Instructional Designer

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, In.

Design, 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 - 96000 We are an equal opportunity employer and participate in E-Verify in states where required.