Instructional Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Instructional Design Manager

Company: Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.

Location: Phoenix, AZ, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Learning & Development / Operations Enablement

Date Posted: April 23, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Approx. 5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the design, development, and continuous improvement of scalable learning solutions to enhance business strategies, operational effectiveness, and performance of associates and financial professionals.

• Oversee instructional design quality, delivery timelines, team performance, and measurable learning outcomes, ensuring adherence to established standards and best practices.

• Drive the design workstream for critical enterprise initiatives, including operational changes, technology enhancements, and compliance-driven efforts, translating complex needs into structured learning approaches.

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including business leaders, SMEs, HR, IT, and product, to assess performance gaps and recommend impactful learning or performance solutions.

• Champion the development and adoption of blended and digital learning solutions utilizing enterprise-approved tools like Articulate 360 (Storyline/Rise) and Camtasia.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Instructional Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into operational enablement through learning. The role requires strategic thinking, project and portfolio management, and influencing stakeholders, positioning it as a key operations support function. The requirement for SIE and FINRA Series 99 certifications within 12 months strongly indicates a crucial role in supporting the company's financial services operations and compliance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain robust instructional design standards, templates, and quality criteria rooted in adult learning theory and performance-based design principles to ensure consistency and effectiveness.

• Ensure all learning solutions are strategically aligned with overarching business objectives, clearly defined learning outcomes, and robust evaluation measures to demonstrate impact.

• Oversee rigorous design review and quality assurance processes to guarantee consistency, accessibility, and optimal learner effectiveness across all developed materials.

• Manage a portfolio of multiple instructional design projects across various business divisions, adeptly balancing project scope, critical timelines, and available resource capacity.

• Lead the instructional design workstream for significant enterprise initiatives, such as major operational process changes, new technology implementations, and critical compliance-driven training programs.

• Translate complex or ambiguous business requirements and challenges into structured, actionable learning approaches and prioritized development roadmaps.

• Actively partner with business leaders, subject matter experts (SMEs), HR, IT, and product teams to conduct thorough performance needs assessments and recommend appropriate learning or performance solutions.

• Influence stakeholder outcomes and drive adoption of learning solutions without direct authority, leveraging data-driven recommendations, clear strategic communication, and strong consulting skills.

• Proactively communicate potential risks, project dependencies, and progress updates to stakeholders and senior leadership to ensure alignment and informed decision-making.

• Lead the development of blended and digital learning solutions using enterprise-approved tools such as Articulate 360 (Storyline/Rise) and Camtasia, ensuring high-quality and engaging content.

• Support the rollout of learning technology enhancements, including LMS/LXP upgrades, new digital learning tools, workflow system integrations, or enterprise platform implementations, with a focus on learner readiness and successful adoption.

• Ensure effective and compliant use of learning technologies, adhering to standards like SCORM, implementing robust version control practices, and meeting accessibility requirements.

• Coach, mentor, and develop a team of instructional designers, fostering growth in design rigor, consulting capabilities, and overall accountability for learning outcomes.

• Establish clear performance expectations, effectively prioritize team workload, and enable continuous improvement methodologies across the instructional design team.

• Build and implement scalable tools, documentation, and standardized processes that enhance team efficiency, consistency, and overall output quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational focus, emphasizing the management of learning solutions that directly support business strategy, operational effectiveness, and compliance. The "Portfolio & Project Leadership" and "Stakeholder Partnership & Influence" sections are particularly critical for candidates looking to transition into or advance within operations-centric roles that leverage learning as a change management and performance improvement tool.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in instructional design, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership or management capacity.

• Proven experience managing a portfolio of multiple learning projects simultaneously, from needs analysis through evaluation.

• Demonstrated experience in leading the design and development of complex learning solutions for enterprise-wide initiatives, especially those involving technology or operational changes.

• Experience working within regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare, or higher education, with a strong understanding of compliance requirements.

Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in adult learning theories (e.g., ANDRAGOGY, Bloom's Taxonomy) and instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM).

• Proficiency with industry-standard authoring tools: Articulate 360 (Storyline, Rise), Camtasia.

• Strong project management and portfolio management skills, including scope definition, timeline management, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.

• Excellent stakeholder management and consulting skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority.

• Proven ability to translate complex business needs into clear, measurable learning objectives and effective learning solutions.

• Experience in designing and developing blended learning solutions (e-learning, instructor-led, virtual) and digital learning strategies.

• Strong understanding of learning evaluation models (e.g., Kirkpatrick's Four Levels) and data-driven approaches to measure training effectiveness.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentation and reporting.

• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Experience Platforms (LXP), including SCORM compliance and version control.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a hybrid or distributed organizational environment, with comfort leading hybrid teams.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) for digital learning content.

