Program Design and Development Specialist

Description

Summary of Role

The Program Design and Development Specialist creates engaging, high-quality, and effective self-paced online professional development (PD) programs for legal professionals. This includes liaising with subject matter experts, volunteers and faculty. This role requires expertise in instructional design and e-learning technologies to develop courses that meet the PD needs of lawyers. The Program Design and Development Specialist also organizes and facilitates OBA corporate PD events.

Reporting Relationship

The Program Design and Development Specialist works under the supervision of the Senior Director of Professional Development, and in conjunction with PD Lawyers and PD Coordinators.  The Program Design and Development Specialist is a part of the Professional Development team.

General Responsibilities – Asynchronous Online Program Design and Development

• Course Development: Design, develop, and implement asynchronous learning programs for lawyers, ensuring content is engaging, interactive, and meets industry standards.
• Content Curation: Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to source, refine, and adapt legal content for asynchronous delivery.
• Instructional Design: Apply best practices in adult learning theory, instructional design, and multimedia integration to create compelling courses.
• Technology Integration: Utilize learning management systems (LMS), video editing tools, and e-learning software (e.g., Articulate, Adobe Captivate, or similar) to develop interactive modules.
• Accreditation: Coordinate with Director to ensure that programs are accredited where possible, and accreditation requirements are met.
• Project Management: Manage course development timelines, coordinate with volunteers, subject matter experts and other stakeholders, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality learning materials.
• Continuous Improvement: Gather user feedback, analyze learning effectiveness, and make necessary updates to improve course content and delivery.

General Responsibilities – OBA Corporate PD

• Organize and facilitate all OBA corporate PD events, including booking rooms, venue, refreshments, A/V and all tasks required for successful execution of the event.
• Under the direction of the Senior Director of PD and/or PD Lawyers, prepare and send speaker invitations, including tracking speaker responses.
• Prepare program descriptions/agenda, and work with the Registration team to open program registration
• Prepare and distribute speaker packages to all confirmed faculty.
• Review and work with the marketing department on advertising and marketing materials for programs.
• Schedule and attend speaker calls.
• Liaise with volunteers and speakers with respect to logistics for the event, including the delivery of written materials for programs.
• Co-ordinate and monitor program registrations. 
• Arrange travel and accommodation for out-of-town speakers and submit their expenses for reimbursement in accordance with the organization's financial guidelines and policies.
• Organize all speaker materials prior to programs/events for distribution to attendees and event chairs, along with introductory and closing remarks.
• Liaise with the marketing and graphics staff for the production and delivery of physical or digital materials for programs within set deadlines.
• Coordinate and manage program chairs and speakers on the day of the event for assigned PD events
• Work within the departmental budget for the creation of events.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 3-5 years of work experience in a professional setting.
• Proven experience designing asynchronous learning programs, preferably for legal professionals or similar regulated industries.
• Experience with learning management systems (LMS)
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Comfort in communicating with professionals at all levels
• The ability and desire to work both individually and as a team member
• The ability to multi-task
• Tact and good judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a law firm, legal education institution, or professional training organization.
• Certification in instructional design or e-learning development.

This is a new role with a salary range of $55,000 - $60,000.