Specialist, Instructional Designer

Remote / Annual / Full time

The Best Friend's Mission is to do nothing short of making history by bringing about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets. Our goal is that every animal shelter in every community in the country be no kill.

The fact is, we have a great culture, populated by fun, dedicated, and brilliant people. But we're always looking for talented people who can help us make history, and that's where you come in. If you want to be a part of history and end the killing of pets in shelters, apply today for one of our open job opportunities

WE NEED YOU on OUR TEAM.

Best Friends' Learning Advancement Team is looking for the most amazing, caring, and AWESOME instructional designer.

Instructional designers are the foundation of our programs and learning opportunities, including those offered in partnership with Southern Utah University, and play a central role in shaping high-quality educational experiences. This partnership with SUU is helping establish a recognized discipline in animal services, and the instructional design role significantly influences how learning opportunities are created and experienced by those working in, or aspiring to work in, the animal services field - all with the ultimate goal of saving the lives of pets in shelters. Sound exciting? If so, keep reading

Our world is unique and constantly evolving. We work with shelters across the country to help them increase their lifesaving, and we're searching for an instructional designer who can design and develop impactful learning experiences that empower people to save pets. Is this you?

Our perfect candidate is passionate about helping people help animals, energized by creative problem-solving and always striving to make learning meaningful. In return, you'll join a supportive, fun team of colleagues who are ready to partner with you to create learning that drives real, lifesaving change for animals nationwide. If that sounds like you, apply today (And if not, feel free to share with a FRIEND)

Hiring Range: This position's hiring range is anticipated to be $58,656 to $65,000 annually, depending on experience, plus great benefits

Location: Remote. At this time the job duties and responsibilities of this role are unable to be performed in the following states, California, New York, and Washington.

Position Summary: The Instructional Designer, Specialist position is a key role providing an advanced specialty in designing innovative learning materials. The Instructional Designer, Specialist will work closely with the Manager, Instructional Design and other Learning Advancement leadership and department members to oversee instructional design projects and volunteers in relation to the instructional content associated with the learning advancement team's programs and priorities for the advancement of Best Friends' goal to achieve a no-kill nation.

Culture Statement and Responsibility: We believe in treating everyone with kindness and compassion, building trust through authenticity and following through on commitments. We prioritize well-being alongside our mission, fostering strong relationships through open communication and transparent feedback. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture, enriching team dynamics by valuing diverse perspectives. Each team member is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all voices are respected and contributing to a workplace that embodies our shared values and commitment to progress. By consistently aligning our actions with our Guiding Principles, we strengthen our culture and ensure that our values are lived every day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Instructional Design team to design educationally-sound learning programs and drive the development of engaging, outcome-based learning which is the integral foundation of eLearning courses, certificates, and blended learning programs that align to both the learning advancement department strategy and current organizational strategy.
• Work directly with subject matter experts to capture course specific knowledge for the development and management of course content.
• Design and develop engaging, high-quality learning materials and course content for eLearning courses, blended learning programs, microlearning, and other instructional formats.
• Collaborate with the Instructional Designer, Senior Specialist, to select appropriate instructional design principles, strategies, and formats relevant to the project and organization standards.
• Proactively apply instructional design trends, cognitive learning theories and accessibility guidelines.
• Work with and coordinate contractors and volunteers to ensure the finished instructional design products are engaging, as well as educationally and professionally sound.
• Maintain learning materials and resources to ensure consistency and support content management efforts.
• Engage in project management responsibilities for instructional design projects, from supporting key tasks to managing full project workflows as needed.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Educational Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field preferred; equivalent combinations of certificates, direct experience, and demonstrated skills will also be considered.
• Experience in the animal services field to ensure content is relevant to learners and reflects the actual conditions, challenges, and needs of the animal services profession strongly preferred.
• Proficient in Articulate 360 (Rise and Storyline), Vyond animation software, and Camtasia or similar video/audio editing tools.
• Proven ability to apply adult learning theory and integrate principles of diversity and accessibility in the design of effective learning experiences that align with instructional objectives and address the needs of adult learners.
• Proficiency managing content within Canvas or other learning management systems (LMS) preferred.
• Experience collaborating effectively and professionally with subject matter experts (SMEs) to inform and enhance content for instructional design projects preferred.
• Experience selecting, designing, and implementing authentic assessments that align with learning objectives and evaluate learners' ability to apply skills in real-world contexts.
• Ability to thoughtfully tailor content to the intended audience—striking the right balance between being approachable and professional, without sounding overly formal or overly simplistic.
• Demonstrated ability, or readiness to grow from foundational experience, in managing and supporting all phases of instructional design project management.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy, consistency, and high-quality output in all aspects of work.
• Talent for applying creative solutions while upholding alignment with organizational style guides, visual design principles, and established standards.
• Comfortable giving and receiving constructive feedback across collaborative projects.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating strong organizational skills to manage multiple competing tasks and priorities—while remaining flexible and able to shift direction quickly as needs evolve.
• Possess a resourceful, problem-solving skillset to seek answers independently and enthusiastically, with the flexibility to persist until goals are achieved.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work at a computer and/or on the phone for extended periods of time with repetitive typing and arm and hand motion.
• Travel may be up to 10%. Ability to travel, including overnight stays, when needed.
• Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule but will typically fall within normal business hours.

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.

Culture Statement and Responsibility

We value attitude over aptitude, and we treat kindness as a discipline because it is paramount in our culture along with our other guiding principles. Culture is how we talk to and treat ourselves and one another. It's how we generate and respond to change. It's how we plan and make decisions. It's how we do what we do.

JR