Learning Content Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Learning Content Designer

Company: Vanguard

Location: Malvern, PA, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Learning & Development / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-27

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for developing and executing the learning strategy within Vanguard's Global Risk & Security division, focusing on building innovative learning solutions from the ground up.

• Key responsibilities include designing, developing, and maintaining diverse learning content, ensuring high-quality, engaging, and impactful educational experiences for thousands of learners.

• The position requires a strong blend of instructional design expertise, technical proficiency with industry-standard tools, and a collaborative approach to partnering with subject matter experts and stakeholders.

• This is an opportunity to influence how critical risk and security capabilities are developed, leveraging modern learning technologies and AI to enhance the overall learning journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Learning Content Designer," the context provided by the company (Vanguard, a financial services leader) and the focus on "Global Risk & Security" capabilities suggests this role operates within a broader operational framework. The emphasis on "executing the learning strategy" and "building programs from the ground up" indicates a strategic, project-oriented function that supports operational efficiency and risk mitigation through enhanced employee knowledge and skills. Therefore, it's categorized under Learning & Development / Operations to reflect its strategic importance to the organization's operational backbone.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Content Design & Development: Design, develop, publish, and maintain a wide array of learning content, including e-learning modules, video scripts and storyboards, job aids, performance support tools, instructor-led training materials, and microlearning assets.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner closely with business stakeholders and subject matter experts (SMEs) within Global Risk & Security to effectively translate complex risk and security concepts into clear, engaging, and actionable learning experiences.

• Lifecycle Management: Manage the complete end-to-end content development lifecycle, from initial design and development through review cycles, publishing, implementation, ongoing maintenance, and eventual retirement of learning materials.

• Quality Assurance & Brand Alignment: Ensure all learning content is consistently current, accessible, aligned with Vanguard's brand guidelines, and standardized across various learning platforms and programs.

• Effectiveness Evaluation: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of learning content by analyzing learner feedback, performance data, and impact metrics to drive iterative improvements in content quality, usability, and overall learning impact.

• Technology & Innovation: Actively explore, evaluate, and apply emerging learning technologies, including generative AI tools and modern content development techniques, to enhance the learner experience and optimize content creation processes.

• Project Support: Participate in special projects related to learning strategy, technology adoption, or process improvement within the L&D function, and perform other assigned duties as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a comprehensive approach to learning content management, extending beyond mere creation to encompass strategic planning, lifecycle management, and continuous improvement. The emphasis on "managing the end-to-end content development lifecycle" and "evaluating learning effectiveness" points to a need for strong project management and analytical skills, crucial for operational roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Education, Communications, a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience. Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in instructional design, learning experience design, training development, or a closely related field.

• Proven track record of managing the full lifecycle of learning content development projects. Required Skills:

• Instructional Design Methodologies: Strong understanding and practical application of adult learning principles (andragogy), ADDIE, SAM, or other recognized instructional design models.

• Authoring Tools: Required proficiency with Articulate 360 suite, specifically Articulate Rise for rapid development and Articulate Storyline for more complex, interactive e-learning modules.

• Productivity Software: Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook for content creation, collaboration, and project management.

• Content Creation: Demonstrated ability to create multimedia learning assets, including engaging graphics, basic video editing, and interactive content elements.

• Communication & Storytelling: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a strong aptitude for visual storytelling and designing clear, concise, and compelling learning narratives.

• Project Management: Robust organizational, collaboration, and project management skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Independent Work: Comfort and capability in independently creating learning materials, job aids, and performance support tools with minimal supervision.

Preferred Skills:

• Generative AI Tools: Experience leveraging Microsoft Copilot or other generative AI tools to streamline content ideation, drafting, and asset creation.

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Familiarity with learning platforms such as LearnUpon, Degreed, or comparable systems for content deployment, tracking, and reporting.

• Advanced Creative Tools: Experience with advanced multimedia creation tools like Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro), Synthesia (AI video generation), Camtasia (video editing), or similar creative software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific authoring tools like Articulate 360 and the preference for generative AI tools like Microsoft Copilot highlight the evolving technical landscape of learning and development, which is increasingly integrated with operational efficiency. The emphasis on project management and independent work aligns with the need for self-sufficient contributors in operational teams.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Instructional Design Projects: Showcase 2-3 diverse examples of learning programs or modules designed and developed, demonstrating a range of formats (e-learning, video, ILT).

