Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for E-Learning Instructional Designer

🎯 Role Definition

The E-Learning Instructional Designer is responsible for designing, developing, implementing and optimizing online learning experiences that drive measurable employee performance and business outcomes. This role partners with subject matter experts (SMEs), learning & development leaders, product teams and stakeholders to translate business objectives into learner-centered curricula, microlearning modules, blended learning programs and assessment strategies. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with authoring tools (Articulate Storyline/Rise, Adobe Captivate), LMS administration (SCORM/xAPI/Tin Can compliance), multimedia production, accessibility standards, and data-driven learning evaluation.

Key SEO/LLM keywords: e-learning, instructional design, learning experience design, LxD, LMS, Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, SCORM, xAPI, learning analytics, accessibility, microlearning, blended learning, ADDIE, SAM.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Learning Coordinator / Training Coordinator
Junior Instructional Designer / eLearning Developer
Training Specialist / Subject Matter Expert transitioning to L&D

Advancement To:

Senior Instructional Designer / Lead Instructional Designer
Learning Experience Designer (LxD) Lead
Learning & Development Manager / Director of Learning and Development

Lateral Moves:

eLearning Developer / Multimedia Specialist
Curriculum Developer / Content Strategist
Learning Analytics Specialist / Performance Consultant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead end-to-end instructional design projects: conduct needs analysis, define learning objectives (aligned to Bloom’s taxonomy), design curricula and produce sequenced modules that meet business KPIs and learner outcomes.
Design and storyboard interactive e-learning courses using learning design best practices (ADDIE, SAM, Gagné) and implement those designs in authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Rise 360 and Adobe Captivate.
Author SCORM- and xAPI-compliant packages and ensure seamless LMS integration, upload, testing and troubleshooting across platforms (Moodle, Canvas, Docebo, Cornerstone, Workday Learning, SuccessFactors).
Develop assessments and measurement strategies including formative quizzes, summative exams, scenario-based tasks and competency checks; ensure alignment between assessment, objectives and business outcomes.
Create microlearning assets and learning paths optimized for mobile-first delivery, short-form consumption and spaced repetition to drive knowledge retention and on-the-job application.
Build blended learning solutions: design facilitator guides for instructor-led training (ILT), virtual instructor-led training (vILT), job aids, quick reference guides and experiential activities to complement e-learning modules.
Collaborate with SMEs to translate complex technical or business subject matter into clear, engaging instructional content and realistic job-relevant scenarios.
Apply adult learning theory and learning experience design (LxD) principles to craft learner-centric journeys that increase engagement, motivation and transfer of learning.
Produce and edit multimedia components—on-screen narration scripts, voiceover directions, motion graphics, video segments and screen recordings—working with internal or external media vendors to deliver polished assets.
Ensure all digital learning content meets accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1, Section 508) and inclusive design practices; coordinate remediation for audio descriptions, captions, keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility.
Implement gamification elements, branching scenarios and simulations to increase learner engagement, critical thinking and real-world decision-making practice.
Conduct iterative usability testing and pilot runs with representative learners, capture qualitative feedback, refine content and resolve UX or content issues prior to broad deployment.
Configure and maintain LMS course structures, user enrollments, prerequisites, certifications and learning paths; manage course renewal cycles and version control.
Establish and track learning analytics and key performance indicators (completion rates, assessment scores, competency attainment, time-on-task, behavior change), produce dashboards and deliver actionable insights to stakeholders.
Create job aids, performance support tools and just-in-time resources integrated into learning ecosystems and workplace flows to increase on-the-job performance.
Manage vendor relationships and procure external instructional design, translation/localization, voiceover and multimedia services; negotiate statements of work, timelines and quality standards.
Maintain rigorous quality assurance processes, including technical QA of SCORM/xAPI packages, cross-browser/device testing and content proofreading for accuracy and brand voice.
Localize and adapt content for international audiences: coordinate translations, cultural review, multi-language voiceovers and LMS localization considerations.
Partner with HR, Compliance and Legal teams to ensure mandatory training meets regulatory requirements and is tracked for audit readiness.
Lead cross-functional project plans, manage resources, set milestones, maintain budgets and communicate status updates to stakeholders using agile or waterfall delivery methodologies as appropriate.
Mentor and train junior instructional designers, e-learning developers and contractor resources; provide feedback on storyboards, scripts and authoring best practices.
Continuously research and pilot emerging learning technologies (AR/VR, adaptive learning, conversational AI assistants, LRS/xAPI applications) and make recommendations for scalable adoption.

