Instructional Content Designer - Remote Canada

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Instructional Content Designer - Remote Canada

Company: Circular Materials

Location: Canada (Remote)

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Learning & Development / Instructional Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Designs, develops, and maintains engaging learning solutions to support employee performance and organizational objectives within a not-for-profit producer responsibility organization.

• Collaborates extensively with subject matter experts (SMEs) and business stakeholders to create effective learning experiences across diverse delivery formats, including e-learning, virtual, and instructor-led training.

• Manages the entire learning content lifecycle, from initial needs analysis and design through development, implementation, quality assurance, and ongoing maintenance within the Absorb Learning Management System (LMS).

• Leverages advanced authoring tools, including Articulate 360, and integrates emerging technologies like generative AI, while adhering to accessibility standards and adult learning principles to ensure impactful and inclusive learning outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for a growing not-for-profit focused on producer responsibility and recycling programs. The emphasis on end-to-end content lifecycle management, specific tool proficiency (Articulate 360, Absorb LMS), and the integration of generative AI indicates a forward-thinking L&D function. Candidates should highlight experience with process documentation, stakeholder management, and a data-driven approach to learning evaluation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive learning and performance needs analyses to accurately define target audiences, performance objectives, desired learning outcomes, and appropriate delivery strategies.

• Design and develop a variety of instructional content, including interactive e-learning modules, facilitator guides, learner materials, job aids, and robust assessments that measure comprehension and application.

• Partner closely with subject matter experts (SMEs), business leaders, and project managers to gather, organize, validate, and secure approvals for content, ensuring accuracy and alignment with organizational goals.

• Proactively plan and manage synchronous and asynchronous content gathering, review, and approval processes with SMEs and stakeholders, employing structured techniques and clear decision points.

• Elicit, synthesize, and validate complex information from SMEs, adeptly identifying and addressing content gaps, inconsistencies, and areas requiring further clarification to ensure high-quality learning materials.

• Select and apply appropriate instructional design methodologies, adult learning principles, and inclusive design practices tailored to specific learning needs, audience characteristics, content complexity, delivery environments, and available resources.

• Utilize industry-standard authoring tools such as Articulate 360 (Storyline, Rise), Canva, and approved generative AI tools to develop engaging, accessible, and multimedia-rich digital learning products.

• Leverage approved generative AI tools to create, adapt, refine, and troubleshoot HTML-based learning products, ensuring seamless integration into eLearning modules.

• Rigorously review and test AI-generated content and code for functionality, accuracy, instructional value, privacy, security, and compatibility with authoring tools and the LMS before deployment.

• Conduct thorough functional, usability, accessibility, and LMS compatibility testing of all digital learning products, implementing iterative improvements based on test results, learner feedback, assessments, and available learning data.

• Manage the complete learning content lifecycle, including scheduled and ad hoc reviews, version control, updates, approvals, publication, maintenance, and retirement, to ensure materials remain current and relevant.

• Facilitate selected virtual and in-person learning sessions and workshops for employees across all levels, employing effective instructional techniques suited to the audience, objectives, and delivery environment.

• Configure, test, publish, organize, maintain, and retire learning content within the Absorb LMS, ensuring accurate completion tracking, reporting, content quality, and a consistent learner experience.

• Develop and maintain standardized templates, workflows, and documented procedures for learning content development, SME review, quality assurance, LMS publishing, and content lifecycle management.

• Apply accessibility and inclusive design practices rigorously throughout the design, development, testing, delivery, and maintenance phases of all digital and facilitated learning solutions, ensuring compliance with WCAG and AODA standards.

• Evaluate and adopt emerging learning technologies, instructional design practices, and development methods that enhance accessibility, learner engagement, content quality, or development efficiency.

• Consult with business leaders and stakeholders to identify performance gaps, determine the appropriateness of learning interventions, and recommend both learning and non-learning solutions.

• Advise SMEs and stakeholders on best practices in instructional design, adult learning, accessibility, content scope, delivery methods, and overall learning development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline an end-to-end instructional design role, requiring strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and technical development skills. The emphasis on AI tools, HTML/CSS, and accessibility standards points to a modern L&D function. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate experience in all these areas.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Adult Education, Organizational Learning, Education, Human Resources, Communications, or a closely related field.

• Professional certifications in Learning and Development (e.g., APTD, CTDP, CTP) or equivalent experience are highly advantageous. Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in designing and developing robust workplace or organizational learning solutions, encompassing e-learning, virtual instructor-led training (VILT), and traditional instructor-led training (ILT).

• Candidates will be required to submit a portfolio showcasing their instructional design expertise, e-learning development projects, and multimedia learning creations. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency with Articulate 360 suite, specifically Articulate Storyline and Articulate Rise, for dynamic e-learning development.

