Instructional Designer

RaceTrac Company Overview Job Description: The Instructional Designer is the learning architecture and design lead within the L&D team. This role is accountable for translating business needs and performance gaps into structured, evidence-based learning solutions — determining what to teach, in what sequence, to whom, and why. The Instructional Designer owns the instructional strategy from needs analysis through final design sign-off, partnering closely with subject matter experts (SMEs), business stakeholders, and Content Developers to ensure every learning solution is grounded in adult learning principles and aligned to measurable outcomes. This is a consultative, methodology-forward role. The Instructional Designer brings a point of view to every project — challenging scope when needed, advocating for the learner, and ensuring that learning solutions are practical and durable in a fast-paced, frontline retail environment. What You'll Do Needs Analysis & Learning Strategy Partner with business leaders, operations, HR, and SMEs to conduct thorough needs analyses — distinguishing training problems from performance or process problems before design begins. Translate identified performance gaps and business objectives into clear, measurable learning objectives that drive instructional design decisions. Define the appropriate learning modality, format, and delivery approach (eLearning, ILT, blended, microlearning, job aids) for each initiative based on audience, context, and complexity. Develop and maintain a learning design framework and standards that guide the work of the full L&D team. Instructional Design & Content Architecture Design learning experiences using established ID models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM, backward design) and adult learning principles — not just content delivery. Write detailed storyboards, scripts, facilitator guides, participant workbooks, and assessment frameworks that provide clear, production-ready direction to Content Developers. Design assessments, knowledge checks, and evaluation strategies aligned to Kirkpatrick levels that measure actual behavior change and business impact — not just completion. Create and maintain RaceTrac's instructional design standards, templates, and content maturity frameworks to ensure quality and consistency across all programs. SME Partnership & Stakeholder Consultation Serve as the primary instructional consultant for business stakeholders and SMEs — managing scope, setting expectations, and guiding the content development process from kickoff through final review. Lead design review sessions with SMEs, synthesizing complex operational and technical information into clear learning content without losing accuracy. Manage review cycles, feedback integration, and revision processes with professionalism and a bias for action. Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement Establish and track learning effectiveness metrics, using data and learner feedback to…