Lead Instructional Design Specialist

The Lead Instructional Designer is responsible for driving the strategy, design, and execution of enterprise-wide learning initiatives that support employee performance and business objectives. This role provides leadership to the instructional design function, establishes content standards, and partners cross-functionally to build scalable, high-impact learning experiences. 

This individual not only designs learning solutions but also leads projects from concept to deployment, mentors' junior designers, and ensures alignment between training programs and organizational goals. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead the design and development of innovative, scalable learning programs across retail, corporate, and operational functions 
• Establish and maintain instructional design standards, templates, and quality benchmarks 
• Mentor and provide guidance to instructional designers and content developers 
• Partner with department leaders to identify performance gaps and recommend strategic learning solutions 
• Align training initiatives with company growth strategy and operational priorities 
• Oversee development of eLearning modules, instructor-led training (ILT), virtual instructor-led training (vILT), blended learning, and microlearning content 
• Apply instructional design methodologies such as ADDIE, SAM, and Bloom’s Taxonomy to create learner-centered experiences 
• Ensure accessibility, inclusivity, and mobile optimization across all learning materials 
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to translate complex processes into engaging, actionable content 
• Lead storyboarding, scripting, and multimedia development efforts 
• Manage multiple concurrent learning projects from intake through launch 
• Develop timelines, allocate resources, and ensure on-time project delivery 
• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders and maintain clear communication throughout the project lifecycle 
• Oversee LMS deployment, testing, tracking, and reporting 
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure learning effectiveness 
• Analyze completion data, assessment results, and feedback surveys to drive continuous improvement 
• Conduct periodic audits and updates of learning materials to ensure relevance and accuracy 
• Stay current with emerging trends in learning technology and adult learning theory 
• Primarily engaged as a supervisor, the worker actively contributes to the management of the enterprise by assisting in employee training, assigning job duties, and participating in determining changes in employee status, while also adhering to established management policies, addressing disciplinary matters, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 

Note: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Skills & Abilities: 

• Advanced proficiency in Articulate Storyline, Rise, Camtasia, Adobe Captivate, and Vyond 
• Strong experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar design platforms 
• Deep understanding of SCORM, xAPI, and LMS systems (Cornerstone, Docebo, or similar) 
• Project management experience using Asana, Monday.com, Trello, or similar tools 
• Strong knowledge of adult learning theory and performance-based learning design 
• Ability to interpret training metrics and connect learning outcomes to business impact 
• Working knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG compliance preferred) 
• Awareness of emerging trends such as AI-assisted learning, microlearning, and immersive training 

Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Learning & Development, Communications, or related field required 
• 2-4 years of experience designing and leading learning initiatives for adult learners 
• 2+ years in a senior or lead instructional design capacity preferred 
• Proven track record of delivering enterprise-level training programs 
• Experience managing cross-functional stakeholders and complex projects 
• Strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality learning solutions 
• Knowledge of the field's policies, procedures, and practices. 
• Performs complex tasks typically following established processes.  
• Primarily focused on administering established policies and procedures but may have some impact on departmental budgeting, strategic planning, and procedural change.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Company: 

Are you interested in working for the world's largest cannabis market with a footprint that covers the entire breadth of the state of California? Are you someone who wants to be part of the growth of a fast-growing industry? At STIIIZY, our mission is clear: to provide the ultimate one stop shop cannabis experience by offering exceptional customer service and diversified products. We strive to build long-term customer loyalty. We’re building a consumer-centric organization that is focused on sharing the transformational potential of cannabis with the world.

Our STIIIZY product line is one of the best-selling cannabis brands in the market today and has claimed the title of the best-selling vape brand across all BDSA-tracked markets and best-selling brand overall in the California market! We are rooted in California and have expanded our operations across the United States, with even more growth on the horizon! Additionally, we’re building distribution networks to bring our products to over 60 countries worldwide.

We recognize that our employees are at the center of our success, and we take pride in a corporate culture that emphasizes our core values: Influence, Inspire, Innovate, Win, & Grow!

Our employees come from a wide range of retail backgrounds, each bringing their own unique skills and talents to the table as we work together to continue our incredible growth.  If you are interested in partaking in the journey of building a nationally recognized and leading brand, we want to hear from you! 

Benefits & Compensation: 

Additional details about the compensation and benefits of eligibility for this role will be provided during the hiring process. All employees are provided with competitive compensation and paid training.  We offer a range of benefits packages based on employee eligibility, including: 

• Paid Vacation Time, Paid Sick Leave, Paid Holidays, Parental Leave. 
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance. 
• Employee Assistance Program. 
• 401k with generous employer match. 
• Life Insurance. 
• Employee discounts on products and services. 

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.