Senior Director of Instructional Design

Overview

About Discovery Senior Living Discovery Senior Living is a family of companies that includes Discovery Management Group, Integral Senior Living, Provincial Senior Living, Morada Senior Living, TerraBella Senior Living, LakeHouse Senior Living, Arvum Senior Living, Discovery Development Group, Discovery Design Concepts, STAT Marketing, and Discovery At Home. With three decades of experience, the award-winning management team has been developing, building, marketing, and managing diverse senior-living communities across the United States. By leveraging its innovative “Experiential Living” philosophy across a growing portfolio in excess of 350 communities and over 35,000 homes in nearly 40 states, and 19,000 dedicated employees, Discovery Senior Living is a recognized industry leader for performance, innovation and lifestyle customization and, today, ranks among the 2 largest U.S. senior living operators.

Position Summary : The Senior Director of Instructional Design is a hands-on learning leader responsible for leading the design and delivery of a portfolio of learning solutions for the Discovery Family of Companies. Partnering closely with the VP of Learning and Development and also acting in the capacity of a development and design professional, this role leads the design, development, and execution of curricula across multiple disciplines and audiences, ensuring programs are engaging, effective, and aligned with organizational goals. This position manages both internal and contracted instructional designers, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management to drive high-quality and measurable learning experiences. The Senior Director collaborates with business leaders, subject matter experts, and L&D colleagues to assess learning needs, establish best practices, leverage emerging learning technologies, and optimize delivery methods across face-to-face, hybrid, and online formats. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with operational excellence, demonstrating strong leadership, adaptability, and the ability to manage complex projects in a fast-paced, growing organization. This role will also partner across the learning function as needed, ensuring all programs meet defined objectives, engage learners, and support the company’s growth and strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

Leads the design, development, and implementation of learning programs that support the Discovery Family of Companies’ growth and strategic priorities.

Oversees the creation and delivery of learning solutions that leverage instructional design methodologies, adult learning theory, and accessibility standards.

Partners with business leaders, subject matter experts, and L&D colleagues to assess learning needs, define objectives, and ensure solutions are relevant, engaging, and effective.

Leads, mentors, and develops a high-performing team of instructional designers, fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Evaluates, establishes, and manages relationships with external content providers to supplement and enhance internal learning offerings.

Ensures content creators—including instructional designers, subject-matter experts, and cross-functional contributors—consistently meet standards for quality, timeliness, and budget.

Defines, monitors, and reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure learning impact and drive ongoing operational improvements.

Stays current on best practices in curriculum design, rapid development, and the use of emerging tools, including authoring platforms, content management systems, and generative AI.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and recommending disciplining when necessary if set goals are not met.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Educational Requirements and Experience

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Learning and Development, Organizational Development, or related field strongly preferred. In lieu of a degree, demonstrated expertise, relevant certifications, and significant professional experience will be considered. Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in instructional design and learning development, including at least 3 years in a leadership role within a large, multisite organization with complex business operations. Experience in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, service industries, retail, or environments with a high percentage of hourly, 24 / 7 team members is strongly preferred. 7+ years of experience designing and delivering curricula leveraging virtual, online, and blended learning technologies. Demonstrated expertise in rapid development models and standardized, repeatable instructional design practices delivered within tight and competing timelines. Proficiency (7+ years) with instructional design tools and technologies, including learning management systems (LMS), Articulate, Camtasia, and related platforms.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Competencies : Experience collaborating with and presenting to diverse stakeholders, including executives, functional leaders, subject matter experts, and L&D partners. Proven success leading and managing high-performing, client-focused instructional design teams. Skilled in coaching and developing others in instructional design methodologies, management tools, and communication practices. Strong leadership presence; inspires confidence, motivates others, and fosters high performance. Resilient and adaptable in fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and growing organizations; able to navigate ambiguity and shifting priorities. Demonstrates alignment with and commitment to the organization’s goals and values. Effective at managing multiple priorities, delegating appropriately, and delivering results under pressure. Exercises sound judgment and decision-making, drawing on analysis, experience, and insight to solve problems effectively. Communicates clearly and persuasively through both written and verbal channels. Flexible and adaptable; able to adjust schedule and approach to meet evolving business needs.

Language Ability

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to speak effectively before groups.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret graphs.

Cognitive Demands

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, schedule, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists.

Computer Skills

Ability to use Microsoft Office. Ability to use email and the Internet. Must be computer literate, excellent working knowledge of all pertinent software.

Environmental Adaptability

Some travel is required. Works primarily indoors in a climate-controlled setting.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the Team Member is regularly required to travel, thus required to walk, stand, and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. The Team Member is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

Benefits

In addition to a rewarding career and competitive salary, Discovery offers a comprehensive benefit package. Eligible team members are offered a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, paid time off and paid holidays. Team members are eligible to participate in our outstanding 401(k) plan with company match, our Employee Assistance Program, and accident insurance policies.

No agencies, please. We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from agencies under any circumstances. We receive inquiries from agencies daily. Agencies should not direct any inquiries or emails to hiring managers. Thank you. EOE D / V

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