• Strong command of adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM), and assessment best practices.

• Proven experience publishing, testing, organizing, maintaining, and retiring content within a Learning Management System (LMS), with a strong preference for hands-on experience with Absorb LMS.

• Working knowledge of HTML and CSS, enabling the ability to review, modify, test, and troubleshoot code-based learning elements.

• Familiarity with applicable accessibility standards, including WCAG and AODA, and demonstrated experience applying accessibility and inclusive design practices to digital learning products.

• Excellent planning, coordination, consultation, collaboration, facilitation, and communication skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities and deadlines effectively.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex information, identify content gaps, and synthesize details into clear, accessible learning content. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with multimedia and video-editing software for rich content creation.

• Experience with Canva for graphic design and visual content development.

• Knowledge of e-learning standards and specifications such as SCORM.

• Familiarity with xAPI (Experience API) for advanced learning data tracking.

• Background in workplace learning, technical content development, or performance consulting.

• Experience using generative AI tools to develop, refine, and troubleshoot HTML-based eLearning components.

• Experience designing for blended or virtual learning environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a need for both strong foundational instructional design skills and modern technical capabilities. The emphasis on Articulate 360, Absorb LMS, HTML/CSS, and generative AI suggests a role that is hands-on with technology and focused on creating contemporary digital learning experiences. The portfolio requirement is critical for assessing practical application of these skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating end-to-end instructional design project lifecycle experience, including needs analysis documentation, design documents, storyboards, and final learning products.

• Showcase at least two distinct e-learning projects developed using Articulate Storyline or Rise, highlighting interactive elements, assessments, and user engagement strategies.

• Include examples of blended learning solutions or virtual instructor-led training (VILT) materials, demonstrating the ability to design for diverse delivery formats.

• Present case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, the proposed learning solution, the development process, and measurable results or impact on performance. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and maintaining standardized templates, workflows, and documented procedures for learning content development, SME review processes, and quality assurance checks.

• Examples of how you have managed the learning content lifecycle, including version control, updates, and retirement processes, ensuring accuracy and relevance.

• Documentation of your approach to needs analysis, including how you define performance objectives, target audiences, and measures of success for learning initiatives.

• Proof of experience in configuring, testing, publishing, and managing content within an LMS, with specific examples of how you ensure a consistent learner experience and accurate reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is essential for this role, as it directly demonstrates the candidate's ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical, impactful learning solutions. The emphasis on process documentation and lifecycle management indicates the company values structured, repeatable approaches to L&D operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• An annual base salary in the range of $70,000 to $90,000 CAD.

• The actual salary offered will be determined based on the candidate's unique qualifications, relevant experience, work location within Canada, and expected contributions, falling within this stated range. This range complies with Ontario Employment Standards Act and serves as a benchmark. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits package.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, including access to training and certifications.

• Paid time off (vacation, personal days, and statutory holidays).

• Retirement savings plan or group RRSP contributions.

• Flexible work arrangements and a supportive remote work environment. Working Hours:

• Standard 40 hours per week, performed remotely from a Canadian home office.

• The role requires the ability to manage time effectively, with reasonable flexibility outside of peak periods, acknowledging that workload can be uneven and peak during quarter-end, year-end, and annual audits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for an Instructional Content Designer role with this level of responsibility in Canada. The mention of Ontario Employment Standards Act suggests a potential anchor for salary discussions, even for remote roles across Canada. The benefits package should be detailed further by the employer, but the listed items are standard and attractive for remote, full-time positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Environmental & Sustainability, Non-Profit, Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). Circular Materials operates within the critical sector of extended producer responsibility (EPR) and recycling program management, aiming to advance a circular economy in Canada.

Company Size: The description implies a growing organization, likely a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) within the non-profit sector, focused on scaling its operations and program delivery across Canada.

Founded: Circular Materials was created by producers for producers to address EPR obligations, indicating a collaborative and industry-led approach to environmental solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Instructional Content Designer reports to the Manager, Learning and Development, suggesting a dedicated L&D function within the organization.

• This role will collaborate closely with various subject matter experts (SMEs), business stakeholders, project managers, and potentially other members of the L&D team.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected to be high, as learning solutions will support diverse operational areas and producer needs. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes designing and delivering effective recycling programs that drive innovation and improve environmental outcomes, reflecting a commitment to impact and continuous improvement.

• A data-driven approach is implied through the focus on program delivery, collection, management, promotion, education, and reporting, all of which require measurable outcomes.