• Knowledge of change enablement frameworks and performance consulting methodologies.

• Certification in project management (e.g., PMP) or instructional design.

• Experience with CRM integration or workflow systems related to learning deployment and tracking.

• Ability to obtain The Securities Industry Essential (SIE) and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Series 99 certifications within 12 months of hire.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of SIE and FINRA Series 99 certifications highlights the critical operational context of this role within the financial services industry. Candidates must demonstrate not only instructional design expertise but also an understanding of the regulatory environment and a willingness to acquire these specific financial industry credentials, showcasing a direct contribution to operational compliance and effectiveness.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of instructional design projects, demonstrating expertise in various learning modalities (e-learning, ILT, virtual) and technologies.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the business problem, the learning solution designed, the design process followed, and quantifiable results or impact on performance and business objectives.

• Examples of learning solutions developed using Articulate 360 (Storyline/Rise) and Camtasia, highlighting advanced interactivity, branching scenarios, and engaging multimedia.

• Documentation illustrating adherence to instructional design standards, quality assurance processes, and accessibility guidelines.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of structured instructional design processes, such as ADDIE, SAM, or similar methodologies, including needs analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation phases.

• Examples of how you have established or maintained instructional design standards, templates, and quality criteria for a team or organization.

• Documentation of processes for managing learning technology, including LMS/LXP integrations, SCORM compliance, version control, and accessibility standards.

• Examples of workflow design and optimization for learning development and deployment processes, showing improvements in efficiency and consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Instructional Design Manager role, especially one supporting operational and compliance functions, the portfolio should emphasize not just creative design but also the strategic application of learning to solve business problems, drive operational efficiency, and manage change. Candidates should highlight projects that demonstrate a direct link to measurable business outcomes and adherence to industry regulations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Income protection: Short-term and Long-term Disability coverage.

• Life Insurance: Company-paid life insurance policy.

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.

• Holidays: Paid holidays and floating holidays to support work-life balance.

• Volunteer Time Off: Paid time off for volunteering in the community.

• Wellness Initiatives: Programs and incentives focused on associate well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are approximately 40 hours per week. This role operates on a hybrid schedule, requiring 3 days per week in the Phoenix, AZ office, with flexibility for remote work on the remaining 2 days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the Phoenix metropolitan area, factoring in the management level and specialized certifications required. The benefits package is detailed in the job description and is standard for a company of Cambridge Investment Research's size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Independent Broker-Dealer)

Company Size: Approximately 900 associates, supporting over 4,000 financial advisors. This indicates a mid-to-large sized organization with a significant operational scale and a strong focus on supporting its advisor network.

Founded: 1981. With nearly 45 years of experience, Cambridge Investment Research has a well-established history and deep roots in the financial advisory industry, suggesting stability, proven processes, and a culture that values experience and long-term relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Instructional Design Manager will likely lead a team of Instructional Designers, reporting into a higher-level L&D, Talent Management, or potentially an Operations or HR function.

• This role requires significant cross-functional collaboration with business units, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), IT, product teams, HR, and Compliance departments.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes using data to assess performance needs, measure training effectiveness, and influence outcomes, aligning with modern operations and L&D practices.

• Performance-Based Design: Learning solutions are expected to be tied directly to business objectives and performance improvement, a core tenet of effective operations enablement.

• Agile/Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, managing multiple projects and continuous improvement suggests an adaptive approach to learning development, potentially incorporating elements of agile methodologies.

• Quality Assurance & Standards: A strong focus on establishing and maintaining design standards ensures consistency and scalability, crucial for operational efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.joincambridge.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry, size, and founding date suggest a stable, established organization with a robust operational framework. The emphasis on supporting financial advisors and the hybrid work environment are key cultural indicators. The role's integration with IT, product, and compliance departments underscores its operational significance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a mid-to-senior management level within the Learning & Development function, with a significant operational impact. It's a "working manager" role, requiring hands-on design skills alongside leadership responsibilities. The scope extends beyond traditional L&D to performance consulting, change enablement, and technology adoption, aligning closely with GTM and operational support functions.

Reporting Structure: The Instructional Design Manager reports to a Director or VP level within Learning & Development, Talent Management, or potentially a broader HR or Operations division. They will manage a team of Instructional Designers.

Operations Impact: This role's primary impact is enabling operational effectiveness and business strategy through high-quality learning solutions. This includes:

• Improving associate and financial professional performance, leading to better client outcomes and revenue generation.

• Facilitating successful adoption of new technologies and operational processes, reducing implementation friction and time-to-value.

