Jarrod Withers
Somerset
Summary
A seasoned Learning and Development specialist with over 12 years of experience in the field. Extensive background as a college instructor, training personnel manager, trainer, documentation writer, and instructional designer. Passionate about e-learning and learning management systems, with hands-on experience working with various platforms over the years.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Writer
Kentucky Department of Revenue
01.2023 - 08.2024
- Developed, maintained, and standardized technical documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and training materials.
- Created and reviewed taxpayer-facing documents to ensure clarity, accuracy, and compliance.
- Edited and developed training documentation for internal teams to support process consistency and knowledge sharing.
- Assisted in crafting website content to enhance user experience and accessibility.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts (SMEs) to refine and improve documentation quality.
- Participated in daily project meetings to ensure progress was being made on the new tax system.
- Participated in weekly status update meetings to determine roadblocks and breakthroughs.
- Ensured documentation met technical writing best practices and compliance standards.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Managed version control and timely updates of documents through effective project tracking and organization skills.
- Conducted thorough document reviews to identify inaccuracies, inconsistencies, or areas needing clarification.
LMS Support Technician
Central State University
09.2021 - 12.2023
- Tested and validated LMS data accuracy, performing detailed checks to ensure all course content, user data, and system integrations were correct and aligned with business requirements.
- Developed and maintained technical documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and user guides to support students and instructors.
- Created instructional guides and training videos to facilitate self-service troubleshooting and enhance user experience.
- Provided technical support for non-password-related issues within the D2L Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring seamless user interactions.
- Designed and delivered training sessions for instructors on new technologies and third-party applications integrated with D2L.
- Collaborated with technical teams and subject matter experts (SMEs) to document system updates, workflows, and best practices.
- Ensured all documentation adhered to technical writing best practices, accessibility standards, and instructional design principles.
- Set up/Organized Zendesk for helpdesk and CRM-related usage.
- Coordinated with vendors to resolve software malfunctions quickly and efficiently, reducing downtime costs.
Instructional Designer
Kentucky Community & Technical College System
01.2020 - 05.2021
- Developed and maintained technical documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and instructional materials to enhance online course delivery.
- Consulted with online instructors to analyze and improve the student learning experience through instructional design best practices.
- Participated in agile-based project management when building courses.
- Designed and delivered professional development training for faculty, focusing on LMS optimization, course design, and technology integration.
- Created audio and video assets to enhance course content, ensuring accessibility and engagement.
- Worked within the Learning Management System (LMS) to configure course structures, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts (SMEs) to document best practices, system workflows, and process improvements.
Senior Product Owner
Evergent Learning
05.2018 - 08.2019
- Led the development and design of Converge LMS, overseeing all projects related to platform enhancements and user experience improvements.
- Lead project management for entire LMS development cycle, with iterations arriving quarterly.
- Used agile-based kanban board to move items through the development process to their assigned owners.
- Developed and maintained technical documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and user guides to support instructors, students, and administrators.
- Created and managed the product development roadmap, ensuring long-term sustainability and alignment with business objectives.
- Oversaw the release timeline and communication strategy, ensuring seamless updates and stakeholder awareness.
- Curated and maintained a comprehensive library of help documentation, improving user adoption and troubleshooting efficiency.
- Tested and validated LMS data accuracy, ensuring all content and user data were properly integrated and aligned with business processes.
- Assisted in the creation of video tutorials and training materials, providing multimedia resources for end-user support.
- Collaborated with developers, instructional designers, and SMEs to refine technical processes and enhance system functionality.
Instructional Designer
Creative Lodging Solutions
02.2015 - 05.2018
- Designed and developed e-learning solutions to support company-wide training initiatives.
- Created and maintained technical documentation, SOPs, and training materials for internal and external users.
- Developed interactive self-paced training modules using Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, and Videoscribe, ensuring engaging and effective learning experiences.
- Managed and deployed e-learning content within the Learning Management System (LMS) and company network.
- Collaborated with SMEs, instructional designers, and IT teams to ensure training materials aligned with company objectives and technical requirements.
- Conducted usability testing and content validation, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and compliance with industry standards.
- Participated as a technical liaison with all onsite IT staff to ensure LMS worked seamlessly with company-wide SSO and that all new hires were adequately provisioned with the correct access to various systems.
- Participated in beta-testing process of proprietary CRM software used by Creative Lodging Solutions.
- Provided technical support and troubleshooting for e-learning courses and LMS-related issues.
Technical Trainer/Course Developer
Serco
08.2013 - 02.2015
- Developed and delivered instructor-led training courses, ensuring alignment with program objectives and compliance requirements.
- Created and maintained technical documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and training materials to standardize course content and improve knowledge retention.
- Managed and organized course records, tracking training effectiveness and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
- Played a key role in the evaluation and selection of a Learning Management System (LMS), assessing platform capabilities and implementation strategies for site-wide deployment.
- Assisted in the design and rollout of LMS implementation, developing documentation, user guides, and instructional materials for system adoption.
- Collaborated with stakeholders and IT teams to ensure a seamless transition to the new LMS, troubleshooting technical issues and optimizing system functionality.
Communications Specialist/Homeland Security Training
Center for Rural Development
10.2010 - 11.2012
- Produced high-quality technical documentation, training manuals, and instructional materials, ensuring clarity and accessibility for diverse audiences.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure content accuracy and alignment with homeland security training objectives.
- Supported the development of communication strategies for outreach and training programs aimed at rural communities and first responders.
Instructional Design Coordinator/Quality & Training Manager
Blackboard Student Services
08.2008 - 02.2010
- Developed and managed a comprehensive content library for product support, focusing on Blackboard and other learning management systems (LMS).
- Established and led the curriculum design team, defining all processes, procedures, and workflows to ensure efficient content development.
- Managed a team of 32 direct reports, overseeing the curriculum development, quality assurance, and training teams to ensure high-quality and consistent educational content.
- Designed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) for curriculum development, ensuring compliance with technical writing standards and best practices.
- Participated with development team as beta-testing for proprietary ticket-creation software.
Education
Masters - English
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY01.2003
Bachelor of Arts - English
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY01-2001
Skills
- Well-versed in numerous learning management systems, including Blackboard, Angel, Moodle, and SABA
- Skilled in course creation software such as Adobe Captivate and Articulate Storyline
- Editing and proofreading
- Instruction writing
- Effective writing
- Learning strategies
- Instructional strategies
- Storyboarding
- E-learning design
Websites
Timeline
Technical Writer
Kentucky Department of Revenue
01.2023 - 08.2024
LMS Support Technician
Central State University
09.2021 - 12.2023
Instructional Designer
Kentucky Community & Technical College System
01.2020 - 05.2021
Senior Product Owner
Evergent Learning
05.2018 - 08.2019
Instructional Designer
Creative Lodging Solutions
02.2015 - 05.2018
Technical Trainer/Course Developer
Serco
08.2013 - 02.2015
Communications Specialist/Homeland Security Training
Center for Rural Development
10.2010 - 11.2012
Instructional Design Coordinator/Quality & Training Manager
Blackboard Student Services
08.2008 - 02.2010
Masters - English
Eastern Kentucky University
Bachelor of Arts - English
Eastern Kentucky University
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