The Chicago Zoological Society is a leading conservation organization and has an exciting, fast-paced work environment and a family friendly atmosphere. We are very customer focused, as we host over 2 million guests to Brookfield Zoo each year. We are committed to conservation in the broadest sense, and we take PRIDE in every aspect of our operation. Our employees enjoy a unique work environment in a beautiful park-like setting that is based on respect, openness, cooperation, and involvement. At Brookfield Zoo, we work hard and we play hard! Employees are proud to work for the Chicago Zoological Society and are committed to our important conservation mission. Our dedicated staff has a true sense of purpose and a strong commitment to animals and conservation.

The Instructional Designer (Training Specialist) contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society ("CZS") by designing, delivering, evaluating and coordinating the production of high-quality training experiences via instructor-led and on-line customized trainings. This position supports the CZS mission by helping to develop staff and organizational capacity and develop inspired conservation leaders, equipping staff with the skills and knowledge needed to attain goals and objectives.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Apply best practices in all phases of instructional design and e-learning course development to assess, develop, deliver, and evaluate a broad spectrum of instructor-led, e-learning and blended learning programs to increase organizational performance.
• Perform training needs assessments with various business units and subject matter experts to determine training objectives and recommend appropriate developmental solutions and programs.
• Manage the development of training programs from start to finish under tight deadlines and limited budget through:

1. Research, design, and development of highly interactive and engaging training programs (classroom and/or computer-based training) appropriate for the situation and audience.
2. Incorporating blended learning experiences in instructor-led and e-learning training programs, including but not limited to role plays, gaming simulations, team exercises, interactions, group discussions, and lecture.

• Deliver/facilitate training sessions and support workshops and classes as requested. With Director of Staff Training and Development and Creative Services, develop marketing and CZS University-branded materials. Work with volunteers and interns as needed.
• Keep abreast and remain current on the latest industry technology tools and trends in on-line education and instructional media. Partner with the Training Coordinator to ensure all training programs are well communicated, tracked and evaluated to measure the effectiveness of training programs, learning gains, and provide summary reports as requested.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for this position include:

• Master's degree in Instructional Systems Technology or a related field from an accredited U.S. college or university or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience must include designing and developing highly interactive digital media for e-learning courseware using Articulate and/or Adobe Captivate and using technology/software to manipulate training content and media images for communications and learning purposes.
• Relevant workplace training experience, including conducting training needs assessments, selecting and using appropriate training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation and audience, organizing professional learning, refining curricula with emphasis on technology, creating interactive methods to enhance learning.
• A proven track record of working successfully and comfortably in diverse training roles (such as course designer/developer, instructor/facilitator, e-learning developer, training evaluation, support and administration) required.
• Proven ability to be flexible in creating effective learning solutions working with internal customers and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision required.
• Excellent presentation skills, and excellent communication skills required, verbal, written and listening skills.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver's license required on date of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver's license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required at time of hire for out-of-state residents.

The desirable qualifications include:

• Knowledge of other e-learning development tools such as Trivantis, Lectora, Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash, or Premiere or similar training industry-accepted course development software a plus.
• Experience using a Learning Management System (Skillsoft, Saba, Platue, ElementK, SumTotal, or Moodle) and its administration functions is preferred.
• Proven track record in facilitating group learning and development preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.