Learner at the heart

Pearson is a global education company that helps people around the world to make progress in their lives through learning. With a rich heritage that combines 150 years of experience in publishing with the latest learning technology and digital services, we help people learn whatever, wherever and however they choose. We are now transforming Pearson to accelerate our activity in digital learning, education services and emerging markets. This will enable us to make a lasting impact in helping to solve some of the most important challenges in global education.

Why we need you

We believe education is a vital force that can empower people, help them to reach their potential and contribute to more connected communities, all around the world. Our strength comes from our outstanding people; our strong relationships in the education world; our expertise in using technology to help people learn; our global footprint and local reach; and our position as a profitable, global company with a unifying sense of purpose.

About the job

Reporting to the Principal Instructional Designer, the Senior Instructional Designer is responsible for managing the content development process for modules assigned from handover of the final learning design, UX and technology solution by Academic Services to handover of final and complete content (including storyboards, asset briefs, transcripts) to Content Production, ensuring that the learning design and content quality and treatment is as envisioned and maintained throughout development. The Senior Instructional Designer will work collaboratively with academics, ensuring that the raw content deliverables are of the desired quality in order to achieve the desired outcomes. This role will also manage and oversee a team of Instructional Designers, ensuring consistency of approach and the highest quality across units. The Senior Instructional Designer will need to be prepared to script and storyboard themselves where needed and work collaboratively with the Lead Instructional Designer on project priorities.

The Senior Instructional Designer will work closely with the Lead Instructional Designer and the cross-functional team to deliver modules on time, to specification and within budget.

The job description reflects the current priorities of the company. It may need to be configured differently over time if these priorities change.

About you

• Experience of working as an instructional designer or content development editor in a university or other higher education establishment, or publisher/online learning company producing online courses for the HE market

• Expert content writing skills, together with knowledge of the end to end content development process

• Experience of developing and producing online course materials in a variety of content formats

• Ability to work on multiple, complex projects within aggressive timeframes, to multi-task and continually prioritise changing project tasks / deliverables, and meet deadlines

• Solid project planning and management skills

• Ability to brief and manage external instructional designers to script content to the required standards and according to schedule.

• Review and feedback on the quality of work carried out by instructional designers

• An understanding of the regulatory and legal requirements when using media assets such as copyright, intellectual property (IP) rights, web accessibility etc. desirable

• Familiarity with relevant computer programs and course delivery platforms including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, flowchart mapping (e.g Lucidchart), screen capture software (e.g. Camtasia), off-the-shelf authoring tools (e.g. Articulate) and writing for Virtual Learning Environments (e.g. Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas)

• Strong attention to detail, superior organisational skills, self-direction, and motivation

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Key Accountabilities

Academic / SME Management

• Manage and consult with academics for modules assigned. Consultation activities could include face to face/online meetings or in person

• Work with the Lead Instructional Designer to establish guidelines, templates and briefing documentation for academics

• Monitor academic priorities for modules assigned to ensure that the raw content schedule is maintained

Instructional design standards and process

• In conjunction with Lead Instructional Designer, establish storyboard templates based on agreed ID methodology and course objectives

• Be able to develop and review content in Pearson proprietary authoring tools

• Produce sound instructional materials in accordance with solid instructional principles, client objectives, and project objectives.

• Ensure that necessary rights and permissions have been checked and are cleared for reuse (both third party and Pearson)

• Together with the Lead Instructional Designer, select, engage, coach and manage a strong network of trusted Instructional Designers with the appropriate skill set in collaboration with the Principal Instructional Designer.

Content development standards and process

• Ensure quality, standards and schedules are maintained or modules assigned

• Ensure all courses remain aligned to agreed brief, client needs and, above all, learner outcomes.

• Brief, train, coach and develop Instructional Designers, to include training and reviewing of all storyboards/content to ensure quality and consistency.

• Ensure content is final and complete for handover to content production team. This includes monitoring and reviewing content for rights & permissions, ensuring accurate ALT text and ensuring that all third party content is appropriately cleared for re-use.

• Provide clear briefs as agreed for all asset creation and incorporate as part of the storyboard process

• Maintain version control as content progresses through the development process.

• During production, manage the content development review/quality assurance process, collating your own and academic feedback for modules assigned

Project management

• Ensure that modules are handed over to production on time, to budget and specification. Continuously assess and prioritise to ensure high standards that result in the delivery of a professional final product

• Resolve all project-related issues as they arise, ensuring that key stakeholders are aware of any delays or effect on milestones which may affect delivery. Identify suitable mitigation for any risks.

• Project closure and archiving: ensure that all key and relevant assets and documentation is archived.

Best practice

• Training and mentoring: train and monitor new instructional designers in best practice

• Support the development of best practice documentation across content development.

Education, qualification and training

• Graduate calibre

• Experience working as an instructional designer or content development editor in a university or other higher education establishment, or publisher/online learning company producing online courses for the HE market.

• Ability to work on multiple, complex projects within aggressive timeframes, to multi-task and continually prioritize changing project tasks / deliverables, and meet deadlines.

• Expert project planning and SME management skills.

• Excellent attention to detail

Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purpose – to help everyone achieve their potential through learning. We do that by providing high quality, digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that help people build their skills and grow with the world around them. We are the world’s leading learning company. Learn more at pearsonplc.com. Pearson believes that wherever learning flourishes, so do people. We are committed to being an anti-racist company in everything we do. We value the power of an inclusive culture and a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm, and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to a sustainable environment and workplace where talent can learn, grow, and thrive.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, please click here: 

http://www.pearson.com/careers/diversity-and-inclusion.html

Pearson is an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate against employees or job applicants and select the best person for each job based on relevant skills and experience.

We are also committed to building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce and encouraging equality and diversity.

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