Sr. Instructional Designer

Welcome to the intersection of energy and home services. At NRG, we're all about propelling the next generation of leaders forward. We are driven by our passion to create a smarter, cleaner and more connected future. We deliver innovative solutions that make our customers' lives easier-helping them power, protect, and intelligently manage their homes and businesses. To do this, we need creative and talented people to join our company.

We offer a dynamic work environment and a unified and inclusive culture. NRG fosters a strong sense of belonging that leads to better collaboration and business performance. Our company programs are designed to help employees develop the skills they need for success now and in the future. In everything we do, we aim to champion our employees and bring value to our customers, investors and society.

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Job Summary

The Sr. Content Designer is a senior-level individual contributor who designs, builds, and leads the development of complex, high-quality learning experiences across a wide range of modalities. Working from scoped project requirements defined by Learning Consultants, this role transforms strategic business needs into innovative, evidence-based learning solutions that drive measurable performance outcomes.

Beyond their own project work, the Sr. Content Designer serves as a technical and creative resource for the broader Content Design team - mentoring junior designers, modeling best practices, championing quality standards, and helping upskill the team on emerging tools and methods. This role is fluent in adult learning theory, instructional frameworks, visual and interaction design, video production, web-based learning technologies, and the practical application of AI in learning design.

Key Responsibilities

• Learning Design & Development
  • Design and develop complex, multi-layered learning solutions across multiple formats: eLearning, ILT, VILT, microlearning, video, blended, and performance support.
  • Lead the architecture of large-scale or multi-course learning programs, ensuring logical flow, scope alignment, and instructional coherence.
  • Partner with Learning Consultants to create sophisticated design documents, scripts, storyboards, interaction maps, and prototypes for complex learning challenges.
  • Develop content using advanced features of tools such as Articulate Storyline, Rise, Adobe Creative Cloud, or similar platforms.
  • Apply instructional design, cognitive load theory, UX/learner experience design, and accessibility best practices to all solutions.
  • Build interactive web objects and custom HTML/CSS/JavaScript elements to extend authoring tool capabilities and create richer learner experiences.
  • Integrate visuals, interactivity, branching scenarios, assessments, simulations, and rich media into learning products.
  • Ensure all content meets brand, accessibility and quality standards.
• Video Development & Production
  • Produce and edit instructional videos, screen recordings, and micro-video content from concept through final delivery.
  • Edit footage using tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Camtasia, or similar; incorporate motion graphics, captions, and brand-consistent graphics.
  • Develop animated explainer videos, software simulations, and visual demonstrations to support complex or technical content.
  • Apply video best practices for instructional contexts: pacing, visual hierarchy, chunking, and engagement design.
• AI-Augmented Learning Design
  • Integrate AI tools into the learning design workflow, including content generation, rapid prototyping, translation/localization support, and personalized learning pathways.
  • Evaluate and pilot emerging AI authoring platforms and tools (e.g., AI-driven voiceover, avatar tools, adaptive learning engines) for team adoption.
  • Apply prompt engineering and AI-assisted content development responsibly, ensuring accuracy, bias review, and alignment with learning objectives.
  • Stay current on AI ethics and responsible use guidelines as applied to learning content creation.
• Web Objects & Advanced Interactivity
  • Design and build custom web objects for use within eLearning authoring tools, including interactive data visualizations, branching experiences, and gamified elements.
  • Leverage HTML5, CSS, and basic JavaScript to create interactions that go beyond standard authoring tool templates.
  • Collaborate with developers and/or the Learning Technology & Analytics Partner to troubleshoot, test, and optimize web object performance across devices and browsers.
  • Maintain and document web object component libraries for team reuse.
• Mentorship & Team Development
  • Serve as a mentor and coach for junior and mid-level Content Designers, providing guidance on instructional strategy, creative execution, and tool proficiency.
  • Conduct structured reviews of team members' work, offering actionable, constructive feedback aligned with quality standards.
  • Lead or facilitate internal workshops, lunch-and-learns, or skill-building sessions to upskill the Content Design team.
  • Model professional standards in design thinking, project communication, and iterative development.
  • Support onboarding of new Content Designers by sharing resources, walkthroughs, and best practices.
• Collaboration & Review
  • Partner with Learning Consultants to clarify complex project requirements, learning objectives, and success metrics.
  • Work with subject matter experts to design content, validate accuracy, and manage review cycles efficiently.
  • Lead or contribute to design reviews, peer critiques, and quality checkpoints across projects.
  • Incorporate stakeholder and learner feedback through iterative design, demonstrating flexibility without compromising learning integrity.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
  • Stay current with emerging tools, research, and trends in L&D, instructional technology, and adjacent fields (UX, AI, video).
  • Propose and prototype improvements to team design processes, templates, component libraries, and quality standards.
  • Contribute to the evolution of the team's design system and style guide.
  • Share findings, tool evaluations, and industry insights with the broader team.