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Include at least one case study detailing how a learning solution improved a specific business process, skill gap, or operational efficiency, highlighting the problem, solution, and measurable outcomes.

• System Implementation Examples: If applicable, demonstrate experience with integrating learning content into LMS platforms or other learning technologies, showing an understanding of deployment and user accessibility.

• ROI Demonstration: For relevant projects, clearly articulate the return on investment or business impact achieved through the learning initiative, using data and metrics where possible.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Provide examples or descriptions of how you approach the design phase of a learning project, including needs analysis, audience assessment, and learning objective definition.

• Development & Automation: Illustrate experience with efficient content development workflows, including the use of templates, style guides, and potentially automation tools to speed up production.

• Measurement & Analysis: Demonstrate how you incorporate evaluation strategies into your design process, including plans for collecting feedback, measuring learning effectiveness, and analyzing results for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused role, a portfolio is essential to demonstrate practical application of skills. The emphasis here is on showcasing not just the final product but the underlying processes, strategic thinking, and measurable impact, which are hallmarks of effective operations professionals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Instructional Designers with 3-5 years of experience in the Malvern, PA area, the estimated salary range is $70,000 - $95,000 annually. This range accounts for the specific skills required (Articulate 360, AI tools), the critical nature of the subject matter (Risk & Security), and the reputation of Vanguard as a leading financial institution. Actual compensation will be determined by experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, personal time, and holidays.

• Wellness Programs: Support for physical and mental well-being.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, certifications, and skill enhancement.

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support services.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided coverage.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. Vanguard offers a hybrid work model, allowing for a blend of in-office and remote work. Specific in-office days will be determined by team needs and collaboration requirements. Flexibility may be available, but core hours for collaboration and team engagement are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from reputable compensation resources for similar roles in the Malvern, PA metropolitan area, considering the experience level and specific technical requirements. Vanguard's known commitment to employee well-being and financial security suggests a robust benefits package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services, Investment Management, and Retirement Planning. Vanguard is a global leader known for its client-centric approach and commitment to low-cost investing.

Company Size: Vanguard is a large, global organization with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This scale offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for career development within a well-established corporate structure.

Founded: 1975. Vanguard has a long history of innovation and a strong reputation built on trust and client advocacy. This longevity suggests a stable, process-driven environment with a focus on long-term success.

Team Structure:

• Learning & Development Team: This role is part of a dedicated Learning & Development function, likely specializing in various areas such as technical training, compliance, leadership development, and in this case, specialized operational risk and security training.

• Reporting: The Learning Content Designer will likely report to a Manager or Director of Learning & Development, who oversees the overall learning strategy and team operations.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with SMEs from Global Risk & Security, IT departments for platform integration, and potentially other L&D specialists for shared best practices and resources.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Learning: Vanguard emphasizes a data-driven approach to all its operations, including learning. Expect learning design to be informed by needs analysis, performance data, and learner feedback.

• Process Optimization: A core tenet of Vanguard's operations is efficiency and continuous improvement. Learning solutions should be designed to optimize performance, reduce errors, and enhance operational effectiveness.

• Client-Centricity: While this role focuses internally on employee development, the underlying principle of client-centricity likely influences the creation of learning experiences that ultimately support better client outcomes through a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Vanguard's reputation as a stable, client-focused financial institution implies a structured, process-oriented work environment. The "How We Work" section mentioning a hybrid model suggests a balance between flexibility and in-person collaboration, characteristic of many large, established organizations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring 3+ years of experience. It offers a specialized track within the broader L&D function, focusing on critical operational areas like Risk & Security. It's a hands-on role for content creation and design, with opportunities to influence strategy.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Learning Content Designer reports to a Learning Manager or Director. This provides a clear line of management and mentorship, with opportunities to interact with senior leaders within L&D and the business units they support.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, as it directly contributes to enhancing the risk management and security capabilities of a large workforce. Effective learning content reduces operational risks, improves compliance, and ensures the integrity of financial operations, which is paramount in the financial services industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Learning Designer/Architect: Progress to designing more complex, strategic learning initiatives, potentially leading larger projects or mentoring junior designers.

