Director of Instructional Design & Credentialing

Position Summary

Director of Instructional Design & Credentialing leads the design, development, and continuous improvement of education and credentialing programs for a prominent association in the service industry. This role combines instructional design expertise, credentialing oversight, and program management to deliver high-quality, accessible learning experiences across multiple modalities—online, in-person, and hybrid—serving association members nationwide.
The job location is in the Chicago area.

• Conduct needs analyses with subject matter experts (SMEs) and member firms to identify knowledge, skills, and competency gaps across roles in the industry.
• Design comprehensive learning paths aligned with adult learning theory, industry standards, and certification requirements.
• Develop and oversee production of course materials—storyboards, facilitator guides, eLearning modules, assessments, and job aids.
• Integrate diverse learning modalities (asynchronous eLearning, instructor-led, microlearning, simulations, field practice, and webinars).

• Lead design and administration of certification, renewal, and CEU tracking processes.
• Collaborate with testing vendors, psychometric partners, and committees to ensure validity, reliability, and compliance with best practices.
• Oversee credential maintenance policies, appeals, and recertification audits.
• Track learner performance and credential outcomes, preparing data reports for committees and leadership.

• Manage department staff and 3rd party providers.
• Partner with volunteer SMEs, component trainers, and committees to align educational offerings with market and member needs.
• Facilitate collaborative design sessions and maintain consistent version control, style, and standards across programs.

• Manage LMS platforms, ensuring SCORM/xAPI compatibility and mobile responsiveness.
• Ensure all programs meet accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA) standards.
• Manage digital credentialing systems and learner data privacy in compliance with applicable laws.

• Apply Kirkpatrick or similar evaluation models to assess program effectiveness.
• Collect and analyze learner feedback and performance data; propose evidence-based improvements.
• Maintain a documented review/update cycle for all curriculum and credentialing content.

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Adult Learning, Education, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years’ experience in instructional design or learning development, ideally within construction, technical trades, or credentialing environments.
• Proven experience managing credentialing or certification programs (association or trade certification strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and coordinate SMEs.
• Proficiency with eLearning authoring tools (Articulate 360, Rise, Captivate, etc.) and LMS administration.
• Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience with associations or nonprofit trade organizations a plus.

• Strategic and systems thinker with attention to operational detail.
• Skilled in adult learning and performance improvement.
• Collaborative leadership with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to translate complex, technical information into clear, engaging learning content.
• Commitment to quality, accessibility, and continuous improvement.

• Salary range: $120,000–$130,000, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, retirement plan, and paid time off.
• Professional development support.