Group Leader, Office of Technical Training (OTT) Instructional Systems Design

Requisition Id 14877 

Overview:

We are seeking a Group Leader for Instructional Designers within the Office of Technical Training (OTT) Division at ORNL. This position will lead a team responsible for designing and developing high-quality, compliant technical training programs across the organization. The Group Leader will ensure that training content aligns with organizational goals, job performance requirements, and regulatory standards. Responsibilities include leading instructional design strategy, resource planning, performance evaluation, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in training development. This role serves as a key liaison with stakeholders and SMEs to ensure the successful development and implementation of effective training solutions that support workforce readiness and operational excellence.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

The ideal candidate will be experienced in the Systematic Approach to Training (SAT), adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, training development software, and compliance-driven training development. Responsibilities include:

• Lead and Develop Instructional Designers

  • Supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of instructional designers.

  • Promote continuous professional development and ensure team members are proficient in instructional design best practices and tools.

  • Support designers in maintaining current knowledge of learning technologies, design trends, and regulatory requirements.

  • Encourage growth and development opportunities for the instructional design team.

• Oversee Instructional Design and Development

  • Guide the creation of engaging, effective, adult learner-focused, and compliant training content across delivery methods (e.g., instructor-led, eLearning, blended).

  • Ensure alignment of training programs with job performance needs and regulatory standards (e.g., DOE, OSHA, ISO, SBMS).

  • Lead peer review processes and quality assurance for all instructional products.

• Manage Schedules and Resources

  • Coordinate project assignments and resource allocation to meet training development timelines and organizational priorities.

  • Oversee content development lifecycle and ensure adherence to project schedules.

  • Use the Learning Management System (LMS) to monitor content deployment, manage updates, and verify training accessibility.

• Ensure Compliance and Quality

  • Ensure all instructional materials meet internal standards and external regulatory requirements.

  • Support audits and assessments by maintaining proper documentation and ensuring design processes are aligned with compliance standards.

  • Manage version control of training materials and maintain exam content and question banks in accordance with policy.

• Collaborate with Stakeholders

  • Partner with technical SMEs, program leads, instructors, and other stakeholders to gather training requirements and validate content accuracy.

  • Act as a liaison between design team and operations, safety, and HR to ensure training aligns with organizational needs and policies.

  • Collaborate with Instructors and SMEs to provide classroom support and validate effectiveness of designed materials.

• Track and Report Performance

  • Create and manage processes to determine and routinely communicate incoming training demand, ID capacity, and output.

  • Monitor and evaluate training effectiveness using metrics, learner feedback, and performance outcomes.

  • Produce reports and briefings for leadership on project progress, team performance, and instructional outcomes.

• Drive Continuous Improvement

  • Lead the integration of innovative instructional design practices and technologies to enhance learner engagement and training effectiveness.

  • Foster a culture of accountability, excellence, and learner-centric development within the design team.

  • Evaluate tools, processes, and training programs for effectiveness and compliance.

  • Lead or contribute to process improvement initiatives within OTT.

• Participate as Part of the OTT Leadership Team

  • Represent OTT in organizational initiatives and external working groups such as EFCOG or Battelle Communities of Practice.

  • Engage in strategic planning and long-term training program development.

• Promote ORNL’s Mission and Values

  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

  • Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS/BA degree in instructional design, education, a technical field, or a related discipline.

• A minimum of ten years of related experience, including at least eight years in instructional design and three years in a management role.

• Proven experience with instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM), adult learning theory, and eLearning tools.

• Experience managing or supporting compliance-based training initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS degree in instructional design, education, business administration, or a technical field.

• Experience developing training programs within highly regulated environments such as DOE or other federal agencies.

• Familiarity with OSHA compliance, especially in technical or industrial training contexts.

• Proficiency in tools such as Articulate, Adobe Captivate, or other eLearning platforms.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

• Strong skills in data analysis and using feedback to improve training content and learner outcomes.

• Ability to interpret and analyze LMS data to inform decisions and track progress.

• Proficiency in authoring tools and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

• Strong project management, communication, and organizational skills.

Special Requirements:

• Q Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

• Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.