• The commitment to diversity and inclusion is a core operating principle, fostering a culture of belonging and respect.

Company Website: circularmaterials.ca

📝 Enhancement Note: Circular Materials is positioned as a mission-driven organization focused on environmental sustainability and circular economy principles. The "producer responsibility organization" (PRO) model suggests a unique operational context requiring strong collaboration with industry stakeholders. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion is a significant cultural aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring 3+ years of specialized experience in instructional design and development. It involves end-to-end project ownership from analysis to evaluation, with significant autonomy in design and development.

Reporting Structure: The Instructional Content Designer reports directly to the Manager, Learning and Development. This provides a clear reporting line and access to leadership for guidance and career development discussions.

Operations Impact: The Instructional Content Designer directly impacts organizational effectiveness by ensuring employees and stakeholders have the knowledge and skills to meet performance objectives and support Circular Materials' mission. This includes improving recycling program efficiency, compliance, and overall environmental outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific authoring tools (Articulate 360, Canva), emerging technologies (generative AI), and accessibility standards (WCAG, AODA).

• Leadership Potential: Progress to a Senior Instructional Designer role, or potentially take on project management responsibilities for larger L&D initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain exposure to various aspects of Circular Materials' operations, potentially leading to roles in program management, stakeholder relations, or organizational development.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities to stay abreast of advancements in instructional design, adult learning theory, and learning technologies through professional development and potential certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for a career in L&D within the environmental and non-profit sector. The emphasis on end-to-end ownership and modern technologies provides a strong platform for growth. The company's mission-driven nature can also be a significant factor for career satisfaction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. Employees work from their home offices across Canada.

Office Location(s): Remote work is permitted from anywhere within Canada, with the salary range benchmarked against Ontario standards. This offers significant flexibility in location for successful candidates.

Workspace Context:

• A fully remote setup requires strong self-discipline, time management, and effective communication skills to maintain productivity and collaboration.

• Access to necessary technology and a conducive home office environment is expected of the employee.

• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital channels, including video conferencing, instant messaging, and shared document platforms. Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• While core hours may be expected, there is flexibility outside of peak periods to manage workload, which can be uneven with peaks at quarter-end, year-end, and during annual audits. This requires proactive planning and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of this position is a key benefit, offering flexibility and work-life balance. However, it also demands a high degree of autonomy and proactive communication from the employee to ensure seamless integration with the team and effective project execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of applications and resumes, with a strong emphasis on relevant experience and qualifications. A portfolio is required for consideration.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to provide a portfolio showcasing their instructional design and e-learning development projects. This is a critical step to assess practical skills.

• First Interview: Likely a behavioral and technical interview with the Manager, Learning and Development, focusing on experience with instructional design methodologies, authoring tools (Articulate 360), LMS management (Absorb), and collaboration with SMEs.

• Second Interview/Workshop: May involve a practical assessment, such as a short design challenge or a detailed walkthrough of a portfolio project, to evaluate problem-solving skills, design thinking, and communication abilities. This might also include meeting additional team members or stakeholders.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level leader, focusing on cultural fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with Circular Materials' mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate a range of skills (e-learning, VILT, needs analysis).

• Highlight End-to-End Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design and development process, the tools used, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio includes examples of complex interactions, assessments, and visually engaging content developed in Articulate Storyline/Rise.

• Demonstrate Accessibility: If possible, include examples where accessibility features were integrated, referencing WCAG or AODA compliance.

• Prepare a Walkthrough: Be ready to present and discuss your portfolio projects in detail, explaining your design decisions and how you collaborated with SMEs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking: Be prepared to discuss how you approach a new learning need, from initial analysis to final evaluation.

• Tool Proficiency: Brush up on Articulate Storyline and Rise features, and be ready to discuss your experience with generative AI tools and HTML/CSS for eLearning.

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate scenarios related to managing challenging SMEs, tight deadlines, or technical issues in content development.

• Company Mission: Understand Circular Materials' mission, vision, and the importance of producer responsibility and circular economy principles in Canada.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential design challenges indicates a practical, skills-based hiring approach. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their capabilities through concrete examples of their work and their problem-solving process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Articulate 360 Suite: Advanced proficiency required, specifically Articulate Storyline (for complex, interactive modules) and Articulate Rise (for rapid e-learning development).

• Canva: Proficiency is an asset for graphic design and creating visual assets for learning materials.

• Generative AI Tools: Experience using approved AI tools for content creation, adaptation, refinement, and troubleshooting of HTML-based learning products.

