E-Learning Developer

🎯 Role Definition

The E-Learning Developer is a hybrid creative and technical role responsible for the end-to-end creation of digital learning assets. This individual collaborates with subject matter experts (SMEs) and instructional designers to understand learning objectives and then brings those concepts to life using authoring tools, multimedia production, and learning technologies. The ideal candidate is a skilled storyteller, a meticulous project manager, and a tech-savvy problem-solver who ensures all training materials are instructionally sound, visually compelling, and accessible to a diverse audience.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Graphic Designer
Corporate Trainer
HR Coordinator / L&D Coordinator
Teacher / Educator

Advancement To:

Senior E-Learning Developer
Instructional Design Manager
Learning Technology Manager / LMS Administrator
Multimedia Producer

Lateral Moves:

UX/UI Designer (focused on learning platforms)
Corporate Communications Specialist
Project Manager (L&D)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, develop, and deploy engaging, interactive, and effective e-learning courses, modules, and learning objects using authoring tools like Articulate Storyline 360 and Adobe Captivate.
Collaborate closely with instructional designers, stakeholders, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to translate complex information and learning requirements into compelling course content and learning experiences.
Develop detailed storyboards, scripts, and prototypes that outline the structure, content, and interactive elements of each learning solution before full-scale development.
Create and edit a variety of multimedia assets, including graphics, audio, video, and animations, to enhance the learning experience using tools from the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.
Implement gamification elements, simulations, and branching scenarios to increase learner engagement, knowledge retention, and the application of new skills in a safe environment.
Manage the full development lifecycle of learning projects, from initial scoping and needs analysis through to development, testing, deployment, and evaluation.
Publish and upload learning content to the Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring proper functionality, tracking, and reporting through standards like SCORM and xAPI.
Conduct thorough quality assurance (QA) testing on all e-learning materials to ensure they are free of errors, function correctly across multiple devices and browsers, and provide a seamless user experience.
Apply adult learning principles and established instructional design models (such as ADDIE, SAM, or Bloom's Taxonomy) to ensure the instructional integrity of all developed content.
Maintain and update the library of existing e-learning courses and performance support materials to ensure content remains current, accurate, and relevant to business needs.
Design and produce supporting learning materials, including participant guides, job aids, quick reference guides, and facilitator manuals to complement digital courses and create blended learning solutions.
Ensure all learning content is developed in accordance with accessibility standards, such as WCAG 2.1, to accommodate learners with diverse needs and abilities.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to course functionality, LMS compatibility, and user access problems, serving as a key technical resource for the L&D team.
Stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in the e-learning and instructional technology industry to drive innovation and continuous improvement in our offerings.
Develop and manage project timelines, providing regular status updates to stakeholders and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope.
Create effective assessment tools, such as quizzes, knowledge checks, and final exams, to measure learning outcomes and the achievement of stated objectives.
Convert existing instructor-led training (ILT) materials and static documents (e.g., PowerPoint, PDFs) into dynamic and interactive e-learning formats.
Analyze learning data and user feedback from the LMS and course evaluations to measure the effectiveness of training and identify areas for improvement.
Build and maintain a strong portfolio of e-learning projects that showcases a wide range of styles, formats, and interactive functionalities.
Participate in user acceptance testing (UAT) sessions, gather feedback from target audiences, and iterate on course designs based on tester input.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc training requests and the creation of quick-turnaround learning materials and job aids.
Contribute to the organization's overall learning and development strategy and technology roadmap.
Collaborate with the IT department to ensure seamless integration between learning technologies and other enterprise systems.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the learning and development team to manage workload and priorities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

E-Learning Authoring Tools: High-level proficiency in rapid e-learning authoring tools, particularly the Articulate 360 suite (Storyline, Rise). Experience with Adobe Captivate is a strong plus.
Multimedia Production: Strong experience with the Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects) for creating and editing graphics, videos, and animations.
LMS Administration: Solid understanding of Learning Management System (LMS) administration, including course publishing, user management, and reporting (experience with platforms like Cornerstone, Moodle, Docebo, or SuccessFactors is valuable).
Learning Technology Standards: Deep knowledge of learning technology standards such as SCORM (1.2, 2004) and xAPI (Tin Can API) for tracking and interoperability.
Audio/Video Editing: Expertise in video and audio production and editing, from recording voice-overs and screencasts to post-production and final rendering.
Instructional Design Principles: Strong foundation in instructional design models (ADDIE, SAM) and adult learning theory to ensure content is effective and instructionally sound.
Accessibility (WCAG): Knowledge of web accessibility guidelines (WCAG) and practical experience applying them to e-learning content.

Soft Skills

Creativity & Visual Design: A creative mindset with a keen eye for visual design, layout, typography, and user experience to create aesthetically pleasing and intuitive learning interfaces.
Project Management: Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for collaborating effectively with SMEs, stakeholders, and team members, and for writing clear, concise instructional text.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot technical issues, overcome design challenges, and find innovative solutions.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of content and a polished, error-free final product.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience with a strong portfolio.

Preferred Education:

Master’s Degree or professional certification in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Instructional Design
Educational Technology
Adult Learning Theory
Digital Media or Graphic Design
Communications

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of direct experience in e-learning development, multimedia development, or instructional design within a corporate or agency environment.

Preferred:

A robust portfolio of completed e-learning projects is required for consideration. The portfolio should demonstrate a range of interactivity, visual design skills, and instructional strategies. Experience developing training for software, compliance, or sales enablement is highly desirable.