• Ensuring compliance with industry regulations through effective training, mitigating risk for the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director-level roles within L&D, Talent Management, or even broader operational leadership positions.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like financial services compliance training, digital learning strategy, or advanced learning technologies.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to transition into roles within IT (e.g., learning systems management), Operations, or Program Management, leveraging a strong understanding of business processes and enablement.

• Certifications: Gaining SIE and FINRA Series 99 certifications opens doors to roles with more direct responsibility in financial operations and compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a critical enabler for Cambridge's operational success, particularly in a regulated industry. Growth potential lies not just within L&D but also in broader operational and compliance-focused roles, making it an attractive stepping stone for ambitious operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Environment. This role requires 3 days per week in the office, with 2 days of remote work flexibility. The office is likely designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): Phoenix, AZ (primary hub for this role). The company also has a home office in Fairfield, IA. Applicants are expected to be located near one of these hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office days are intended for team collaboration, brainstorming, stakeholder meetings, and fostering a strong team culture. Expect a dynamic environment where interaction with colleagues is encouraged.

• Technology-Rich: Access to enterprise-approved learning technologies (Articulate 360, Camtasia), potentially robust IT infrastructure, and standard office amenities.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to engage directly with SMEs, IT partners, business leaders, and fellow operations/HR professionals.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time (approx. 40 hours/week). The hybrid model offers a balance between structured office presence and remote flexibility, allowing for focused work on design and development tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of in-office collaboration and remote, self-directed work, and must reside within commuting distance of the Phoenix office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Hiring Manager focusing on experience, management style, instructional design philosophy, and specific project examples.

3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work from their portfolio, demonstrating their design process, technical skills, and impact. This may involve a case study presentation.

4. Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with other instructional designers, HR partners, IT stakeholders, or business leaders to assess collaboration skills, influence, and alignment with team dynamics.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP of HR/Talent) for final assessment and offer determination.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 diverse projects that best showcase your leadership, design process, technical proficiency (Articulate 360, Camtasia), and ability to drive measurable outcomes.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your role, the learning solution, the design process, and quantifiable results (e.g., improved performance metrics, reduced errors, increased adoption rates).

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process for a chosen project, explaining your rationale for design choices, stakeholder management, and quality assurance steps.

• Highlight Leadership: For this role, emphasize projects where you led teams or mentored others, showcasing your ability to manage people and projects effectively.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Articulate Storyline/Rise and Camtasia, including any advanced features or custom development.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions related to managing difficult stakeholders, prioritizing competing projects, coaching struggling team members, or addressing quality issues in learning content.

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you might be asked to outline an approach to designing training for a new system or a compliance requirement.

• Company Research: Understand Cambridge Investment Research's business model, values, and current industry challenges. Frame your answers to demonstrate how your skills align with their operational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and presentation, coupled with potential scenario-based interview questions, indicates that Cambridge values practical application of skills and the ability to articulate strategy and impact. Candidates should prepare to "show, not just tell" their capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Authoring Tools: Articulate 360 (Storyline, Rise) - Essential for creating interactive e-learning modules. Candidates must demonstrate advanced proficiency.

• Multimedia Tools: Camtasia - For video recording, editing, and screen capture, crucial for engaging visual learning content.

• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides - For developing ILT materials, presentations, and proposals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• LMS/LXP Platforms: Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) or Learning Experience Platforms (LXP) is vital for deploying and tracking learning. Specific platforms may vary, but understanding SCORM standards is key.

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in using data from LMS/LXP to analyze learner performance, engagement, and ROI. Familiarity with basic data analysis concepts and potentially tools like Excel or BI platforms for reporting.

• Survey Tools: Tools like SurveyMonkey or internal platforms for gathering learner feedback and evaluating training effectiveness.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Indirect Relevance): While not directly managing a CRM, understanding how learning impacts CRM user adoption and effectiveness (e.g., for financial advisors) is beneficial.

• Workflow Systems (Indirect Relevance): Familiarity with how learning solutions integrate into broader business workflows and system implementations is important, especially when supporting technology rollouts.

• Version Control Systems: Understanding principles of version control for managing digital learning assets, similar to software development practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Articulate 360 (Storyline/Rise) and Camtasia is critical. Candidates must highlight their expertise with these specific tools. Experience with LMS/LXP platforms and data analysis for learning effectiveness is also paramount, linking the role directly to operational metrics and performance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in design, data handling, and interactions, crucial in the financial services industry.

• Commitment: Dedication to delivering high-quality learning solutions that support business objectives and advisor success.

• Flexibility: Adapting to changing business needs, project priorities, and evolving learning technologies and methodologies.

• Kindness: Fostering a supportive and collaborative team environment, demonstrating empathy in interactions with colleagues and learners.