• Microsoft 365: Strong proficiency in PowerPoint, Word, Excel, OneDrive, and SharePoint for document creation, collaboration, and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Learning Management System (LMS): Strong preference for experience with Absorb LMS for publishing, configuring, testing, organizing, maintaining, and retiring learning content. This includes tracking completion, reporting, and ensuring learner experience quality.

• SCORM/xAPI: Knowledge of SCORM is expected; experience with xAPI is considered an asset for more advanced learning analytics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly listed, familiarity with project management tools and collaboration platforms (e.g., Asana, Trello, Slack, Microsoft Teams) is beneficial for remote work and stakeholder coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is modern and focused on robust e-learning development and LMS management. Proficiency in Articulate 360 and Absorb LMS are key technical requirements. The explicit mention of generative AI and HTML/CSS integration signifies a forward-looking approach to content creation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong commitment to achieving tangible environmental outcomes and advancing the circular economy through effective producer responsibility programs.

• Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships with producers, stakeholders, and internal teams to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to improve recycling processes and learning solutions.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Building a workforce that reflects diverse backgrounds and perspectives, creating a culture of belonging and respect for all employees.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities and driving results in a professional and ethical manner.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with SMEs from various departments and external stakeholders to gather information and ensure learning content is accurate and relevant.

• Remote Collaboration: Utilizing digital tools and clear communication protocols to maintain strong working relationships and project momentum in a remote environment.

• Feedback-Oriented: Open to providing and receiving constructive feedback to continuously improve learning solutions and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in sharing best practices and insights within the L&D function and broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of mission-driven purpose, collaborative teamwork, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. This creates an environment where employees can contribute to meaningful environmental goals while working in a supportive and respectful setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Effectively managing relationships and gathering information from geographically dispersed SMEs and stakeholders without in-person interaction.

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Juggling concurrent learning design and development projects, each with unique deadlines, SME availability, and stakeholder requirements.

• Evolving Technology Landscape: Staying current with rapidly advancing technologies, particularly generative AI, and integrating them effectively and ethically into learning development workflows.

• Demonstrating Learning Impact: Quantifying the effectiveness of learning solutions and their contribution to performance improvements and organizational goals in a non-profit context.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Tool Mastery: Deepening expertise in Articulate Storyline, Rise, and exploring advanced features and integrations.

• Emerging Tech Integration: Gaining hands-on experience with generative AI for content creation and exploring its potential applications in L&D.

• Accessibility Expertise: Becoming a go-to resource for accessibility best practices in digital learning, ensuring compliance with WCAG and AODA standards.

• Instructional Design Strategy: Contributing to the broader learning strategy of Circular Materials and potentially influencing curriculum development for producer responsibility programs.

• Professional Certifications: Pursuing advanced certifications in instructional design or learning technologies to further career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle modern L&D challenges, such as integrating AI and ensuring accessibility, within a mission-focused organization. The growth path is clear for those looking to specialize in instructional design and technology.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting a needs analysis for a new learning initiative. How do you determine if learning is the appropriate solution?"

• "Walk me through a complex instructional design project you managed from start to finish. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?"

• "How do you approach collaborating with subject matter experts who may have limited time or different priorities? Provide an example."

• "Discuss your experience with Articulate Storyline/Rise. What types of interactions or complex features have you built?"

• "How do you ensure your e-learning content is accessible to all users? What specific standards or practices do you follow?"

• "Describe your experience using generative AI in instructional design. What are its benefits and limitations?"

• "How do you measure the effectiveness of your learning solutions? What metrics do you track, and how do you report on them?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Circular Materials and our mission to advance a circular economy?"

• "How do you align your work with organizational values such as diversity, inclusion, and sustainability?"

• "Describe your ideal team environment, especially in a remote setting."

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in instructional design and learning technology?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Solution -> Your Role -> Process -> Tools Used -> Outcomes/Impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., improved completion rates, knowledge retention scores, performance improvements).

• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with SMEs and stakeholders, showcasing your communication and consultation skills.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss specific design choices, features implemented in Articulate, and how you addressed accessibility requirements.

• Conciseness: Aim for clear, concise explanations, allowing ample time for discussion and questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical application of instructional design principles, technical proficiency with required tools, and an understanding of the company's mission. The portfolio is a central piece of the assessment, so be prepared to discuss it in detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Instructional Content Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Circular Materials careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in instructional design, e-learning development, Articulate 360, LMS management (especially Absorb), and any experience with generative AI or accessibility standards. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, well-organized, and clearly showcases your best work relevant to the job requirements. Be ready to share a link or PDF.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse discussing your portfolio projects, focusing on your process, challenges, and the impact of your work. Practice answering common instructional design interview questions.

• Research Circular Materials: Understand the company's mission, values, and work in producer responsibility and the circular economy. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.

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