• Learning Technology Specialist: Specialize in the technical aspects of learning delivery, exploring and implementing new learning platforms, AI tools, or advanced content development technologies.

• Instructional Design Manager: Move into a leadership role, managing a team of designers, overseeing project pipelines, and contributing to the strategic direction of the L&D function.

• Business Unit L&D Partner: Transition to a role where you are embedded within a specific business unit, serving as their primary L&D strategic partner and advisor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth paths highlight a clear progression within L&D, with opportunities to deepen expertise, broaden technical skills, or move into management, all while staying connected to the operational needs of the business.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Vanguard operates a hybrid work model. This means the role involves a combination of working from home and coming into the Malvern, PA office. The office environment is designed for collaboration, team meetings, and access to company resources.

Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is Malvern, PA. This office serves as a major hub for Vanguard, providing a professional and well-equipped workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features meeting rooms, project areas, and open spaces designed to facilitate teamwork and brainstorming sessions with SMEs and fellow L&D professionals.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to company-provided hardware, software, and robust IT support, including the necessary tools for content development and communication.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model ensures opportunities for in-person interaction with colleagues, fostering team cohesion, knowledge sharing, and spontaneous problem-solving sessions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While hybrid work offers flexibility, the need for collaboration and effective learning delivery may necessitate adherence to specific team meeting schedules and project deadlines. The nature of content development might also allow for some flexibility in structuring the workday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key feature, balancing individual work flexibility with the collaborative needs inherent in content development and stakeholder engagement, which are critical operational functions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will review your application and resume to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager to discuss your experience, approach to instructional design, and understanding of adult learning principles. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be given a practical exercise or case study to assess your design and development skills, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency with required tools (e.g., Articulate 360).

• Panel/Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues and stakeholders (SMEs) to evaluate your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate into the team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss your overall fit with Vanguard's culture and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those demonstrating impact, complexity, and alignment with the job description's requirements (e.g., risk/security, e-learning, multimedia).

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio with a clear introduction. For each project, include: a brief overview, your specific role and contributions, the problem/need addressed, the solution/design approach, key features (showcasing tools and techniques), and measurable results/impact.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design and development process. Explain your rationale behind design decisions, how you collaborated with SMEs, and how you ensured learning effectiveness.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Demonstrate proficiency with Articulate 360 (Rise, Storyline) and any other relevant tools. If possible, include interactive elements or links to live demos.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your learning solutions (e.g., "reduced error rates by X%", "increased knowledge retention by Y%", "improved compliance scores").

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a case study, thoroughly analyze the scenario, target audience, and learning objectives.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your methodical approach to instructional design. Outline your steps for needs analysis, design, development, and evaluation.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss how you would use Articulate 360 and potentially AI tools to create the required output efficiently and effectively.

• Communication: Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, as if presenting to stakeholders. Be prepared to justify your choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential case study underscores the practical, results-oriented nature of this role, typical of operations-focused positions. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just theoretical knowledge but applied skills and measurable outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Articulate 360 (Rise & Storyline): This is the core authoring toolset. Proficiency in creating responsive e-learning with Rise and complex, interactive modules with Storyline is essential. Expect to use templates, custom interactions, and scenario-based learning.

• Microsoft 365: Essential for collaboration, documentation, and presentations. This includes Word for content drafting, PowerPoint for storyboarding and presentations, Excel for data tracking, and Teams for communication.

• Generative AI Tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot): Increasingly important for streamlining content creation, generating ideas, drafting text, and potentially creating visual assets. Familiarity with prompt engineering and ethical AI use is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Learning Management System (LMS): Experience with platforms like LearnUpon, Degreed, or similar is preferred. This involves understanding how to upload content, manage user access, and interpret learner progress and completion data.

• Performance Metrics Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, expect to use data from the LMS and potentially other business intelligence tools to measure the effectiveness of learning interventions.

CRM & Automation:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with systems for managing and organizing digital learning assets might be beneficial.

