Experiential Learning Instructional Design Manager (Volunteer)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experiential Learning Instructional Design Manager (Volunteer)

Company: Passion for Life, Inc.

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Intern / Volunteer

Category: Volunteer Operations / Program Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-22

Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and execution of innovative experiential learning programs designed to empower under-resourced youth.

• Drive the creation of engaging curriculum and learning experiences that align with Passion for Life's mission of transforming youth passions into rewarding careers.

• Manage a team of volunteers, fostering a collaborative and creative environment focused on impactful learning outcomes.

• Ensure the quality, consistency, and scalability of all learning deliverables across various modalities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is specifically titled "Experiential Learning Instructional Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required skills indicate a significant operational component. The role involves strategic planning, program execution, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, which are all hallmarks of operational management within a non-profit context. The emphasis on "strategy and planning through day-to-day execution and deadline management" strongly suggests an operational focus on delivering programs efficiently and effectively.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Learning Experience and Design strategy, aligning with the organization's mission to guide youth toward fulfilling careers.

• Provide hands-on leadership in designing learning architecture, developing engaging content, and ensuring that all learning solutions are learner-centered and reflect best practices in instructional design and experiential learning.

• Create and implement scalable, impactful experiential learning classes and modules for both youth participants and volunteer coaches.

• Champion innovation, accessibility, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles within all learning initiatives and program designs.

• Lead and manage the Learning Experience Design (LED) Team, including training, performance feedback, and fostering team growth and development to ensure high-quality program delivery.

• Ensure consistent quality assurance, adherence to standards, and scalability of all training and learning deliverables across various modalities, including eLearning, instructor-led sessions, and virtual platforms.

• Collaborate effectively with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Human Resources, Operations teams, and Technology teams to integrate learning strategies with broader organizational goals.

• Utilize data analysis to measure the impact and effectiveness of learning programs, driving continuous improvement and iteration of learning solutions.

• Perform all other duties as assigned to support the successful operation and growth of Passion for Life's youth development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design and operational execution. The emphasis on "strategy and planning," "day-to-day execution and deadline management," "scalable solutions," and "quality assurance" points to the operational management of learning programs. Leading a team and ensuring consistent delivery across modalities are key operational functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Must have a completed degree or be currently pursuing a degree in one of the following fields: Education, Instructional Design, Nonprofit Management, Psychology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Counseling, Sociology, or other human services-related fields of study. A Bachelor's degree is preferred. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in instructional design, curriculum development, or learning experience design, with a focus on creating engaging and effective learning programs.

• Proven ability to manage projects from conception through execution, ensuring deadlines are met and quality standards are maintained.

• Experience in leading or managing teams, ideally in a volunteer or non-profit setting, with a focus on coaching and development. Required Skills:

• Creative and Innovative Thinking: Ability to develop out-of-the-box learning solutions and let imagination drive outstanding learning experiences.

• Detail-Oriented: Strong editing and proofreading skills to ensure accuracy and professionalism in all learning materials.

• Computer Proficiency: Excellent skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) for content creation and management.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and oral communication abilities for clear articulation of ideas and effective stakeholder engagement.

• Teamwork and Independence: Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a dedicated team.

• Organizational Skills: Highly organized with the capacity to manage multiple ongoing projects simultaneously.

• Time Management: Excellent time management skills to meet project deadlines and manage workload efficiently.

• Collaborative Spirit: Commitment to collaborative decision-making and fostering cooperative working relationships with staff and community partners.

• Go-Getter Attitude: Enthusiastic, dependable, and proactive approach to challenges and opportunities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with eLearning development tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate).

• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS).

• Knowledge of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) best practices in learning design.

• Experience in data analysis and reporting for learning impact measurement.

