Lead Instructional Designer at CDW

You are a seasoned professional with at least seven years of experience in instructional design or a related field, and you hold a bachelor’s degree. You posses

Work type: hybrid

Location: Chicago / Adams - IL

Salary: $114,000 – $158,800/yr

Type: Full-time

Summary

You are a seasoned professional with at least seven years of experience in instructional design or a related field, and you hold a bachelor’s degree. You possess deep expertise in adult learning theories and evaluation methodologies, with a master’s degree in a relevant discipline providing a competitive edge. **What makes it worth a look...** CDW offers a base salary between $114,000 and $158,800 plus a 10% annual bonus target for this hybrid role based in Chicago. You will lead high-level development programs while utilizing your skills to shape organizational strategy at a major technology solutions provider. **You might be a good fit if you...** * Have deep experience applying advanced adult learning theories to complex projects. * Are proficient in Microsoft Office and modern corporate collaboration platforms. * Can demonstrate a history of success working with sales and services organizations. * Possess the ability to mentor peers on innovative learning technologies and tools.

Job Description

At CDW, we make it happen, together. Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It’s why we’re coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another. We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where we’re headed. We’re proud to share our story and Make Amazing Happen at CDW.

Job Summary

This position utilizes instructional design knowledge and a variety of learning technology to complete complex instructional design projects with a focus on building leadership, selling and technical skills. This role collaborates with senior leadership to implement first-class development programs that support CDW’s strategies and business goals. Scope includes the identification, design, development, and implementation of training solutions utilizing various learning tools and participation on project teams to design, develop, and implement organizational improvement solutions. The Principal Instructional Designer excels in identifying, designing, developing and implementing learning solutions using innovative learning tools, project management, communication and coaching peers on new and innovative learning tools to build capability.

What You Will Do

• Lead program management for training programs including needs assessment, feedback and prioritization processes, instructional design and stakeholder communications

• Design and develop innovative learning experiences utilizing a broad variety of learning tools to maximize learner engagement and knowledge/skill retention

• Consult, collaborate and partner with cross-functional stakeholders to define business requirements and translate needs into organizational improvement solutions

• Research and apply best practices and industry trends. Identify and diagnose areas of opportunity, recommend and implement appropriate solutions that positively impact organizational effectiveness

• Develop, manage, and execute project management strategies to ensure effective resource allocation, commitment from project team members, timeliness and attainment of business requirements

• Effectively measure and assess learner skills, client satisfaction and business impact related to provided services. Establish strategies for addressing gaps. Advise on methods and approaches to reinforce skills

• Provide ongoing program feedback and communication updates to stakeholders

• Write and present recommendations, project proposals and business reviews for internal executive audiences

• Mentor and coach team members on instructional design best practices and new and innovative learning tools to build capability

• Evaluate, select, and partner with external vendors or contractors to build or tailor materials to meet CDW-specific needs when necessary

• Continuously develop instructional design and project management skills based on leading edge concepts and technology

• Manage and maintain curriculum review process with subject matter experts to ensure up-to-date and relevant content

• Collaborate with the leadership team to share best practices and support organizational initiatives

• Participate on project teams to design and develop instructional materials

• Identify opportunities for continuous program improvement and establish business case recommendations for changes

• Maintain an awareness of developments in the learning and development field to ensure that CDW continues to take advantage of best practices

• Up to 10% travel

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience

• 7 years’ experience as a CDW coworker or 7 years’ work experience in instructional design or related field

• Current, in-depth knowledge of learning technologies, best practices and trends

• Depth and/or breadth of expertise in instructional design, adult learning theories and evaluation methodologies

• Interpret internal and external business challenges and recommend best practices to design training solutions to solve issues

• Impact the achievement of customer, operational, project or service objectives; work is guided by functional objectives

• Communicate complex concepts; anticipate potential objections and influence others to adopt a different point of view

• Demonstrated time management skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive and collaborative relationships cross-functionally

• Track record of balancing competing priorities with the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the business while meeting deadlines

• Proficient in Microsoft office applications and collaboration platforms

• Master’s Degree in Instructional Design, Learning and Development, Organizational Development / Effectiveness or Human Resources, is a plus

• Strong knowledge of advanced sales skills and strategy, is a plus

• Strong technical aptitude, is a plus

• History of working with sales and services organizations to increase revenue and profit performance, is a plus

Annual bonus target of 10% subject to terms and conditions of plan

Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/

Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials

CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization

We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, a learner’s mindset, and a willingness to engage with ever-evolving technology and tools. We value adopting AI as a partner, openness to experimentation, and a shared interest in learning together on AI. Our goal is to create a culture where AI enhances—not replaces—human creativity and decision-making. You don’t need to be an expert today; what matters is your readiness to explore, adapt, and grow with us as we integrate AI responsibly and effectively into our work.

Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that’s curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what’s possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice.

About Us

CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what’s possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. At CDW we act as one—building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win—focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward—staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That’s why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees—working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities.

As a full‑stack, full‑lifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes. When you join CDW, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape what’s next.

Together, we deliver the full promise of what technology can do. Together, we Make Amazing Happen.

View this job on nocollar jobs