Instructional Designer III

Position Summary

Avantax is seeking an Instructional Designer III who will be responsible for creating effective and engaging learning experiences for our Financial Professionals that incorporate a range of learning methods, modalities, and technologies to meet and support departmental goals. In this role, the Instructional Designer engages with a variety of vendors, customers, and stakeholders and must always exhibit a high level of professionalism. Some travel may be required with this position to support the on-site delivery of meetings and events.

The Education team is responsible for providing comprehensive educational programs and events that empower Financial Professionals to fully assist their clients in reaching their financial goals. To achieve these objectives, the Education team uses a complex educational strategy to include:

• Wealth management assistant development program, an ongoing educational curriculum.
• Growth through Community and Regional meetings held virtually and in person, nationwide.
• Avantax Launch for New Financial Professionals.
• Advisor Council meetings (virtual and in-person).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The major responsibilities of the position are listed below. To perform the job successfully, the individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

Design & Develop Training:

• Consult with business leaders, subject matter experts, and other key stakeholders to identify and define performance-based needs for learning interventions.
• Seek an understanding of learner motivations, expectations, and mindsets to inform the creation of relevant and engaging content.
• Synthesize and write (technical and non-technical) content based on input from subject matter experts, existing materials, and independent research.
• Design training that reflects an understanding of adult learning theory and instructional systems design, appeals to various levels and styles of learners and enhances learning transfer.
• Use agile learning design methodology to develop and produce training modules, learning paths, instructor guides, job aids, presentations, graphics/illustrations, and support materials for a variety of learning solutions (including classroom, webinar, instructor-led, online, and blended learning) using a variety of instructional techniques (such as lectures, group discussion, team exercises, role-playing, videos, synchronous and asynchronous activities, and multimedia).
• Utilize engaging learner interactions to increase learning retention and provide opportunities to apply new skills (including, but not limited to, knowledge checks/assessments, exercises, scripts, storyboards, simulations, or games).
• Evaluate training and performance interventions and compile evidence of performance improvement.
• Maintain knowledge of the latest trends and innovations in adult learning and instructional design.

General:

• Provide input into work assignments, target dates, and other aspects of assigned projects; communicate regular project progress updates to manager and stakeholders.
• Actively seek ongoing skill development.
• Provide general assistance to Education team initiatives.
• Regularly challenge money spent against return on investment.
• Perform general office duties and other tasks as needed/assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (required).
• 4+ years of experience in the financial services or related industry (preferred).
• 4+ years of experience in providing adult education or training (required).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (required).
• Proficiency with Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and Brainshark (preferred).

Career Attributes:

• Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of computer software, including applications and programming. Specifically, strong knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
• Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
• Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Collaboration – Participate with a make-it-happen spirit and a collaborative style.
• Coordination of Multiple Deadlines – Be able to produce quality work under tight deadlines in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
• Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with several ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

Physical Demands & Work Effort

• 10% Travel required.
• Keying/typing, sitting, standing, walking.
• Constant mental and/or visual attention; the work is either repetitive or diversified requiring constant alertness in an office environment.
• The job is performed under comfortable working conditions; any disagreeable elements are generally absent during the normal performance of the job.
• Compliance with company attendance standards.

Comprehensive Benefits

We offer a competitive salary, and an outstanding benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid vacation and sick days, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and 401(k) with the company.

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