I have been a teacher for children in junior and elementary grades, an ESL teacher, a technical writer, an eLearning instructional designer and a project manager. With over 18 years experience in instructional designer, I use my experience, my eye for detail and design and my artist’s eye to create visually compelling and engaging content.

Sean Donohue

I have been a teacher for children in junior and elementary grades, an ESL teacher, a technical writer, an eLearning instructional designer and a project manager. With over 18 years experience in instructional designer, I use my experience, my eye for detail and design and my artist’s eye to create visually compelling and engaging content.

Available to hire

I have been a teacher for children in junior and elementary grades, an ESL teacher, a technical writer, an eLearning instructional designer and a project manager. With over 18 years experience in instructional designer, I use my experience, my eye for detail and design and my artist’s eye to create visually compelling and engaging content.

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Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Learning Advisor at Global Affairs Canada
February 1, 2020 - Present
Designed accessible learning products aligned with departmental needs using ADDIE and usability principles. Managed outsourcing projects, ensuring deliverables met quality, accessibility, and timeline requirements. Developed GAC’s Accessibility Guidelines, ensuring compliance across all in-house and contracted learning products.
Senior Learning Advisor at Correctional Service Canada
April 1, 2018 - February 1, 2020
Developed SCORM-compliant eLearning courses supporting correctional officers, health professionals, and staff. Led LMS infrastructure planning and collaborated with SMEs to deliver impactful technical and regulatory training. Prepared user documentation and ensured smooth implementation of blended learning programs.
Senior Learning Advisor at Treasury Board Secretariat
November 1, 2016 - June 1, 2017
Developed role-based training for My GCHR HR system rollout, including SCORM-compliant eLearning modules. Provided client advisory services and onboarding strategies for multiple government departments and agencies. Created training strategy and readiness assessments that supported transition to enterprise HR system.
Senior eLearning Specialist at Parks Canada
September 1, 2013 - November 1, 2014
Developed eLearning and workforce retention initiatives including onboarding, mentoring, and employee engagement programs. Coached and mentored junior designers, strengthening agency capacity in instructional and usability design. Recommended LMS solution and delivered SCORM-compliant courses using Articulate Storyline and HTML5.
Senior eLearning Specialist at Canadian Food Inspection Agency
December 1, 2007 - August 1, 2013
Created eLearning for scientific inspectors using rapid prototyping, JAD, and ADDIE methodologies. Partnered with SMEs to design technical training courses, improving compliance and staff readiness. Established agency best practices in instructional design and project management.
Technical Writer / eLearning Designer at Transport Canada
October 1, 2003 - December 1, 2007
Developed eLearning and technical documentation for IT and regulatory projects across multiple agencies. Collaborated with SMEs and project managers to deliver high-quality training and communication products. Maintained continuity of technical documentation and tested software in varied technical environments.
Technical Writer / eLearning Designer at Corel Corporation
November 1, 2000 - June 1, 2003
Developed eLearning and technical documentation for IT and regulatory projects across multiple agencies. Collaborated with SMEs and project managers to deliver high-quality training and communication products. Maintained continuity of technical documentation and tested software in varied technical environments.
Acting Deputy Director, Evaluation and Data Centre of Enablement at Global Affairs Canada
February 1, 2023 - February 1, 2025
Lead teams of analysts and advisors, aligning departmental learning and evaluation initiatives with government priorities. Implemented data-driven strategies, co-chaired governance groups, and strengthened organizational policy development. Recognized for advancing evidence-based decision-making through streamlined evaluation processes.
Acting Deputy Director, eLearning Technologies Unit at Global Affairs Canada
May 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022
Directed instructional designers and multimedia specialists in delivering accessible, high-quality eLearning products. Oversaw vendor contracts, budget planning, and LMS implementation to modernize digital learning capabilities. Strengthened team performance through mentoring, clear workflows, and performance reviews.
Manager, Learning Technologies Unit (Acting) at Correctional Service Canada
June 1, 2018 - October 1, 2018
Supervised development of innovative eLearning products, modernized LMS, and introduced innovative design methodologies. Partnered with SMEs to deliver technical and non-technical courses tailored to frontline correctional staff. Improved learning product development efficiency and maintained accessibility compliance.
National Learning Coordinator at Correctional Service Canada
August 1, 2017 - April 1, 2018
Managed performance management program for over 17,000 employees, including executives and managers. Developed and communicated strategic vision through presentations, workshops, and departmental outreach. Enhanced program delivery by modernizing tools, processes, and client service models.
Team Leader, Performance Management at Canada Border Services Agency
November 1, 2014 - November 1, 2016
Directed organization-wide performance management program for 15,000+ employees and executives. Implemented data-driven improvements, ensuring effective alignment with HR policies and agency priorities. Received CBSA Team Award for Program Excellence (2015) for program innovation.
Team Leader, eLearning Unit at Canadian Food Inspection Agency
April 1, 2010 - April 1, 2012
Increased eLearning output from 12 to 148+ products annually by streamlining workflows and best practices. Led instructional designers and multimedia specialists in developing high-impact technical courses. Introduced innovative design processes, significantly improving training efficiency and quality.

Education

Bachelor of Education (PGCE) at Canterbury Christ Church College, University of Kent
January 11, 2030 - December 28, 2025
Bachelor of Arts, Concentration in History at University of Ottawa
January 11, 2030 - December 28, 2025

Qualifications

CBSA Team Award for Program Excellence
January 11, 2030 - December 28, 2025
CFIA President’s National Award for Innovation and Best Practices
January 11, 2030 - December 28, 2025
Risk Management Certificate, Facilitation Part 1
January 11, 2030 - December 28, 2025

Industry Experience

Government, Education, Professional Services