• Data-Driven Approach: Making informed decisions based on performance data, learner feedback, and business impact metrics to ensure the effectiveness of learning initiatives.

• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: A mindset focused on optimizing processes, streamlining development, and consistently enhancing the quality and impact of learning solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with diverse teams (Business, IT, Compliance, HR, Advisors) to ensure learning solutions are relevant, accurate, and effectively implemented.

• Consultative Partnership: Acting as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, understanding their needs, and proactively recommending the most effective learning and performance solutions.

• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent and frequent communication regarding project status, risks, dependencies, and outcomes.

• Team Development: A leadership style that focuses on coaching, mentoring, and empowering team members to achieve their best work and grow their skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values (Integrity, Commitment, Flexibility, Kindness) provide a strong foundation for understanding the desired culture. For this role, how these values translate into practical application in instructional design, team management, and stakeholder interactions will be key. The collaborative style is heavily geared towards operational support and cross-functional alignment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Managing a diverse portfolio of projects with varying deadlines and stakeholder demands requires strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Influencing Without Authority: Effectively guiding stakeholders and business leaders towards best practices in learning design and performance improvement when direct control is limited.

• Measuring ROI of Learning: Quantifying the impact of learning initiatives on business outcomes, especially in a complex financial services environment, can be challenging.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously updating skills and knowledge related to evolving learning technologies, authoring tools, and digital learning trends.

• Navigating a Regulated Environment: Ensuring all learning content adheres to strict financial industry compliance and regulatory standards.

• Hybrid Team Management: Effectively leading and motivating a team that works both remotely and in the office, fostering cohesion and productivity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Financial Industry Certifications: Opportunity to obtain the SIE and FINRA Series 99, significantly enhancing expertise in the company's core operational domain.

• Advanced Learning Technologies: Deepening expertise in new e-learning development tools, virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) applications in learning, and advanced LMS/LXP features.

• Performance Consulting Skills: Developing advanced capabilities in diagnosing performance issues and designing holistic performance support solutions beyond traditional training.

• Leadership Development: Formal training and mentorship opportunities to hone management, strategic planning, and executive communication skills.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Attending L&D and financial services industry events to stay abreast of trends and build professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the strategic and operational complexities of the role, particularly in a regulated industry. The growth opportunities, especially the financial certifications, offer clear pathways for career advancement within Cambridge's operational structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a complex business need, such as a new compliance regulation or a technology rollout, into a comprehensive learning strategy and development roadmap." (Focus on structured approach, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with operational goals.)

• "How do you ensure your instructional design team's work consistently meets high standards for quality, accessibility, and learner effectiveness, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Prepare to discuss your QA processes, team coaching, and standards-setting.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to influence a key stakeholder or business leader to adopt a particular learning solution or instructional design approach. What was the situation, your strategy, and the outcome?" (Highlight consulting skills, data-driven arguments, and impact.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Cambridge's core values—integrity, commitment, flexibility, and kindness—resonate with your own leadership and design philosophy?" (Connect values to practical application in your work.)

• "Given our hybrid work model, what strategies would you employ to foster strong team cohesion, collaboration, and accountability among your instructional designers?" (Demonstrate understanding of hybrid team dynamics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to drive operational improvements through learning.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the business challenge, your role and responsibilities, the learning solution developed, the design process, key technologies used (Articulate 360, Camtasia), and most importantly, the measurable business impact or ROI.

• Showcase Process: Be ready to discuss your design methodology (e.g., ADDIE, SAM), how you collaborated with SMEs and stakeholders, and your quality assurance procedures.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize projects where you managed timelines, resources, or mentored junior designers.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges encountered, and how your work aligns with Cambridge's business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating operational impact, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities within the context of financial services. Candidates must be ready to articulate how their instructional design expertise directly contributes to business goals, compliance, and operational effectiveness.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations enablement position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Cambridge Investment Research careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Carefully select 2-3 of your most impactful instructional design projects that demonstrate your ability to drive operational efficiency, support technology rollouts, or ensure compliance. Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight metrics and outcomes relevant to the financial services industry.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords related to instructional design, adult learning, project management, portfolio management, change enablement, Articulate 360, Camtasia, LMS/LXP, and any experience in financial services or regulated environments. Quantify your achievements with specific data and results.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership approach, and how you measure the impact of learning solutions. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to discuss your strategy for managing a hybrid team. Research Cambridge Investment Research's values, business model, and recent company news.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review Cambridge Investment Research's website, particularly the "About Us," "Company Overview," and "Careers" sections. Understand their mission, values, and the services they provide to financial advisors. This will help you tailor your responses to demonstrate alignment with their operational culture and strategic goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. through their official application process before making application decisions.