• Background in nonprofit program management or development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a combination of creative design capabilities and strong operational execution. The "go-getter attitude," "highly organized," and "manage multiple ongoing projects" are critical for operational roles. The preferred skills in eLearning tools and DEI further enhance the candidate's suitability for modern learning operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Instructional Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 distinct projects demonstrating your ability to design and develop engaging learning experiences, from initial needs assessment to final implementation. Highlight the problem, your solution, and the measurable impact.

• Curriculum/Content Samples: Provide examples of learning materials you've created, such as lesson plans, facilitator guides, participant workbooks, or interactive eLearning modules, demonstrating creativity and adherence to best practices.

• Process Documentation: Include a sample of how you document learning design processes, project plans, or quality assurance checklists, illustrating your organizational and systematic approach.

• Leadership/Team Management Examples: If applicable, include examples of how you've led teams, managed projects, or facilitated group work, demonstrating your leadership and collaborative capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate understanding of how to map out and design learning workflows, from needs analysis to content creation, delivery, and evaluation.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase experience in implementing learning programs and, where applicable, leveraging technology or automation to enhance efficiency and scalability.

• Measurement & Analysis: Provide examples of how you track, measure, and analyze the effectiveness of learning initiatives, using data to inform improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on Instructional Design with operational oversight, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase creative design but also the candidate's ability to manage projects, implement programs systematically, and measure their impact, reflecting operational rigor.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• This is an unpaid volunteer position. Benefits:

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with a knowledgeable team and build professional relationships within the nonprofit sector.

• Recommendation Letters: Potential for strong letters of recommendation based on performance and impact.

• Professional Development: Gain valuable experience in nonprofit development, learning strategy, and team leadership, boosting your professional skills and resume.

• Flexible Scheduling: Work approximately 9-10 hours per week with flexibility to accommodate your schedule.

• Meaningful Impact: Directly contribute to the development and success of underserved youth, making a tangible difference in their lives.

• Creative Freedom: An environment where creativity is encouraged, allowing for imaginative and outstanding learning experiences.

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to master new skills and outshine other applicants for future career advancements.

Working Hours:

• Time Commitment: Approximately 9-10 hours per week.

• Flexibility: Flexible scheduling is offered, allowing volunteers to manage their time effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits are framed to highlight professional growth and networking, common for volunteer roles. The flexible scheduling and opportunity for recommendation letters are key draws for individuals looking to gain experience in the nonprofit sector and build their professional profiles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Nonprofit / Youth Development / Education

Company Size: Small (typically under 50 employees, with a strong volunteer base)

Founded: Passion for Life was founded to address the need for forward-thinking career coaching and immersion opportunities for under-resourced youth. This founding principle drives a mission-focused culture centered on empowering young individuals.

Team Structure:

• The Learning Experience Design (LED) Team is led by this Manager role, suggesting a direct reporting structure to a Program Director or Executive Director.

• The team likely consists of other volunteers with diverse skills in education, design, and youth engagement, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven environment.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with SMEs, HR, and Operations teams, indicating a matrixed approach where individuals contribute to various organizational initiatives. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Impact: The organization emphasizes using data to measure learning impact and continuously improve solutions, suggesting a commitment to evidence-based practices.

• Passion-Driven Learning: The core methodology revolves around identifying and leveraging students' passions and talents to guide career exploration, creating a highly personalized and engaging learning process.

• High-Energy Environment: The culture is described as fun, structured, and high-energy, promoting active participation and enthusiasm from both volunteers and youth.

Company Website: https://www.passionforlifeinc.org/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is clearly rooted in its mission to empower youth. The emphasis on volunteer dedication, creativity, and a high-energy environment suggests a dynamic and purpose-driven workplace. The operational aspect is managed through clear processes and data-informed decision-making.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry to mid-level management opportunity within the volunteer or nonprofit sector. It offers direct leadership experience over a specific functional area (Learning Experience Design) and a team, providing a stepping stone for individuals looking to advance in program management, volunteer coordination, or educational leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Instructional Design Manager will likely report to a higher-level program director or executive within Passion for Life, Inc. This position may also oversee a team of volunteer instructional designers or content creators, establishing a clear hierarchical structure for the LED team.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the operational effectiveness of Passion for Life's programs. By developing and refining the learning experiences, the manager ensures that the organization can successfully deliver on its mission to guide youth towards careers. Their work directly influences program quality, volunteer effectiveness, and ultimately, the positive outcomes for the youth served.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Transition from managing a volunteer team to potentially leading larger program initiatives or becoming a full-time paid staff member in program management or operations.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in instructional design, curriculum development, and experiential learning methodologies, becoming a recognized specialist in the field.