• Video Editing Software: Tools like Camtasia are preferred for creating and editing video-based learning content.

• Graphic Design Tools: Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator) is preferred for creating custom graphics and visual assets to enhance learning materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Articulate 360 and Microsoft 365, along with preferred AI and creative tools, indicates a modern L&D technology stack focused on efficiency and engagement. Understanding how these tools integrate into broader operational workflows is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: Even in internal roles, Vanguard instills a deep sense of responsibility towards the client. Learning developed here ultimately supports client well-being.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards is paramount in financial services. Learning content will reflect this commitment, especially in Risk & Security.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnership to achieve shared goals. Expect to work closely with SMEs and other L&D professionals.

• Excellence & Continuous Improvement: A drive to perform at a high level and consistently seek ways to enhance processes, content, and outcomes. This aligns with operational efficiency goals.

• Long-Term Perspective: Vanguard's mission is built on long-term financial well-being. This perspective likely influences how learning strategies are developed and implemented – focusing on sustained skill development and impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Working as a trusted partner with business units, understanding their needs and co-creating solutions.

• Feedback-Oriented: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement of both content and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, new techniques, and lessons learned among team members to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Vanguard's core values are deeply ingrained and reflect a culture that prioritizes responsibility, ethical conduct, and long-term impact, which are crucial for operational roles, especially in risk and security.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Concepts: Effectively simplifying and engagingly presenting intricate risk and security concepts for a diverse audience with varying levels of prior knowledge.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Threats: Ensuring learning content remains current and relevant in the face of rapidly changing risk landscapes and security threats.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Meeting project deadlines for content development while maintaining high standards of accuracy, instructional integrity, and user experience.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Quickly learning and integrating new tools, such as generative AI, into the content development workflow to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Instructional Design Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like scenario-based learning, gamification, or performance support design.

• Emerging Technology Exploration: Hands-on experience with cutting-edge learning technologies, including AI-driven content creation tools and advanced multimedia software.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into the Risk & Security functions of a major financial institution, understanding their operational challenges and strategic priorities.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining industry-recognized certifications in instructional design, learning technologies, or project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for operational roles in dynamic fields like risk and security, requiring adaptability and a continuous learning mindset. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing specialized skills and strategic thinking.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a highly technical or complex subject into an accessible learning experience. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your methodical approach, SME collaboration, and impact measurement.)

• "How do you ensure learning content remains current and relevant, especially in rapidly changing fields like risk and security?" (Highlight your process for content review, updates, and staying informed about industry trends.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing a learning content development project from start to finish. What tools and methodologies do you employ?" (Detail your project management approach, including planning, execution, and stakeholder communication.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Vanguard's mission and values, and how do you see them reflected in a Learning & Development role?" (Research Vanguard's client-centricity, integrity, and long-term focus.)

• "How would you approach building learning content for a new risk or security capability from the ground up?" (Emphasize your strategic thinking, needs analysis skills, and ability to define learning objectives and solutions.)

• "Describe your experience with hybrid work environments and how you maintain collaboration and productivity." (Highlight your communication strategies and self-management skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each portfolio piece as a narrative: the challenge, your solution, the execution, and the results.

• Process Focus: Explain how you designed and developed the content, not just what you created. Detail your use of instructional design principles and tools.

• Quantify Impact: Be ready to discuss the metrics and outcomes associated with your projects. If exact numbers aren't available, discuss the intended impact and how you measured success.

• Tool Demonstration: Be prepared to briefly demonstrate your proficiency in Articulate 360 or discuss your approach to using AI tools if relevant to a project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating not only technical skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of how learning contributes to operational goals and company values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Vanguard careers portal using the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience with Articulate 360, instructional design methodologies, and any experience in risk, security, or financial services. Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your most relevant projects.

• Resume Optimization: Integrate keywords from the job description such as "instructional design," "learning experience design," "Articulate 360," "content development lifecycle," "adult learning principles," and "project management." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and articulate your approach to designing impactful learning solutions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Vanguard's mission, values, and its role in the financial services industry. Understand their commitment to clients and their hybrid work model.

⚠️ 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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