Director of Instructional Design

Who WE are:

RailPros is the premier provider of engineering and diversified safety services to America’s rail and transit industry. Driven by a passion for our people, clients, and communities, we are committed to solving our customers’ challenges and earning their trust through teamwork, continuous improvement, and service excellence. As a people-first organization, we prioritize the well-being and growth of our employees, fostering a culture of caring and support. We believe that when our people thrive, our company thrives.

Our mission is to enhance mobility, safety, and quality of life for residents, passengers, and partner companies. We do more than just provide services – we are constantly innovating and staying abreast of industry developments to help our customers succeed. Join us in our shared goal of keeping America moving and ensuring customer satisfaction in an environment where your contributions are valued and your growth is encouraged. Apply now and become a part of our exciting journey!

Job Summary:

The Director of Instructional Design is  responsible for managing the activities and work product of the people on the Training Development team (ie. instructional designers). This position may also contribute to the development of training material when required. Overall, this position is responsible for supervising and supporting the success of team members, for ensuring the quality of department's product, and for monitoring and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of department processes.

As a manager/ leader, this position must oversee the execution of the Training Department's strategies within the Development team. The Director must get results in regards to individual, departmental, and business unit goals. The Director is responsible for overseeing the development process for all training-centric products and services created by the team and ensuring products meet expectations in terms of quality, creativity, and innovation. This responsibility includes the promotion of and showcasing of our products inside and outside the organization. The Director must own and manage a long-term plan for identifying areas for process improvement to set the department up for successful growth.

Leadership responsibilities include, but are not limited to, hiring and people management; helping promote a company culture that encourages engagement and performance; providing inspired leadership while encouraging creative thinking, forward-looking development and responsible product design and development; product promotion; managing quality assurance and quality control of all product; providing creative guidance and oversight for project design and department growth; budgeting for future equipment and overhead needs; and, driving non-project-based work that supports growth that aligns with department goals.

This position is responsible for design and development of learning experiences (classroom and/ or eLearning) for RailPros employees and customers (internal and external products). This person collaborates with subject matter experts and customers to assess developmental needs and identify suitable training solutions, then works with the team to produce and implement the solutions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

People Management:

• Direct supervision of internal Training Development team employees and contractors, as needed.
• Hire, on-board and supervise team members.
• Identify and address problems and opportunities for the team.
• Support team member individual development.
• Scout, screen and approve team members' efforts in new ideas and technologies to advance our product offering.

Development Activities:

• Help ensure project priorities are communicated, team understands priorities and is making good decisions based on priorities.
• Work with product stakeholders to ensure scope, purpose and outcomes of project are clearly defined and agreed upon.
• Lead imaginative design discussions to develop creative messaging for successful internal and external training pieces.
• Develop and execute strategies for showcasing department products and/or capabilities.
• Collaborate, as directed, across RailPros departments (internal) to provide training development in support of other department and corporate goals.

Key Processes:

• Develop, implement, review and improve operating procedures for continuity and compliance of product brand.
• Develop, implement, review and improve operating procedures for efficient design and development of products.
• Other duties as assigned or required to meet the business needs.

Development Activities (when required):

• Apply adult learning principles and instructional design best practices to create engaging learning activities and compelling course content material/media (audio, video, simulations, games etc).
• Own the end-to-end design and development of learning content.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to identify training needs/ knowledge gaps.
• Suggest curriculum-based recommendations based on requirements analysis.
• Help write Project Proposals, to include Project Scope, Design Plan, timelines and budgets.
• Modify/revise programs as needed.
• Other duties as assigned or required to meet the business needs

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven work experience as a manager
• Must be comfortable working at both a strategic and tactical level
• Extensive knowledge of training development processes
• Proven team building and leadership skills
• Comfortable with and ability to drive results through ambiguity and multiple/shifting priorities
• Demonstrates excellence in communication and stakeholder management
• Highly collaborative
• Experience preparing and managing to a required budget, timeline, and project scope
• Knowledge and understanding of adult learning theory and instructional design methodologies for classroom-based, self-guided, and virtual training
• Ability to proofread work of self, and others, to improve quality, consistency, and readability
• Ability to write effective copy instructional text, audio scripts/video scripts
• Highly proficient in time management, organization, planning and prioritization
• High proficiency with electronic communications including e-mail and text as well as standard office applications (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams; Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate or similar)

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in Training Development, Business Management, or related field
• 7+ years of relevant work experience
• 5+ years supervisory experience

• Railroad, or similar industry-related experience
• Experience developing long-term strategies and planning

• Knowledge of a variety of course development software
• HTML5 competency
• Knowledge of a variety of multimedia training platforms and methods
• Trade industry memberships in learning development

Benefits & Perks:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Additional Coverage Plans: Accident plan, critical illness plan, and hospital indemnity with employee-to-family coverage.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Employer-paid with additional voluntary options available.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous Paid Time Off
• Wellness Programs: Access to various wellness initiatives and resources.
• Discount Programs: Exclusive discounts on products and services.
• Company Merchandise Allowance: Company-funded allowance for our online store.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA): With employer match.
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): Employer-funded.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): For dependent care expenses.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Support for personal and professional challenges.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and career growth.
• Work-Life Balance: Initiatives designed to support a balanced and fulfilling work life.

Join RailPros for a fulfilling career in a thriving and stable industry. Our core values drive us to excel as a team, prioritize customer satisfaction, and adapt to industry changes swiftly. Be part of a passionate and dedicated team that values continuous improvement, trust, and problem-solving. Apply now  for an opportunity to contribute to our success.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO):

RailPros provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless such accommodations would impose undue hardship on our business operations. If you are considering applying for a job and require a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the ADA, please reach out to us at peopleoperations@railpros.com. We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment for all employees.

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