Required Skills & Experience

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 5-9 years of hands-on instructional design or learning development experience, including significant experience building complex learning solutions.
  • Demonstrated portfolio of senior-level work spanning multiple modalities and complexity levels, including video production and interactive/web-based content.
• Core Instructional & Design Skills
  • Advanced proficiency in authoring tools: Articulate Storyline 360, Rise, Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects) or equivalent.
  • Deep understanding of adult learning theory, instructional frameworks (ADDIE, SAM, backward design), and cognitive load management.
  • Strong skills in visual design, UX principles, and user-centered learning product design.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent complex projects, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.
  • Exceptional writing skills for instructional scripts, scenario-based learning, on-screen text, and facilitation guides.
• Video Production
  • Proficiency in video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Camtasia or similar software.
  • Experience with motion graphics creation such as After Effects, Vyond, Doodly, or equivalent.
• Web Objects & Technical Skills
  • Experience building custom web objects and interactive HTML5 elements for eLearning platforms.
  • Working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript sufficient to build or modify custom interactions.
  • Familiarity with SCORM, xAPI, and LMS/LRS platforms.
  • Understanding of responsive design principles and cross-device/cross-browser testing.
• AI in Learning Design
  • Practical experience using AI tools in the L&D workflow (e.g., ChatGPT/Claude for content drafting, ElevenLabs or Murf for AI voiceover, Synthesia or HeyGen for AI video, etc.).
  • Ability to evaluate AI-generated content critically and apply appropriate quality and accuracy review processes.
• Mentorship & Leadership
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and upskill junior team members.
  • Experience leading design reviews, team training sessions, or internal knowledge-sharing initiatives.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to give and receive constructive feedback professionally.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Learning Experience Design, Educational Technology, or related field.
• Certifications in Instructional Design (ATD CPTD/CPLP, IDOL Academy, or equivalent) or video/multimedia production.
• End-to-end video production experience: pre-production (scripting, shot planning), production (recording, directing), and post-production (editing, color, audio, captions, export).
• Experience with accessibility compliance auditing and remediation (WCAG 2.1 AA or Section 508).
• Familiarity with learning data, xAPI statements, and data-informed design iteration.
• Experience with 3D modeling, VR/AR learning content, or immersive simulations.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum) as applied to L&D teams.
• Experience contributing to or leading a design system or component library.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Consistent delivery of complex, high-quality, engaging, and effective learning solutions across modalities - on time and within scope.
• Video content has a professional polish, is instructionally sound, and elevates the learner experience.
• Web objects and custom interactivity extend the team's design capabilities and are reused efficiently across projects.
• AI tools are integrated into workflows in ways that increase speed and quality, not just output volume.
• Junior and mid-level Content Designers grow measurably in skill, confidence, and output quality through mentorship and coaching.
• The team's design standards, templates, and shared resources improve over time as a result of this role's contributions.
• Solutions are learner-centered, accessible, brand-aligned, and tied to measurable business outcomes.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Protected Veteran Status/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

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