• Nonprofit Management Acumen: Gain hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, fundraising support, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning within a mission-driven organization.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio of successful learning programs and case studies that can be leveraged for future career opportunities in education or nonprofit sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role provides a unique opportunity for individuals to hone operational management skills in a mission-driven context. The growth potential lies in developing leadership capabilities, specialized expertise, and a strong understanding of nonprofit operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," indicating a physical presence at the organization's Atlanta, GA location. This suggests a traditional office or community-based setting where volunteers and staff collaborate.

Office Location(s): Passion for Life, Inc. Atlanta, Atlanta, GEORGIA, 30316, United States. This location in Atlanta provides access to a diverse community and potential partners for the organization's programs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Volunteers will work within a high-energy and collaborative environment, interacting with dedicated staff and fellow volunteers.

• Resource Availability: Access to standard office tools and potentially specialized software for instructional design (though specific tools are not listed, proficiency in Microsoft Office is required).

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage directly with the LED Team and other cross-functional teams, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule:

• Commitment: Approximately 9-10 hours per week.

• Flexibility: The schedule is flexible, allowing volunteers to balance their commitments with their personal availability, which is often a key operational consideration for volunteer management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a need for tangible presence and direct interaction, which is beneficial for team cohesion and operational oversight in a non-profit setting. The flexible schedule is a critical operational aspect for volunteer recruitment and retention.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes to assess alignment with educational requirements and essential skills. Candidates with strong portfolios or relevant experience will be prioritized.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, detailing 2-3 key projects that showcase their instructional design and leadership capabilities. Be prepared to discuss your process, challenges, and the impact of your work.

• Skills & Fit Assessment: An interview (likely virtual or in-person) to evaluate creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, collaboration style, and commitment to the organization's mission. Expect questions about your approach to developing engaging learning experiences and managing teams.

• Final Interview/Confirmation: A final discussion to confirm role fit, answer any remaining questions, and outline next steps for onboarding and integration into the LED Team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to create engaging, learner-centered experiences and achieve measurable results for youth.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the specific strategies and tools used, and the outcomes achieved. Quantify impact where possible.

• Highlight Operational Rigor: Showcase your ability to manage projects, adhere to deadlines, and ensure quality and consistency in deliverables.

• Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Your portfolio and presentation should reflect your enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to Passion for Life's mission.

Challenge Preparation:

• Instructional Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you might need to outline a learning strategy for a specific youth development topic, focusing on creativity and engagement.

• Team Leadership Discussion: Prepare to discuss your approach to leading and motivating a volunteer team, handling feedback, and fostering a collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a volunteer leadership role like this will focus on both technical skills (instructional design) and operational capabilities (project management, team leadership, mission alignment). A strong portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for content creation, documentation, and presentations. Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher is explicitly required.

• Instructional Design Software (Preferred): Experience with tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or similar platforms for developing interactive eLearning modules would be highly advantageous.

• Collaboration Tools (Implied): While not explicitly stated, effective collaboration may involve tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace for team communication and file sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools (Implied): Proficiency in using data to measure learning impact suggests familiarity with spreadsheet analysis (Excel) or potentially basic data visualization tools to report on program effectiveness.

