Job Description

JOB OVERVIEW

The Instructional Design Specialist enhances restaurant performance and guest experience by designing innovative outcomedriven learning solutions grounded in backward design that equip Operators crew members and field teams with the skills they need to succeed. This role blends creativity strategy and executiondelivering engaging learning experiences across multiple modalities while partnering crossfunctionally to support Dairy Queens operational priorities brand standards and future vision.

This individual thinkerdoer will shape the next generation of DQ learning by building modern scalable digitalfirst curriculum and maintaining a continuous improvement mindset rooted in user feedback analytics and operational insights.

Learning Strategy & Planning

1. Conduct needs assessments to identify capability gaps and translate findings into learning strategies that support organizational priorities and business outcomes.
2. Applies backward design principles to identify desired operational and learner outcomes before determining content activities and assessments.
3. Recommend the right learning delivery methods (e.g. classroom virtual ondemand microlearning performance support blended learning).
4. Collaborate with cross-functional partners (Operations Marketing R&D HR Franchise Support) to align learning experiences with product launches operational changes and strategic initiatives.
5. Drive learning beyond the classroom by incorporating spaced learning reinforcement and performance support tools.

Design & Development of Learning Experiences

1. Design and develop highquality learning programs and materials including eLearning videos facilitator guides participant guides job aids simulations interactive modules performance tools and assessments.
2. Apply modern instructional design principles.
3. Begin the design process by defining evidence of learning and selecting assessments that measure the desired performance outcomes ensuring all content and activities align to those outcomes.
4. Create inclusive learnercentered content that reflects diverse learning needs and styles.
5. Leverage data research and user insights to design curriculum that drives measurable behavior change and operational performance.
6. Ensure all content meets brand quality accessibility and operational standards.
7. Support the creation and evolution of learning paths and rolebased curricula for inrestaurant positions.

Implementation Continuous Improvement & Learning Operations

1. Partner with the LMS team to upload structure test and maintain digital content; ensure accuracy of metadata course settings and learning paths.
2. Gather and analyze feedback from field teams operators and learners to continuously improve content and delivery approaches.
3. Monitor key learning metrics and recommend refinements based on data and operational insights.
4. Use a backward design mindset during revisions to confirm that learning outcomes assessments and activities remain tightly aligned and reflect updated operational needs or performance goals.
5. Collaborate with project teams to ensure learning deliverables are connected to operational goals and field realities.
6. Maintain version control governance and documentation for all training materials.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

1. Partner with business leaders and subject matter experts to understand needs design solutions and support successful implementation.
2. Communicate clearly professionally and proactively with internal teams franchise operators and vendors.
3. Build positive collaborative relationships across the enterprise to ensure learning solutions are relevant actionable and easy to implement.
4. Manage expectations and timelines with diplomacy clarity and ownership.

The US national base salary range for this position is $80088 - $96106. The base salary range displayed reflects the targeted hiring range for positions across all US locations. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills work location and relevant education or experience.

Qualifications :

Education/Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Instructional Design Education Communications HR Adult Learning or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 35 years of experience designing and developing training programs and curriculum preferably in a retail restaurant franchise or operational environment.
• Experience designing learning across modalities (inperson virtual blended eLearning microlearning).
• Experience working with a learning management system (LMS) or learning experience platform (LXP).
• Experience partnering with business leaders or subject matter experts to assess needs and design customized learning solutions.
• Experience supporting frontline teams strongly preferred.

Skills

   Instructional Design & Learning Expertise

• Strong understanding of instructional design models (ADDIE Backward design) and adult learning theory.
• Ability to translate complex operational processes into simple learnerfriendly training.
• Skilled in creating interactive engaging and visually compelling digital learning.

   Communication & Collaboration

• Clear and concise writer with strong grammar and communication skills.
• Skilled at leading discussions facilitating feedback sessions and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Diplomatic communicator who can influence without authority.

   Business & Analytical Skills

• Uses data and feedback to identify learning needs measure effectiveness and guide continuous improvement.
• Strong organizational prioritization and project management abilities.
• Curious solutions-focused thinker able to anticipate needs and bring ideas forward proactively.

   Creativity & Innovation

• Looks for opportunities to modernize content integrate technology and introduce forwardthinking learning solutions.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Comfortable exploring unconventional approaches to better support learners and Operators.

   Team & Culture Contributions

• Inclusive collaborator who values diverse perspectives.
• Positive proactive self-starter who approaches challenges with curiosity and resilience.
• Demonstrates commitment to DQ values brand excellence and operational quality.

Additional Information :

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.  

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families.  Our comprehensive benefit package includes medical dental 401K match paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more!  To learn more about our great benefit offerings  Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 3 collaboration days a week.  Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs.  

Inclusion & Belonging

We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work and where we recruit engage and retain employees franchise owners and suppliers based on qualifications and merit. We strive to maintain an environment where everyone feels welcome.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new team members. You must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time

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