Lead - Instructional Design

The Gig :

The Lead - Instructional Design is responsible for guiding the creation and delivery of impactful, cutting edge learning experiences for both shoreside and shipboard Crew. This role leads a small team of Senior Learning Specialists who develop and facilitate learning programs that build operational excellence, service expertise, and leadership capability.

Combining hands-on instructional design expertise with people leadership, the Lead sets the vision for learning innovation—championing the use of AI tools, emerging technologies, and experiential design approaches to create scalable, brand-aligned learning experiences. This position partners closely with Learning & Development leaders and business stakeholders to ensure all programs drive measurable performance improvement while reflecting Virgin Voyages’ bold, modern brand.

This gig is based at VVHQ - our swanky Virgin Voyages Head Office in Plantation, FL where we follow a hybrid work environment. We can't wait to 'sea' you in person during our Collaboration Days, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, while you enjoy Mondays and Fridays' as remote days.

What You'll Be Up To :

Leads and mentors a team of Senior Learning Specialists in designing, developing, and facilitating high-impact learning experiences across ship and shore.

Designs learning programs that integrate AI-assisted authoring tools, data insights, and digital innovation to enhance efficiency, creativity, and learner engagement.

Develops and maintains instructional design standards, templates, and creative frameworks that ensure quality, accessibility, and alignment with the Virgin Voyages learning experience.

Partners cross-functionally with Deployment Managers, SMEs, and business stakeholders to identify needs and deliver learning solutions that improve Crew capability and performance.

Oversees the end-to-end instructional design process, from needs analysis and storyboarding to production, testing, and post-launch evaluation.

Continuously explores and implements innovative learning technologies (e.g., adaptive learning, simulations, microlearning, AI-driven content personalization) to modernize the Crew learning journey.

Leads content review cycles to ensure learning materials remain accurate, relevant, and performance-driven, with a focus on continuous improvement and data-backed impact.

Collaborates with the Systems Administrator and analytics partners to leverage LMS data, AI insights, and learner feedback to enhance design strategy and program effectiveness.

Serves as a subject matter expert and thought leader in instructional design, digital learning, and emerging technologies—driving innovation, experimentation, and best-practice adoption across Learn & Grow.

SuperPowers Required :

Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Learning & Development, Education, or a related field

5+ years of instructional design experience, including at least 2 years leading or mentoring other designers.

Proven ability to design and deliver engaging digital, facilitator-led, and blended learning solutions.

Proficiency with Articulate 360 (Rise, Storyline), learning management systems (LMS), and AI-enabled learning tools or emerging design technologies.

Strong understanding of adult learning theory, instructional design methodologies (ADDIE, SAM), and facilitation best practices.

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across multiple business areas.

Demonstrated project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Experience in hospitality, travel, or operations environments preferred.

What Matters to Us :

At Virgin, your personality matters as much as how good you are at what you do. We want you to bring it to our hangout spot and help make the place even better. So, we won’t be surprised to hear that when people talk about you they say you are clever, on top of it, able to think ahead, intuitive, passionate and someone people respect and enjoy working with because you make things happen.

Virgin Voyages is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified, eligible applicants regardless of their sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy and maternity. Our greatest strength comes from our ability to come together as unique individuals we seek to always embrace and celebrate our differences, providing an inclusive workplace environment that allows you to be your best self.

Virgin Voyages is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Virgin Voyages via-email, the Internet or in any form and / or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Virgin Voyages HR / Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Virgin Voyages. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Virgin Voyages as a result of the referral or through other means.