Instructional Designer - Curriculum & Training Team

Job Description

Company Description

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We’re looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for an Instructional Designer to be located out of our corporate office in Bloomington, MN.  The Instructional Design Specialist enhances restaurant performance and guest experience by designing innovative, outcome‑driven learning solutions grounded in backward design that equip Operators, crew members, and field teams with the skills they need to succeed. This role blends creativity, strategy, and execution—delivering engaging learning experiences across multiple modalities while partnering cross‑functionally to support Dairy Queen’s operational priorities, brand standards, and future vision.

This individual thinker‑doer will shape the next generation of DQ learning by building modern, scalable, digital‑first curriculum and maintaining a continuous improvement mindset rooted in user feedback, analytics, and operational insights.

Primary Accountabilities Includes:

Learning Strategy & Planning

1. Conduct needs assessments to identify capability gaps and translate findings into learning strategies that support organizational priorities and business outcomes.
2. Applies backward design principles to identify desired operational and learner outcomes before determining content, activities, and assessments.
3. Recommend the right learning delivery methods (e.g., classroom, virtual, on‑demand, microlearning, performance support, blended learning).
4. Collaborate with cross-functional partners (Operations, Marketing, R&D, HR, Franchise Support) to align learning experiences with product launches, operational changes, and strategic initiatives.
5. Drive learning beyond the classroom by incorporating spaced learning, reinforcement, and performance support tools.

Design & Development of Learning Experiences

1. Design and develop high‑quality learning programs and materials, including eLearning, videos, facilitator guides, participant guides, job aids, simulations, interactive modules, performance tools, and assessments.
2. Apply modern instructional design principles.
3. Begin the design process by defining evidence of learning and selecting assessments that measure the desired performance outcomes, ensuring all content and activities align to those outcomes.
4. Create inclusive, learner‑centered content that reflects diverse learning needs and styles.
5. Leverage data, research, and user insights to design curriculum that drives measurable behavior change and operational performance.
6. Ensure all content meets brand, quality, accessibility, and operational standards.
7. Support the creation and evolution of learning paths and role‑based curricula for in‑restaurant positions.

Implementation, Continuous Improvement & Learning Operations

1. Partner with the LMS team to upload, structure, test, and maintain digital content; ensure accuracy of metadata, course settings, and learning paths.
2. Gather and analyze feedback from field teams, operators, and learners to continuously improve content and delivery approaches.
3. Monitor key learning metrics and recommend refinements based on data and operational insights.
4. Use a backward design mindset during revisions to confirm that learning outcomes, assessments, and activities remain tightly aligned and reflect updated operational needs or performance goals.
5. Collaborate with project teams to ensure learning deliverables are connected to operational goals and field realities.
6. Maintain version control, governance, and documentation for all training materials.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

1. Partner with business leaders and subject matter experts to understand needs, design solutions, and support successful implementation.
2. Communicate clearly, professionally, and proactively with internal teams, franchise operators, and vendors.
3. Build positive, collaborative relationships across the enterprise to ensure learning solutions are relevant, actionable, and easy to implement.
4. Manage expectations and timelines with diplomacy, clarity, and ownership.

The US national base salary range for this position is $80,088 - $96,106. The base salary range displayed reflects the targeted hiring range for positions across all US locations. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, work location and relevant education or experience.

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Education, Communications, HR, Adult Learning, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of experience designing and developing training programs and curriculum, preferably in a retail, restaurant, franchise, or operational environment.
• Experience designing learning across modalities (in‑person, virtual, blended, eLearning, microlearning).
• Experience working with a learning management system (LMS) or learning experience platform (LXP).
• Experience partnering with business leaders or subject matter experts to assess needs and design customized learning solutions.
• Experience supporting frontline teams strongly preferred.

Skills:

Instructional Design & Learning Expertise

• Strong understanding of instructional design models (ADDIE, Backward design) and adult learning theory.
• Ability to translate complex operational processes into simple, learner‑friendly training.
• Skilled in creating interactive, engaging, and visually compelling digital learning.

Communication & Collaboration

• Clear and concise writer with strong grammar and communication skills.
• Skilled at leading discussions, facilitating feedback sessions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Diplomatic communicator who can influence without authority.

Business & Analytical Skills

• Uses data and feedback to identify learning needs, measure effectiveness, and guide continuous improvement.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and project management abilities.
• Curious, solutions-focused thinker able to anticipate needs and bring ideas forward proactively.

Creativity & Innovation

• Looks for opportunities to modernize content, integrate technology, and introduce forward‑thinking learning solutions.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Comfortable exploring unconventional approaches to better support learners and Operators.

Team & Culture Contributions

• Inclusive collaborator who values diverse perspectives.
• Positive, proactive self-starter who approaches challenges with curiosity and resilience.
• Demonstrates commitment to DQ values, brand excellence, and operational quality.to

Additional Information

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families.  Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more!  To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 3 collaboration days a week.  Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs.

Inclusion & Belonging

We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work, and where we recruit, engage, and retain employees, franchise owners, and suppliers based on qualifications and merit. We strive to maintain an environment where everyone feels welcome.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new team members. You must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.