.  Gain project approval from management steering committee.

3.  Development

Create compelling and dynamic training and learning materials, activities and related documents that will dramatically enhance the knowledge and skills of learners. Ensure programs and materials support learning objectives. Determine best instructional technology tools for the delivery of instruction and learning while staying within agreed to budget guidelines. Review, edit and complete program content. Validate learning materials content and perform quality assurance reviews. Create evaluation instruments (levels 1-4) and performance metrics. Establish tracking and monitoring system. Develop a Train-the-Trainer program as needed. Create an implementation and communication plan. Gain content approval from SMEs and management steering committee.

 4.  Implementation

Guide the selection of those responsible for implementing programs. Oversee or implement a train-the-trainer program, the certification process, scheduling and roll out coordination requirements. Ensure training and learning events occur. Provide management steering committee briefings. Gather program implementation data and feedback.

5. Evaluation

Gather and analyze data from the training and learning events. Analyze results. Determine successes, changes needed and next steps for success. Share results with management steering committee. Implement follow-up plan to ensure transfer of learning occurs on the job.

 6.  Project Management

Lead and guide the development of multiple projects. Use multiple communication tools to effectively collaborate across functions and departments. Be proactive to solving problems. Ensure projects achieve intended purpose. Report progress in a timely manner. Meet agreed to and established deadlines. Be at or below agreed to project budgets. Establish project plans; keep plans up to date and supervisor informed of target dates, issues, project completion and progress.  Manage the resources assigned to projects.

7.  Collaboration

Actively involve Subject Matter Experts and gain resolution to issues in a timely manner. Educate and influence the thinking and action of others who impact the development of training programs. Build trust and relationships with key operations and Support Center contacts that support the learning programs.

8.  Communication

Practice open and honest communication with Associates and Management.  Respond to concerns and issues timely and effectively. Listen actively to what others are saying and communicate your thoughts and ideas so they can be easily and clearly understood. Ensure all information developed is accurate and grammatically correct.

 9.  Additional responsibilities, as identified and assigned.

 Position Requirements:

 Education and Background:

1.     Bachelor’s degree required, advance degree preferred

2.     In-depth experience and knowledge of the instructional system design including analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation

3.     Knowledge and experience of techniques to elicit content from SMEs, research methods, various instructional methods, delivery options

4.     Prefer dental or medical related instructional design experience

5.     Proven career progression or consulting experience with increasing levels of project experience and responsibility

 Characteristics and Abilities:

1.     Excellent written and communications, interpersonal and organizational skills.

2.     Proven desire to exceed client expectations

3. Multiple project leadership, business partnering and cross department/matrix collaboration

4.     Self-management abilities and sound business judgment

5.     PC typing skills including Word and/or Excel and Power Point required; additional graphic design and development software tool experience preferred

6.     Web based or software based development experience preferred

7.     High level of experience with software that facilitates the design of instruction

8.     Flexible to support and to adapt to constant change.

9.     Highly motivated by seeing others achieve personal success.

 Contact Information:

 David Sokolowski

Managing Director of Training and Development

Aspen Dental Management, Inc.

281 Sanders Creek Parkway

East Syracuse, NY 13057

Email: dsokolowski@aspendent.com

Telephone 315.454.6000(305)