Associate Instructional Designer (maternity cover) in Reading

Ciphr is delighted to offer a fabulous interim (maternity cover) opportunity for an experienced instructional designer to contribute to driving the design, quality and impact of Ciphr's eLearning offering. This is a 12-month, fixed-term contract. Working across client projects, internal product development, marketing and strategic partnerships, you combine instructional design expertise with stakeholder collaboration. As a hands-on instructional designer, you champion best practice in learning design, accessibility and engagement while developing capability across the team and strengthening Ciphr's position as a trusted learning partner. Flexibility is key so this role can be based anywhere within the UK if you are happy to attend ad-hoc meetings. We also have an office in Reading, Berkshire that all Ciphr employees are welcome to utilise.

Location: This role offers a flexible working pattern, collaborating with your team in our Reading office approximately once a month.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the instructional design of eLearning solutions, producing high-quality storyboards and learning outcomes documents for both bespoke client projects and internal course development.
• Translate subject matter content into engaging, accessible and pedagogically sound eLearning, determining appropriate screen types, interactivities, media elements and assessment approaches.
• Collaborate with clients at the discovery stage of the project to shape learning formats, accessibility and other project requirements and features that meet their objectives.
• Maintain and update existing eLearning content, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with evolving best practice in instructional design.

Secondary responsibilities

• Work closely with the Project Manager to scope, plan and deliver eLearning projects smoothly and to agreed timelines.

What good looks like

• Learning projects consistently delivered on time, within scope, and meeting agreed learning outcomes.
• Positive client feedback on the clarity, engagement, and accessibility of digital learning solutions.
• A library of learning content that reflects consistent instructional design standards and best practice.
• Clear evidence that learners can apply knowledge and skills gained from Ciphr eLearning courses.
• Strong collaboration with project management, marketing, and external partners resulting in joined-up delivery.

What you’ll need to succeed

• Proven experience in instructional or digital learning design, with the ability to storyboard and design effective eLearning experiences from day one.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles, accessibility standards, and learner-centred design.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to translate complex content into clear, engaging learning materials.
• Experience working collaboratively with stakeholders, including clients, project managers, subject matter experts and designers/animators.
• Confidence in managing priorities across multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Familiarity with learning technologies, LMS platforms and eLearning authoring tools.
• Experience contributing to content marketing, webinars, or thought leadership in learning and development.
• Exposure to partnership working or accreditation processes (e.g. CPD).

What we offer you

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Family National Trust Membership
• Birthday day off
• Family forming support - e.g., time off for family forming appointments or to support your partner
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Work from Anywhere for 4 weeks per year
• Volunteering days for 2 days per year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Pension
• Health cash plan
• Life assurance
• Technology/home improvements Loans
• Perks at Work – access to exclusive discounts, cinema tickets, etc.
• Regular training
• £1,500 employee referral scheme
• Medical Cover and Dental cover (after 6 months’ service)