Instructional Designer

Summary of Job Responsibilities

Do you love Colorado as much as we do? Come share our purpose as we guide Colorado’s 750,000 public employees to a secure, safe and happy retirement. Through a variety of live and recorded digital mediums, PERA’s Member Education Team thrives on taking complex retirement and benefit information and delivering it to diverse audiences in creative, engaging, and easy-to-understand ways.  

We are seeking an instructional designer to join our team in designing, developing, and measuring new content and creating engaging learning experiences about PERA’s Defined Benefit Retirement Plan, Defined Contribution Plans, and other built-in benefit programs to PERA’s members and affiliated employers.  

Ideal Candidate Statement

Our ideal candidate is adaptable, creative, and shares our passion for adult learning and financial education. We are a team that thrives on helping others and look for innovative and creative ways to make content enjoyable and easy to retain.  You’ll find renewed purpose and community in a role that collaborates with multiple stakeholders, manages both waterfall and agile projects, and champions process improvement. Colorado PERA is a member first, mission first organization that is looking to connect our members with sound financial information. Our ideal candidate wants colleagues for co-workers, and coaches for bosses.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Individuals must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Identifies appropriate educational delivery method with an emphasis in what can be accomplished in the digital space 
• Creates learner centered content aligned to measurable objectives and evaluates effectiveness through learner feedback and performance data 
• Utilizes learning methodologies, adult learning theories, instructional design theory, and design thinking to create, design and deliver learning experiences for Colorado PERA’s membership 
• Applies ADDIE and Kirkpatrick’s Training Evaluation Model to design, measure, and continuously improve learning outcomes using defined success metrics  
• Utilizes project management skills to manage the creation and implementation of learning programs. Develops project plans to define and meet project milestones, communicate issues and risks in a timely manner, manage expectations, and deliver results.  
• Partners with Subject Matter Experts to design and develop learner-centered course materials, lesson plans, case studies, scripts, presentations- optimized for digital-first and in-person experiences.  
• Designs and develops teaching aids, such as slideshows, for classroom and online training 
• Creates detailed facilitator guides to allow clear, user-friendly and highly accurate support to Member Education Team 
• Develops learning experiences end-to-end, working independently 
• Proactively and consistently maintains, updates existing learning and reference materials to ensure continued accuracy and relevance 
• Collaborates with broad spectrum of project stakeholders 
• Maintains regular and prompt attendance in the workplace 
• Carries out other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications

• BA/BS in Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Design, or equivalent education/experience. Master’s degree preferred 
• Three to five years of experience in corporate training, instructional design, and/or curriculum and instruction. 
• Demonstrated understanding of the ADDIE model and ability to apply the principles 
• Project management experience related to instructional content development is preferred 
• Ability to pair content with appropriate digital distribution method 
• Ability to manage multiple projects with many moving parts, deadlines, and schedules 
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, attention to detail and focus on quality 
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; ability to work within a collaborative environment 
• Demonstrated knowledge of adult learning theories and application 
• Ability to think creatively and visually to devise the most logical, engaging, and interesting content for membership 
• Experience with technologies related to training, projects, and communication 
• Ability to lead peers on projects or team initiatives 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Excellent people and relationship skills focused on both internal and external team members 
• Proficient in the use of personal computers, including proficiency with MS Office software(Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), and Zoom is required 

Working Conditions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
•    Standard office environment with frequent telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine. 

• Occasional moving and positioning supplies in excess of 20 pounds
• All employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industry
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to operate standard PC equipment
• Ability to manage frequent deadlines and tight schedules
• Occasional travel by car or plane as necessary for business purposes

Hybrid Work Option
•    Opportunity to work from home up to two days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.

Interested Candidates:
Complete the employment application online at https://www.copera.org/careers. Please have copies of your resume and cover letter available to upload. Review the questions below, they will be asked as part of the application process. 

1. Talk about a project that you planned. How did you organize and schedule the tasks? Tell us about your action plan.
2. If hired, how would you evaluate our current curriculum? What information would you use to assess its effectiveness?

In addition, please provide a link to your work portfolio for review, this can be sent directly to [email protected].

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned with or without notice.

Unfortunately, at this time, PERA cannot consider candidates that require sponsorship (now or in the future), or are located outside of the US.

All Colorado PERA employees are subject to PERA’s Ethics Policy and some employees are subject to the Personal Trading Policy. These policies include restrictions on outside business activities and employment and have certain requirements on personal trading.  You may request copies of these policies from PERA’s talent acquisition team and any questions can be answered by PERA’s Investment Administration team.

Why Work at PERA

Colorado PERA offers more than a traditional pension career. We are a mission-driven organization with a growing focus on technology and modernization. Employees have the opportunity to do meaningful work with a real impact on over 700,000 members. From enhancing digital tools and member experiences to supporting major enterprise initiatives, employees are part of meaningful, future-focused work that blends public service with innovation. We take pride in our inclusive culture, career development opportunities, and our consistent recognition as a Top Workplace based on employee feedback. PERA is a place to connect, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

A Culture That Cares

At PERA, leveraging employee strengths and supporting strong engagement are the foundations of our culture. Employees are encouraged to grow through development opportunities and internal career movement, while also being part of an organization where people feel respected, informed, and included. Collaboration is encouraged across teams, allowing employees to learn from one another and contribute in ways that maximize their unique skills. We strive to foster an environment where employees can do their best work and feel supported by the people around them

An Employer that Invests in You

PERA invests in our employees in ways that matter; from comprehensive benefits and generous paid time-off to thoughtful everyday amenities that enhance the office experience. Employees are encouraged to continue learning through training, mentoring, and development at every stage of their careers. We champion a workplace where people feel valued, inspired, and equipped to grow.

Join Us
If you’re energized by meaningful work, motivated by an organization that evolves with a changing world and looking for an employer that invests in you, then consider joining PERA’s team. Learn more about careers at PERA at copera.org/careers.

Position Title: Instructional Designer
Division: Member Education
Reports to: Member Education Manager
Job Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $75,000.00 - $82,500.00 Annually, Commensurate with experience
Posting Date: 6/12/2026 - 6/28/2026