What does a learning design specialist do?
A learning design specialist is responsible for creating instructional materials according to the learner's curriculum and evaluate existing educational resources for further improvements needed. Learning design specialists facilitate the development of educational software tools and technology and coordinate with the educators for testing. They also attend conferences and train instructors in utilizing learning materials. A learning design specialist must have excellent communication skills, as well as extensive knowledge of the learning practices, to recommend teaching methods based on the curriculum's standards.
Learning design specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real learning design specialist resumes:
- Mentore designers and manage a portfolio of design projects including classroom, elearning, blend and virtual projects.
- Lead experiential learning in supervisory skills, conflict management, leadership, team building and organization process effectiveness.
- Collaborate with internal SMEs and customers around the world.
- Work with various faculty, SMEs, trainers and program managers.
- Design new or modify existing materials as required and ensure SCORM compliance.
- Utilize SolidWorks to design 3-D major transmission parts such as rollers and synchronous belt etc.
- Convert old courseware and simulations authore in expiring, unsupport software (Authorware) to new Lectora functionality and SCORM compliance.
- Provide curriculum design in various environments: eLearning, video and instructor-le.
- Conduct lectures, guide discussions, and classroom practical training exercises to familiarize students with DoD acquisition testing methodologies and requirements.
- Develop and deliver management training using ADDIE model.
- Evaluate departmental business needs and implement appropriate design output using ADDIE.
- Provide training, development and implementation of organization training which include lectures, presentation, performance demonstrations and OJT sessions.
Learning design specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Learning Design Specialists are proficient in Blended Learning, Instructional Design, and Subject Matter Experts. They’re also known for soft skills such as Instructional skills, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Learning Design Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Blended Learning, 11%
Evaluate blended learning models that incorporate a variety of online learning technology and hands-on experience with tools and equipment.
- Instructional Design, 11%
Established learning outcomes and developed instructional design methodology.
- Subject Matter Experts, 10%
Work with Subject Matter Experts (SME) to develop learning objectives and content for each tutorial video.
- Led Training, 6%
Authored and implemented guidelines for the Business Office Trainer Handbook, Facilitator's Guide to use during instructor-led training/blended learning curriculum.
- Project Management, 5%
Key stakeholders during the design of complex, large scale curriculum using Instructional Systems Design and Project Management methodologies.
- Course Content, 5%
Enhance and manipulate digital imagery and graphic elements for course content.
Most learning design specialists use their skills in "blended learning," "instructional design," and "subject matter experts" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential learning design specialist responsibilities here:
Instructional skills. The most essential soft skill for a learning design specialist to carry out their responsibilities is instructional skills. This skill is important for the role because "training and development specialists deliver employee training programs." Additionally, a learning design specialist resume shows how their duties depend on instructional skills: "developed quality training materials such as e-learning courses, instructional job aids, and instructional videos. "
Analytical skills. Another essential skill to perform learning design specialist duties is analytical skills. Learning design specialists responsibilities require that "training and development specialists must evaluate training programs, methods, and materials and choose those that best fit each situation." Learning design specialists also use analytical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "analyzed client learning needs and determined training solutions. "
Communication skills. This is an important skill for learning design specialists to perform their duties. For an example of how learning design specialist responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "training and development specialists must convey information clearly and facilitate learning to diverse audiences." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a learning design specialist: "partnered with communications specialists for development of communication strategy and product launch. ".
Creativity. For certain learning design specialist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "creativity." The day-to-day duties of a learning design specialist rely on this skill, as "specialists should be resourceful when developing training materials." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what learning design specialists do: "collaborated smoothly with client, subject matter experts, and creative lead. "
The three companies that hire the most learning design specialists are:
- The Independent Traveler143 learning design specialists jobs
- McKinsey & Company Inc5 learning design specialists jobs
- The Travelers Companies4 learning design specialists jobs
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Compare different learning design specialists
Learning design specialist vs. Trainer lead
As a training lead, you are responsible for overseeing a company's employee training and development activities. You are also expected to perform various tasks that may include identifying training needs for the organization, supervising trainers' work, and developing effective employee training programs. Other duties and responsibilities may be conducting a readiness assessment, maintaining training information, and coordinating and reviewing the logistics of training materials. Also, you are expected to organize safety training and develop conflict resolution modules and diversity appreciation.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, learning design specialist responsibilities require skills like "instructional design," "project management," "course content," and "learning objectives." Meanwhile a typical trainer lead has skills in areas such as "customer service," "punctuality," "cpr," and "leadership." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
On average, trainer leads reach lower levels of education than learning design specialists. Trainer leads are 15.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 2.9% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Learning design specialist vs. Corporate trainer
A corporate trainer is someone who essentially works as a teacher in a corporate setting. Daily duties include training employees with new company systems, skills, and strategies. They monitor the engagement levels and performance of the training participants. Also, they collaborate with project stakeholders to create training content and design. Corporate trainers must have high interpersonal skills to connect with trainers easily and to get them to participate actively in the training sessions. Preferred candidates for the job are those with a bachelor's degree in human resources or those with relevant job experience in the same field.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real learning design specialist resumes. While learning design specialist responsibilities can utilize skills like "instructional design," "project management," "course content," and "learning objectives," corporate trainers use skills like "customer service," "training sessions," "corporate training," and "account executives."
Corporate trainers earn a lower average salary than learning design specialists. But corporate trainers earn the highest pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $58,663. Additionally, learning design specialists earn the highest salaries in the hospitality with average pay of $77,365 annually.In general, corporate trainers achieve lower levels of education than learning design specialists. They're 15.0% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 2.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Learning design specialist vs. Epic credentialed trainer
Epic credential trainers are professionals who are trained at the hospital client where they provide training to users. The responsibilities of the trainers include the delivery of end-user training and assistance in technicalities. They balance various projects and their deadlines while still managing caseloads. Their job involves the establishment and enforcement of training interventions. Also, they offer extensive customer service through communication on a professional level and provide support via telephone or WebEx.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from learning design specialist resumes include skills like "instructional design," "subject matter experts," "project management," and "course content," whereas an epic credentialed trainer is more likely to list skills in "ehr," "patients," "end user training," and "coordinators. "
Epic credentialed trainers make a very good living in the health care industry with an average annual salary of $77,624. On the other hand, learning design specialists are paid the highest salary in the hospitality industry, with average annual pay of $77,365.Most epic credentialed trainers achieve a lower degree level compared to learning design specialists. For example, they're 9.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Learning design specialist vs. Facilitator
A facilitator is responsible for assisting a group event or program, ensuring that the participants coordinate well. Facilitators also monitor that the objectives of the event are smoothly delivered and organized. An effective facilitator requires having strong communication and leadership skills to manage the participants' concerns and inquiries, including active participation in group discussions and designing engaging activities and processes. Facilitators also assist with planning and finalizing the timetable and setting the specific house rules and regulations for everyone's compliance.
Types of learning design specialist
Updated January 8, 2025
