Instructional Designer- Re-entry Education and Workforce Development

Role Overview

The Instructional Designer is responsible for designing innovative, engaging, and learner-centered educational experiences that empower individuals returning from incarceration to successfully reenter society and secure meaningful employment. Working within a mission-driven nonprofit organization, this role transforms educational content into accessible, trauma-informed, and evidence-based learning experiences that support adult learners with diverse educational backgrounds and life experiences.

The Instructional Designer collaborates with curriculum writers, workforce development specialists, case managers, and community partners to create high-quality instructional materials that improve participant engagement, knowledge retention, skill development, and employment outcomes. This position plays a vital role in advancing the organization's mission of reducing recidivism by providing educational pathways that foster personal growth, economic mobility, and long-term success.

Essential Responsibilities

Instructional Design & Learning Experience Development

• Design engaging, learner-centered educational experiences using adult learning principles and evidence-based instructional design models.
• Transform curriculum into interactive online learning experiences.
• Develop facilitator guides, participant workbooks, presentations, e-learning modules, assessments, activities, simulations, and multimedia learning resources.
• Ensure instructional materials are accessible, culturally responsive, and designed to meet the diverse learning needs of adult learners.
• Incorporate experiential learning, collaborative activities, problem-solving exercises, and real-world workplace scenarios into instructional materials.

Reentry & Workforce Education

• Design instructional experiences focused on workforce readiness, career exploration, life skills, financial literacy, digital literacy, communication, conflict resolution, and professional development.
• Create learning activities that strengthen participants' confidence, critical thinking, decision-making, and workplace competencies.
• Develop instructional resources that prepare participants for industry-recognized certifications, employment readiness, and career advancement.
• Integrate practical applications that help participants navigate challenges associated with community reentry and employment.

Learning Technology & Digital Content

• Develop digital learning materials using instructional technology and learning management systems.
• Create engaging multimedia resources, videos, interactive presentations, assessments, and job aids.
• Ensure all learning materials meet accessibility standards and are compatible across multiple learning platforms.
• Recommend innovative educational technologies that enhance learner engagement and program effectiveness.

Collaboration & Program Support

• Partner with Curriculum Managers, leadership, workforce specialists, and program leadership to align instructional design with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to develop accurate, relevant, and impactful educational content.
• Support pilot testing of new instructional materials and revise content based on participant and instructor feedback.
• Assist with implementation of new educational programs and workforce development initiatives.

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate instructional effectiveness through learner assessments, participant feedback, instructor observations, and program outcome data.
• Analyze learner performance to identify opportunities for improving instructional materials and delivery methods.
• Continuously revise instructional resources based on educational research, workforce trends, and participant needs.
• Maintain instructional design documentation, templates, and quality assurance standards.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Adult Education, Educational Technology, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field.
• Three to five years of experience designing instructional materials, educational programs, or workforce training.
• Knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional design methodologies (such as ADDIE or SAM), and learner-centered design.
• Experience creating online learning experiences.
• Strong writing, editing, communication, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, presentation software, and learning technologies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Adult Learning, or a related field.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations, workforce development programs, or justice-impacted populations.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed educational practices and restorative approaches.
• Experience with learning management systems (LMS), e-learning authoring tools (Articulate Storyline, Rise, Adobe Captivate, or similar), Canva, and multimedia content creation.
• Grant-funded program experience is preferred.

About LoopRoots Foundation

LoopRoots Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on reentry support for individuals and families impacted by incarceration. Our work includes transportation access, housing stabilization, workforce reintegration, and community-based technology solutions. We are currently building a mission-driven rideshare and service platform designed to address transportation barriers for reentering citizens and underserved communities.

Benefits

• Focus on contributing to meaningful mission-drive work
• Flexible scheduling and remote options
• Opportunities to build experience in a nonprofit environment
• Collaboration with a committed team working toward shared goals
• A supportive environment where your contributions directly impact the organization’s growth and community