Sr Instructional Designer

Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.
To meet those needs, Metra employs a diverse workforce in an environment that fosters creativity and drives innovation. We invite you to learn more about Metra and the many career opportunities we offer.

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The Operations Training Department is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering training services for the Mechanical and Engineering Divisions. Training is delivered to comply with Federal Railroad Administration and OSHA regulations. The Mechanical Division audience includes Carmen, Electricians, Sheet Metal Workers, and Machinists. The Engineering Division audience includes the workforce employed by the Track, Signal, Capital Construction, Communications, Electrical Maintenance and Building/Bridges departments.

Reporting to the Sr. Div. Director Operations Learning and Development, the Senior Instructional Designer designs, develops, and facilitates comprehensive employee development training programs tailored to the unique needs of the organization; assesses training needs; and designs, develops, and leads various training programs, including entry and advanced-level courses. The position also determines staff development needs, appropriate delivery methods, and assess/enhance the quality of training programs;

collaborates with client departments to develop learning solutions and execute training curricula; and leads instructional projects, implements creative learning techniques, and supports the department by writing assignments associated with corporate initiatives.

The primary duties include:
Lead and collaborate with peers to develop new learning deliverables or processes that improve efficiency and effectiveness of the agency. Design, develop, maintain, edit, and update instructional materials using adult learning theory, design principles, and creativity that appeals to various learning styles. Define learning objectives, develop project standards, identify appropriate instructional strategies, and implement industry and corporate standards into document design.

Lead instructional design projects including: prioritizing projects and defining requirements; analyzing assignments to determine plans and strategies; building relationships and collaborating with subject-matter-experts on curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation; negotiating and resolving design elements and content matters; and delivering project documents on schedule. Identify, develop, and deliver innovative and creative training materials and methodologies, and maintain documentation for facilitator-led training, on-line, blended…