Instructional Designer

Location: Chicago / Adams - IL

Job summary

The Instructional Designer partners with Learning & Development leaders, lead and senior designers and subject matter experts to design, develop and deliver enablement that supports CDW strategies and business goals. This role applies instructional design best practices and modern learning technologies, including generative AI, across a range of modalities, and helps coordinate assigned programs from needs analysis through launch and evaluation. It’s a great fit for a designer with hands-on experience who is eager to grow their craft through coaching, feedback and a wide variety of projects.

What you’ll do

• Partner with stakeholders and subject matter experts to assess needs and translate business requirements into performance and learning objectives
• Design and develop learning content across modalities, including instructor-led and virtual classroom, eLearning, video, microlearning and performance support, applying adult learning principles
• Design and develop learning content using key learning tools and platforms such as, but not limited to, Articulate 360, Synthesia and Brainshark
• Design and develop customer facing support materials that allow for effective collaboration with SME and stakeholder input and alignment on enablement content
• Develop curriculum proactively and just-in-time to support business strategies, product launches and process changes
• Coordinate assigned programs, including project plans, timelines, stakeholder communications, train-the-trainer sessions, and participant and facilitator materials
• Use generative AI tools responsibly to accelerate design and development, validating outputs for accuracy, bias and alignment with CDW standards and data-protection policies
• Build accessible, inclusive learning that meets accessibility standards and CDW brand guidelines
• Develop fair, accurate assessments and measure program effectiveness using learner data and feedback; recommend and implement enhancements
• Partner with subject matter experts to keep content current, and maintain content in the learning management system
• Recommend performance solutions, including non-training options, based on effectiveness, quality and cost/benefit
• Up to 10% travel

What we expect of you

Minimum basic requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or 3 years work experience as an Instructional Designer.

Preferred skills, experience, and qualities needed

Hands-on experience with an instructional design project from needs analysis through implementation (portfolio or work samples encouraged)

Working knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM)

Familiarity with eLearning authoring and media tools (e.g., Articulate 360, Camtasia, Vyond, Synthesia, Adobe Creative Cloud) and learning management systems

Familiarity with generative AI tools in a business setting, ideally applied to instructional design, including writing prompts, evaluating outputs and using AI within privacy and security guidelines

Familiarity with accessibility standards and inclusive design practices

Experience working with subject matter experts to build sales, consulting and technical skills; knowledge of the technology industry is a plus

Background in education, adult learning, writing or a related field

Strong project coordination, planning and organizational skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines

Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership

Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently on assigned projects and openness to feedback

Pay range: $70,000.00 - $97,200.00, depending on experience and skill set

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.

CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.

Additional Locations: Tempe - AZ