Fast Facts

ELB Learning is looking for a Senior Instructional Designer to lead the transformation of training in a retail environment, focusing on creating engaging learning programs and mentoring HR staff.

Responsibilities: Lead the redesign of store-level training, develop scalable educational solutions, and collaborate with senior leaders while mentoring existing staff.

Skills: 7+ years of experience in instructional design, strong project management, proficiency in various learning modalities, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications: Experience in multi-site retail or service-driven industries; background in working with senior stakeholders is preferred.

Location: Onsite in Dubuque, IA, with remote flexibility as needed.

Compensation: $50 - $60 / Hourly

Are you a hands-on, senior-level Instructional Designer with deep experience in retail, hospitality, or service-centered learning environments? ELB Learning is seeking a contract-based Senior Instructional Designer to drive impactful change for our client. This initial contract runs from June 30, 2025, through September 30, 2025, with a high likelihood of longer-term extension (temp-to-perm; 1099 or W2). You’ll work onsite three days per week (Dubuque, IA), with some flexibility for remote work.

Contract & Work Details (Temp-to-Perm Opportunity)

Start: June 30, 2025 | End: September 30, 2025 (with high prospect for renewal/extension and conversion to perm after 3–6 months)
Location: Onsite at Dubuque, IA (at least 3 days per week); remote flexibility as needed
Status: 1099 contract or W2; temp-to-perm track
Compensation: $50 - $60/hr

Role Summary:

Lead the transformation of store-level training, moving from informal, checklist-based and on-the-job learning to structured, instructor-led training (ILT) solutions.
Assess, repackage, and contextualize existing content into engaging, formalized learning programs suited to a fast-paced, customer-first retail culture.
Mentor HR staff on modern learning & development (L&D) principles, coaching them to adopt scalable best practices.
Bring energy, humor, and efficiency; avoiding bureaucracy. This culture values quick, clear action and minimal reporting.
Work directly with senior leaders to pilot, launch, and refine operational and people development training.

Key Responsibilities:

Translate curriculum analysis deliverables into practical, scalable training initiatives for retail operations.
Redesign, document, and pilot learning paths; balancing industry best practice with the unique needs of a small, family-owned company.
Produce and facilitate instructor-led (ILT) and blended learning solutions; basic proficiency in eLearning and virtual is encouraged.
Directly collaborate with store managers and supervisors to test adopted training approaches and gather field feedback.
Coach and upskill existing team members, setting the foundation for future internal instructional design hires.
Independently manage end-to-end project deliverables; minimal delegation, maximum ownership.

Required Skills & Experience:

7+ years proven experience as an Instructional Designer or Senior Learning Specialist, with significant focus on customer-facing, retail, hospitality, or similar industries.
Strong hands-on project management skills; take clear ownership of deliverables, timelines, and outcomes without excessive meetings or reporting.
Proven track record repackaging legacy training materials into modern, effective learning programs (preferably ILT and blended).
Familiarity with the full range of instructional modalities (ILT, OJT, eLearning, microlearning, job aids), and an ability to select the right tool for the job.
Excellent interpersonal communication: able to quickly build trust on a shop floor and with executives alike.
Prior exposure to retail culture where customer service is paramount and learning must be practical and scalable.
Comfort mentoring peers and HR professionals in learning design basics.
Highly self-directed. Embrace “roll up your sleeves” delivery—no delegating or waiting on others.

Preferred Qualifications

Background in multi-site retail, grocery, QSR, or another service-driven industry where operational L&D makes the difference.
Successful experience working under senior stakeholders or executives with high standards and a bias for execution.
Demonstrated sense of humor, efficiency, and the ability to thrive in a no-nonsense company culture.
Experience structuring a curriculum build-out after a formal learning needs or curriculum assessment.

Application Process

Submit your resume outlining relevant instructional design and retail (or similar industry) training experience.
Candidates submitted to the client will be provided with a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) to sign prior to reviewing proprietary assessment deliverables.

Why Join Our Project?

You’ll shape the foundation of learning and development for a storied retail brand, working at the intersection of legacy and innovation. We value diversity, autonomy, and respect for people—inviting all backgrounds to help elevate our client’s workforce. If you’re ready to do hands-on work in a fast-paced environment with real impact, we want to hear from you.

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Senior Instructional Designer