Instructional Systems Design Lead - Detroit, MI

Lead Creators. Shape Learning Strategy. Drive Innovation. · We're seeking a forward‑thinking Instructional Design Supervisor to lead a team of instructional designers in creating innovative, effective, and future‑ready learning solutions. In this role, you will guide the team's d ...

Job description

Lead Creators. Shape Learning Strategy. Drive Innovation.

We're seeking a forward‑thinking Instructional Design Supervisor to lead a team of instructional designers in creating innovative, effective, and future‑ready learning solutions. In this role, you will guide the team's development, champion emerging technologies (including AI‑enhanced design), ensure quality delivery, and collaborate across the organization to elevate the entire learning ecosystem.

This position is perfect for a leader who thrives in a creative, fast‑moving environment and wants to influence how learning is designed, delivered, and measured.

What You'll Do

Lead & Develop Talent

• Mentor, coach, and upskill members of the instructional design team, fostering growth, creativity, and high performance.
• Champion modern instructional design practices and ensure the team stays aligned with evolving industry trends.

Oversee Projects & Delivery

• Plan, prioritize, and oversee instructional design projects from concept to deployment.
• Ensure timelines, quality standards, and deliverables are consistently met.

Shape Instructional Strategy

• Develop and execute instructional design strategies that align with organizational goals, learner needs, and modern learning methodologies.
• Promote a learner‑centric approach that drives real performance outcomes.

Collaborate with Stakeholders

• Partner closely with subject matter experts, internal teams, and leaders to identify learning needs and build impactful, scalable solutions.
• Facilitate strong communication and collaboration across business units.

Ensure Quality & Best Practices

• Maintain high-quality standards rooted in adult learning principles, learning science, and modern design frameworks.
• Review instructional materials to ensure clarity, engagement, accuracy, and effectiveness.

Drive Technology & Innovation

• Lead the adoption of cutting‑edge learning tools, multimedia solutions, and AI-driven approaches in course development.
• Explore new technologies that enhance learner engagement and instructional efficiency.

Evaluate & Improve Training Impact

• Monitor training effectiveness, analyze feedback and performance outcomes, and recommend adjustments for continuous improvement.

Manage Resources & Budget

Oversee team resources, project allocations, and budgets to ensure optimal productivity and value.

Your Required Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Instructional Technology, or related field.
• 5+ years of proven instructional design experience with a portfolio showcasing high-quality work.
• 2+ years of experience leading, supervising, or coaching a team.
• Deep knowledge of instructional design models (ADDIE, SAM) and adult learning theory.
• Proficiency in modern eLearning development tools such as:
• Articulate Storyline
• Adobe Captivate
• Rise or similar digital learning tools
• Experience working with LMS platforms (Cornerstone or similar).
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Ability to identify talent strengths and align the right designers to the right projects.
  Comfort thriving in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities.

What Will Give You an Edge

• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Learning Technology, or related field.
• 3+ years leading instructional design teams in a corporate or technical environment.
• Hands-on experience integrating AI tools into instructional design workflows and content creation.
  Experience developing training for technical, engineering, or manufacturing audiences.

Why This Role Matters

You will shape the learning experiences that develop teams, transform performance, and modernize the organization's approach to training. Your leadership will empower designers, elevate capabilities, and ensure learners receive impactful, engaging, and future‑ready content.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of instructional design professionals, setting clear expectations and fostering innovation.
• Oversee and coordinate multiple learning projects, managing priorities, timelines, and deliverables.
• Shape the instructional design approach by translating organizational goals into learner-focused solutions.
• Collaborate with content experts and business leaders to analyze performance gaps and design effective learning experiences.
• Review and refine learning assets to ensure consistency, relevance, and alignment with modern learning methodologies.
• Explore and implement new digital learning platforms and tools, including AI-enabled solutions, to enhance the learning experience.
• Use feedback and data to evaluate learning effectiveness and continuously improve learning programs.
• Allocate team resources and manage budgets to support efficient project delivery and long-term growth.
• Stay updated with industry trends and best practices in instructional design and adult learning.
• Ensure the team's work aligns with the company's values and mission, promoting a positive and inclusive learning culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Learning Technologies, or a related field.
• Extensive hands-on experience in designing and delivering impactful learning solutions, with a portfolio showcasing past work.
• Proven experience in guiding, coaching, or supervising professionals in a team-based environment.
• Strong knowledge of instructional design frameworks and adult learning principles.
• Practical experience with authoring tools and learning management systems for digital content development.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with diverse teams and influence stakeholders.
• Ability to match individual strengths with project requirements to optimize team performance.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with changing priorities and multiple demands.
• Analytical skills to evaluate learning effectiveness and make data-driven decisions.
• A passion for continuous learning and a commitment to staying updated with industry advancements.