Instructional Systems Trainer

Position: Instructional Systems Designer/Trainer
Location: Remote
Department: LAC EMS/VA EMS
Program/Division: Elections Programs

The Canton Group:

For over 25 years, The Canton Group has been delivering breakthrough solutions in the areas of software development, web/mobile design, application support, systems integration, and technology consulting. We have completed hundreds of projects and won dozens of awards. In the process, we have built a reputation for handling complex digital problems faced by organizations of all sizes.

Position Overview: 

The Instructional Systems Designer (ISD)/Trainer is focused on a large, meaningful, and impactful projects by designing and implementing comprehensive training programs for our customer(s). This position requires expert knowledge around techniques of instructional curriculum development. The ISD will be responsible for architecture/creation of materials and may also contribute to other documentation. The ISD is responsible for all training efforts associated with and leading to end user training, including needs assessment and the possibility of in person or train-the-trainer efforts. The ISD will manage TCG’s relationship with the Client’s training-focused leadership and SMEs, acting consultative, collaborative, and also directive as needed.

Responsibilities Include:

·     Provide the approach, guidance, and mentorship to support TCG team and customer through the successful training of the newly implemented EMS.

·     Develop and execute training for software applications and systems.

·     Identifies and manages the resolution of client concerns and training issues and risks.

·     Create and implement the Training and Knowledge Transfer Strategy which focuses on the effective training of end users, including how the training and each trainee’s competence will be evaluated.

·     Develop detailed Training and Knowledge Transfer Plan which focuses on the execution of the Training Strategy. The plan will include key roles & responsibilities of the strategy, types of training and audience appropriate for each, and details of each training session.

·        Develop a plan and timeline to create instructional design documentation; products may include, but are not limited to, instructional systems design and documentation, storyboards, narrative scripts, graphics, textbooks, tests, and scenario props. All designs shall adhere to the standards set by the ADDIE model.

·        Design and develop curriculum, total course materials for participants and facilitators, including student outlines, handouts, facilitator guides, performance exercises, evaluations, activities, job aids and all other required materials.

·     Positive collaboration with Program and Product Teams internally and Workstream and Design teams externally to develop training materials which will be used to conduct the training sessions, including the creation of training curricula, schedules, training materials, participant testing methods, and training evaluation materials. Support for other documentation as determined necessary.

·     Lead & conduct comprehensive training delivery to all end users, including possible in-person or “Train-the-Trainer” trainings.

·     Complete regular reports after each training session which document each trainee’s competence to use the EMS in the conducting of their duties. The reporting of training metrics will include training metrics and progress towards achieving training objectives.

·     Work with other ISDs to achieve the above, to build a community of practice, and to enhance TCG’s overall training offering.

Qualifications:

·     Possess a bachelor's degree in a related field.

·     Five (5) years of experience in Instructional Systems Design, at least five (3) of which include experience in IT-related projects.

·     At least 3 years of experience in developing and delivering training programs for software applications and systems.

·     Fully knowledgeable in LMS systems and visual presentation development

·     Possess the ability to conduct front-end analysis for instructional requirements that support adult learning theories and an overall training situation analysis prior to developing a plan for instructional design and development.

·     Comprehensive knowledge of methods and expertise in developing courseware for a variety of communication delivery methods including instructor-led training (ILT) and web-based training (WBT), and also evaluation of already in place courseware to measure its effectiveness.

·     The ability to be self-directed and work both independently and as part of a team. Experience in a matrixed, entrepreneurial organization.

·     The ability to work with internal customers and clients consultatively and collaboratively but also as directive as needed.

·     Strong decision making and critical thinking skills; high executive function in ambiguous environment.

·     Experience with project delivery to include projects with complex logistics (e.g., transportation, facilities, equipment disposal).

·     Working with government agencies a plus.

·     Managing election administration or election technology related projects is a plus.

Core Competencies:

Leadership

·     Ability to translate organization vision into project and workstream vision.

·     Ability to keep projects moving toward successful completion in face of aggressive schedules and discouraging developments.

Adaptability

·     Ability to adapt, deal with situations, manage work product, and manage expectations through ongoing change. 

Managing Ambiguity

·     Ability to make significant progress, remain calm and composed even when things are uncertain. 

·     Ability to manage the risks that come with moving forward when the outcome isn’t certain and adapt quickly to changing conditions.

Issue & Conflict Resolution

·     Ability to control project issues while avoiding power confrontations. 

Decision Making

·     Ability to exercise sound judgment, understanding the business purpose of the project and making decisions within that context. 

·     Ability to identify key issues & problems and pick the best choice among alternatives. 

·     Ability to make timely decisions and to take action reflective of business objectives.

Collaboration

·     Ability to manage interactions with the customer and the project team to achieve shared objectives. 

·     Represent your own interests while demonstrating consideration for others.

Influence

·     Ability to recognize resistance and overcome it. 

·     Ability to negotiate win-win agreements. 

·     Ability to encourage and enable people to work together as a team to accomplish the project.

·     Ability to influence decisions that need to be made to make the project successful.

Communication

·     Ability to provide clear and compelling information regarding objectives, strategies, structure, schedules, plans, and tasks to stakeholders.

Industry & Business Acumen

·     Ability to learn and understand software, products, and offerings related to TCG and its projects.

Behavioral & Personal Characteristics:

Can-do attitude, confidence, enthusiasm, open mindedness, adaptability, and personal integrity. 

Energized when faced with ambiguity and uncertainty. Ability to adapt and deal with situations and manage everyone's expectations through ongoing change. Handle risk effectively, decide and act without the total picture, remain calm and productive, even when things are up in the air, deal constructively with problems that do not have clear solutions or outcomes. Thinking in terms of opportunities instead of barriers.

Software Requirements:

·     Experience with software applications and programs, particularly in training and instructional design environments.
Azure DevOps, Jira, or other ALM tool experience

·     Video/Web Conferencing application (e.g., WebEx, GoToMeeting, MS TEAMS)

·     Powerpoint, Canva, visual presentation platforms

·     LMS experience

Physical Requirements:

·     Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

·     Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time.

·     May be required to work on-call or long hours, if necessary, in case of serious network malfunction.

Affirmative Action Statement:

It is the policy of the Canton Group to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy relates to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, reduction of workforce and termination, rates of pay and all other conditions and terms of employment.

Employee Acknowledgement:

The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this position description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.

Reasonable accommodation can be arranged upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Salary : $45 - $50