Instructional Design and Digital Learning Partner (RFP)

Request for Proposal: Instructional Design and Digital Learning Partner

The Steve Fund is seeking a qualified Instructional Design and Digital Learning Partner to help design, develop, and structure a Digital Learning Platform. This platform will host a suite of interactive training modules, workshops, and educational resources, offering both asynchronous (self-paced) and synchronous (live) learning experiences. The aim is to expand the reach and scalability of The Steve Fund's programs nationally, delivering accessible and culturally responsive learning to diverse audiences within the education and mental health ecosystems.

Organizational Overview

The Steve Fund leads the nation in promoting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people, especially those from underserved communities. They work with students, families, educators, and institutions to build knowledge, strengthen support systems, and transform environments through various initiatives like Excellence in Mental Health on Campus (EMHC), Mental Health & Persistence Initiative, and My Digital Sanctuary (MDS).

Project Goals

• Expand national reach through scalable training opportunities.
• Translate research into practice via structured learning experiences.
• Strengthen institutional capacity to support student mental health.
• Increase engagement with interactive digital learning experiences.
• Integrate seamlessly with existing digital platforms, including My Digital Sanctuary.

Scope of Work

The project will be executed across five distinct phases:

• Phase 1: Learning Architecture and Strategy: Conduct discovery, identify learning objectives, design architecture and learner journeys, and establish instructional design standards.
• Phase 2: Asynchronous Learning Modules: Develop short video lessons, interactive case studies, knowledge checks, quizzes, reflection exercises, scenario-based learning, and downloadable resources.
• Phase 3: Synchronous Training Design: Create workshop curricula, facilitator guides, slide presentations, participant workbooks, and interactive exercises.
• Phase 4: Digital Learning Experience Design: Focus on course navigation, learner pathways, multimedia integration, accessibility standards, and mobile-friendly design.
• Phase 5: Evaluation and Impact Measurement: Implement knowledge assessments, participant feedback surveys, engagement metrics, and learning impact indicators.

Deliverables

• Digital learning architecture and curriculum structure.
• Instructional design framework.
• Interactive asynchronous learning modules.
• Storyboards and multimedia integration plans.
• Facilitator guides and workshop curricula.
• Presentation decks and participant materials.
• Platform design and user experience recommendations.
• Evaluation tools and learning impact measurement framework.

Target Audiences

• Higher education leaders and administrators.
• Faculty and staff.
• Mental health professionals.
• Families and caregivers.
• Students and young adults.
• Community-based organizations.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in instructional design.
• Experience developing digital learning platforms.
• Expertise in adult learning theory.
• Experience designing asynchronous and synchronous learning.
• Familiarity with LMS platforms (Canvas, Moodle, Articulate, etc.).
• Experience working with higher education or nonprofit organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in mental health or well-being education.
• Equity-centered or culturally responsive learning.
• Experience designing digital learning ecosystems.

Budget

The Steve Fund anticipates proposals in the range of $50,000 – $120,000, depending on scope and module volume. Budgets should clearly outline deliverables, hourly rates, and total project costs.

Proposal Submission Requirements

Proposals should include:

• Organizational overview and relevant experience.
• Proposed instructional design methodology.
• Work samples of digital learning or training programs.
• Project timeline and milestones.
• Detailed budget and pricing structure.

Key Skills/Competency

• Instructional Design
• Digital Learning Platforms
• Adult Learning Theory
• Asynchronous Learning
• Synchronous Learning
• LMS Platforms (Canvas, Moodle, Articulate)
• Curriculum Development
• User Experience Design
• Evaluation and Impact Measurement
• Culturally Responsive Learning