Support Center - Irving

The Sr Instructional Designer leads the design, development, and delivery of strategic learning experiences that drive business performance and elevate enterprise capabilities across Michaels. This role serves as a senior content expert and project lead for complex training initiatives, partnering with cross-functional business leaders, SMEs, and stakeholders to ensure learning experiences are high-impact, scalable, and aligned with company objectives. In addition to content creation, the Sr Instructional Designer is accountable for managing timelines, stakeholder alignment, program evaluation, and system deployment. This role plays a key part in mentoring others and raising the instructional standards across the team.

Major Activities

Learning Strategy, Design & Execution

Lead the design and execution of enterprise training programs across business areas including Retail Operations, Merchandising, Sourcing, Distribution, Manufacturing, and Corporate Support.Conduct comprehensive learning needs assessments and collaborate with stakeholders to define performance objectives, learner profiles, and measurement strategies.Translate business goals into instructional strategies using advanced learning methodologies such as ADDIE, SAM, and blended learning models.Design and develop complex instructional materials including:Interactive eLearning (Articulate Rise & Storyline)Facilitator and participant guidesDigital videos and animations (Vyond, Canva)Job aids, skill builders, simulations, and reference toolsCustomize training modality and delivery method based on learner needs, available resources, and program scope.Drive consistency, brand alignment, and quality across all learning assets by setting design standards and coaching others.

Project Ownership & Cross-functional Leadership

Own end-to-end learning initiatives from concept to delivery, ensuring timelines, milestones, and deliverables are met.Serve as the lead instructional designer on enterprise-wide or high-visibility training projects.Partner with department leaders, SMEs, and external vendors to ensure content accuracy, training effectiveness, and business alignment.Gain necessary approvals for all training materials and deliverables; provide executive-ready summaries and updates as needed.Represent the Learning & Development function in cross-functional project meetings and strategic discussions.

Learning Effectiveness & Continuous Improvement

Build feedback mechanisms and evaluation tools to measure training effectiveness.Monitor learner engagement, knowledge retention, and on-the-job performance impact.Conduct pilot testing and focus groups to validate program success prior to full-scale implementation.Analyze data and feedback to refine existing content and identify continuous improvement opportunities.Report outcomes and ROI to Talent and business leaders using dashboards and analytics tools.

LMS Deployment & Administration

Manage deployment strategy for all programs through Workday Learning or equivalent LMS, ensuring appropriate audience targeting, testing, and version control.Collaborate with LMS administrators to troubleshoot user issues and optimize learner experience.Maintain audit-ready learning records and support compliance-related training initiatives.

Accessibility, Compliance & Knowledge Management

Ensure training content meets accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1), DEI considerations, and company brand guidelines.Maintain up-to-date materials aligned with legal, safety, and regulatory compliance (e.g., OSHA, harassment prevention).Partner with Legal or HR when needed to fulfill training documentation or audit requests.Contribute to the maintenance of standardized content libraries, templates, and reusable assets.

Mentorship & Team Contribution

Provide peer coaching and design feedback to Instructional Designers and Training Specialists.Model best practices in instructional design, storytelling, and project execution.Contribute to internal learning communities and help raise the overall capability of the Talent Development team.

Other duties as assigned

Preferred Education/Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Adult Learning, Education, Communications, Organizational Development, or related field; equivalent experience considered

Minimum Type of Experience Required

5+ years of experience in instructional design, training development, or learning strategy rolesExperience leading enterprise training projects in a corporate or retail environmentProven experience managing complex training initiatives and partnering with executive-level stakeholdersExperience deploying learning in Workday Learning or comparable LMS

Other

Advanced proficiency in instructional design tools (Articulate Storyline, Rise, Vyond, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)Strong command of adult learning theory, accessibility design, and training evaluation modelsExpert in project management, timeline tracking, and cross-functional coordinationAbility to synthesize complex concepts into engaging, learner-friendly contentExcellent verbal, written, and visual communication skillsStrong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to interpret data to inform content strategyHigh attention to detail, with ability to manage multiple concurrent projectsCollaborative leadership style and ability to mentor peers or junior designers

Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.

At The Michaels Companies Inc, our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity. As the leading creative destination in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise, and MakerPlace by Michaels, a dedicated handmade goods marketplace. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit www.michaels.com

At Michaels, we prioritize the wellbeing of our teams by providing robust benefits for both full-time and part-time Team Members. Our benefits include health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid time off, tuition assistance, generous employee discounts, and much more. For more information, visit mikbenefits.com.

Michaels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are here for all Team Members and all customers to create, innovate and be better together.

Michaels is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, Michaels will assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the job, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Customer Care at 1-800-642-4235 (1800-MICHAEL).

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