CRM & Automation:

• Volunteer Management Systems (Potential): The organization may use a CRM or dedicated volunteer management system, though this is not specified. Familiarity with such systems is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is proficiency in Microsoft Office. However, for candidates aiming to excel, familiarity with specific instructional design software and data analysis for reporting on learning impact will be key differentiators, aligning with modern operational needs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A deep commitment to empowering under-resourced youth and transforming their passions into careers is paramount.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging out-of-the-box thinking and imagination to create outstanding and engaging learning experiences.

• Collaboration: Fostering cooperative working relationships, valuing input from all team members, and engaging in shared decision-making.

• Impact-Oriented: A focus on measurable results and continuous improvement, using data to assess and enhance the effectiveness of programs.

• Enthusiasm & Energy: Maintaining a fun, structured, and high-energy environment that motivates both volunteers and participants.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with SMEs, HR, and Operations to ensure learning strategies are aligned with overall organizational objectives.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent communication and feedback exchange within the LED team and with other departments.

• Shared Ownership: Promoting a sense of shared responsibility and collective ownership of program success and the organization's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes passion, creativity, and collaboration, all vital for a volunteer-driven organization focused on youth development. The operational aspect is underscored by a commitment to impact and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Volunteer Management: Effectively leading and motivating a diverse team of volunteers with varying levels of experience and commitment.

• Resource Constraints: Operating within the typical resource limitations of a non-profit organization, requiring creative problem-solving and efficient use of available tools.

• Scalability: Developing learning programs that are not only engaging but also scalable to accommodate a growing number of participants and potentially new program offerings.

• Measuring Impact: Accurately tracking and demonstrating the long-term career impact of experiential learning programs on underserved youth.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Instructional Design Mastery: Deepen expertise in adult learning principles, curriculum design, and various delivery modalities.

• Nonprofit Leadership: Gain practical experience in managing teams, strategic planning, and operational execution within a social impact organization.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Develop a broader understanding of nonprofit operations by collaborating with HR, marketing, and program delivery teams.

• Networking: Build a strong professional network within the nonprofit and education sectors through collaboration and potential event participation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for roles in non-profits, requiring strong operational skills in resource management and team leadership. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals seeking to build a career in program management or social impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your philosophy on experiential learning and how you would apply it to our mission of career development for underserved youth." (Focus on linking theory to practical application and mission alignment.)

• "How would you approach developing a new experiential learning module for our coaching team, considering their diverse backgrounds and time constraints?" (Highlight your process for needs assessment, content design, and stakeholder management.)

• "Imagine a situation where a key volunteer on your team is struggling with project deadlines. How would you address this to ensure program continuity and team morale?" (Demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving, and team management approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Passion for Life, Inc.'s mission, and how do you see your skills contributing to our success?" (Showcase thorough research into the organization's mission and values.)

• "How do you foster a creative and collaborative environment, especially when working with volunteers?" (Prepare examples of your teamwork and leadership style.)

• "How do you approach measuring the success and impact of learning initiatives in a nonprofit setting?" (Discuss your understanding of data analysis and reporting for program effectiveness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as compelling stories of challenge, solution, and impact.

• Process Walkthrough: Clearly articulate your step-by-step approach for each project, from initial concept to final delivery and evaluation.

• Highlight Operational Aspects: Emphasize project management, collaboration, and quality assurance elements within your case studies.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the effectiveness and value of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative instructional design skills and robust operational management capabilities, with a strong emphasis on mission alignment and collaborative leadership.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this volunteer operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest instructional design or program management projects that best showcase your creativity, operational planning, and impact. Ensure these examples align with youth development or educational contexts.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight achievements related to project management, team leadership, curriculum development, and any experience in the nonprofit sector. Use keywords from the job description such as "instructional design," "experiential learning," "project management," and "DEI."

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on telling a clear story about each project's challenge, your process, and the outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach to team collaboration and operational execution.

• Research Passion for Life, Inc.: Understand the organization's mission, values, and current programs. Be prepared to articulate why you are passionate about their work and how you can contribute to their specific operational goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.