Job Description:
The Instructional Designer plays a critical role in designing, developing, coordinating, and scaling engaging training experiences across the organization. This individual owns the end-to-end development of blended learning programs, including instructor-led training, online learning, facilitation and participant guides, job aids, videos, graphics, and presentations, that support operational excellence, leadership development, onboarding, and new initiative rollouts. In addition to creating high-quality learning content, this role serves as a program and project lead, ensuring stakeholder alignment, timelines, communications, resources, implementation, and measurement stay on track.
Key Responsibilities:
Instructional Design & Content Development
- Conduct needs analyses with internal partners to identify performance needs, target audiences, learning objectives, success measures, subject matter experts (SMEs), and project timing.
- Determine the most effective learning approach, delivery method, and materials based on business needs and the end-user experience.
- Collaborate with SMEs, field leaders, and support teams to gather, organize, and translate complex content into clear, practical, and engaging learning experiences.
- Design and develop highly engaging blended learning solutions, including instructor-led and virtual training, online learning, facilitation and participant guides, job aids, videos, graphics, voice-over scripts, speaker notes, and PowerPoint presentations.
- Create prototypes and polished learning assets using illustrations, photography, video, layout, branded graphics, and effective storytelling.
- Build interactive digital learning using Articulate 360, including Storyline and Rise.
- Shoot, edit, and produce video-based learning and create simple, engaging graphics using Adobe Creative Suite.
- Review and test final products for accuracy, usability, accessibility, brand alignment, and achievement of learning objectives.
Program Management
- Own the design, development, execution, and evaluation of assigned training programs from concept through implementation.
- Ensure programs align with business priorities, brand standards, culture, service standards, and learning objectives.
- Manage program content, documentation, version control, and ongoing updates.
- Serve as the training lead for assigned initiatives, bringing consistency to the development and rollout experience.
Training Facilitation & Implementation Support
- Facilitate in-person and virtual training for field leaders, hourly teams, and support center partners as part of new program launches, onboarding, leadership development, or business initiatives.
- Support field leadership teams in implementing and embedding training into daily routines and operating practices.
- Partner with operations leadership to tailor and deliver just-in-time training based on performance results or business needs.
- Provide implementation tools, coaching, and follow-up support to help ensure programs are practical, user-friendly, and field-ready.
Project Management
- Lead cross-functional training projects by defining timelines, roles, deliverables, resources, dependencies, risks, and communication plans.
- Build and maintain detailed project plans and dashboards to track progress and keep multiple priorities on schedule.
- Ensure stakeholders remain aligned, informed, and supported throughout development and rollout.
- Coordinate with LMS, operations, field implementation, and other support teams to meet deadlines and quality standards.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Collaborate closely with Operations, the People Team, SMEs, field leaders, and support center partners to ensure seamless training integration across business units.
- Act as a key liaison between support center teams and the field, gathering feedback throughout the design and implementation process.
- Support pilots, special projects, and process improvements that strengthen the overall training ecosystem.
- Monitor learning and program effectiveness, analyze feedback and performance results, and make data-informed improvements.
- Give and seek feedback to elevate the quality of the work and the effectiveness of the broader training team.
Qualifications:
- 4+ years of experience in instructional design, training, learning and development, or training program/project management, preferably in hospitality, retail, restaurant, or customer-service environments.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree or certificate in instructional design, graphic design, education, learning and development, or a related field preferred.
- Proven track record of developing blended learning solutions and leading training initiatives from concept through execution.
- Portfolio of instructional design, eLearning, graphic design, and/or video-based learning projects.
- Proficiency in Articulate 360, including Storyline and Rise.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.
- Working knowledge of typography, color theory, visual hierarchy, and foundational graphic-design principles.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple timelines, stakeholders, and priorities.
- Excellent collaboration, facilitation, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, time-management, problem-solving, judgment, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to gather feedback, analyze data, and continuously improve learning solutions and programs.
- Comfort working quickly and effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience working with a learning management system.
- Ability to travel occasionally to field locations to observe performance, gather feedback, test solutions, and provide coaching.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience with Workday Learning or another enterprise learning management system.
- Experience with project management tools such as Monday.com.
- Background in videography, photography, graphic design, or multimedia production.
- Experience developing training for hospitality, restaurant, retail, entertainment, or other multi-unit field operations.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?:
Dave & Buster's is an imaginative and dynamic company dedicated to creating innovative entertainment experiences that bring joy, laughter, and excitement to people of all ages. Our mission is to foster a culture of fun and creativity, and we take pride in our commitment to delivering memorable and unique entertainment solutions.
- Exclusive discounts on food and games at D&B & Main Event
- Paid Time Off (PTO) that increases with tenure
- 11 Company Holidays (Including your Birthday) & 2 Floating Holidays per year
- Medical, dental, vision and voluntary benefits
- Part Time/Full Time benefits available
- Sub Benefits:
- Livongo and Telehealth benefits
- 401k with company match following 6 months of employment
- Buster's Legacy Fund (Supports Team Members during difficult Times)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Offerings
- Work out facility on-site
- Employee Power Card | Free Video Games
We work hard, play hard and have FUN!
Salary Range:
72000
We are an equal opportunity employer and participate in E-Verify in states where required.