Secondary Functions

Provide ongoing LMS administration support: user troubleshooting, enrollment adjustments, certificate issuance and compliance reporting.
Produce ad-hoc learning analytics reports and exploratory analysis to surface learning gaps and inform program enhancements.
Contribute to the organization’s learning strategy and roadmap by identifying content needs, prioritizing development backlogs and recommending technology investments.
Collaborate with business units and HR to translate competency models and role profiles into learning requirements and development paths.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies for learning product development and cross-functional projects.
Support roll-out communications, change management materials and stakeholder training to maximize adoption and engagement.
Maintain a library of templates, standards, style guides and modular learning objects to accelerate future course development and ensure consistency.
Coordinate accreditation, certification renewals and audit preparations for compliance and continuing education programs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in e-learning authoring tools: Articulate Storyline, Rise 360, Adobe Captivate; ability to produce interactive modules and branching scenarios.
Experience with LMS platforms (Moodle, Canvas, Docebo, Cornerstone, Workday Learning, SuccessFactors) including content upload, user management and reporting.
Strong knowledge of e-learning standards: SCORM 1.2/2004, xAPI (Tin Can), AICC and LRS concepts.
Practical multimedia production skills: video editing (Camtasia, Premiere Pro), audio editing, screen capture, and basic animation.
Familiarity with HTML5/CSS and basic JavaScript for light customization, responsive design and troubleshooting cross-device behavior.
Learning analytics and reporting: designing dashboards, interpreting completion and assessment data, and using insights to improve learning effectiveness.
Accessibility and inclusive design: WCAG 2.1, Section 508 compliance, captioning and alternative formats.
Assessment design: psychometrics basics, rubric creation, scenario-based evaluation and competency mapping.
Content localization and translation coordination for multi-language program delivery.
Project management and delivery: Agile/Scrum experience, backlog management, sprint planning and vendor coordination.
Experience with learning experience design (LxD), microlearning, blended learning and performance support tool development.
Familiarity with evaluation frameworks such as Kirkpatrick or Phillips ROI model to measure program impact.

Soft Skills

Strong stakeholder management and communication skills to align learning initiatives with business goals and gain buy-in from executives and SMEs.
Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to write clear learning objectives, storyboards, scripts and user-facing content.
Creative problem-solving and instructional creativity to design engaging, learner-centered experiences.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Collaborative team player who can work cross-functionally with product, HR, IT, compliance and vendor partners.
Learner empathy and user-first mindset: conducts research and testing to ensure relevance and usability.
Adaptability and continuous learning orientation—keeps up with industry trends, tools and best practices.
Coaching and mentoring ability to develop junior colleagues and promote design standards.
Analytical mindset to interpret data and make evidence-based recommendations.
Time management and prioritization skills for balancing development pipelines and urgent compliance deliverables.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, Education, Learning & Development, Educational Technology, Psychology, Communications or related field.

Preferred Education:

Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, Educational Technology, Adult Learning, Organizational Development or related advanced degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Instructional Design / Instructional Technology
Educational Psychology / Learning Sciences
Adult Education / Training and Development
Multimedia Design / Communication
Human Resources / Organizational Development

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–7 years of instructional design or e-learning development experience, including hands-on authoring and LMS administration.

Preferred: 5+ years of progressive experience designing digital learning solutions, experience managing cross-functional projects, demonstrated success with Articulate Storyline/Adobe Captivate, SCORM/xAPI implementation, accessibility compliance and measurable learning impact delivery.