Search Advocate Training:
A Blended Learning Program for Equitable Hiring
This project reimagines traditional Search Advocate training by transforming a costly, multi-day in-person program into a flexible blended learning experience. The design provides foundational knowledge through eLearning while reserving instructor-led time for discussion, skill practice, and collaborative problem-solving.
Audience: Employees new to a Search Advocate role
Responsibilities: Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Visual Design
Tools Used: Articulate Storyline 360, Articulate Rise 360, Adobe Illustrator, Figma AI, Murf AI, Canva, Microsoft Suite
Note: This project was developed for internal institutional use and includes confidential hiring practices and policies. As a result, the full training cannot be displayed publicly, but the overview below highlights the problem, design strategy, and value delivered.
The Problem & Solution
Search Advocates play an important role in supporting equitable hiring practices by helping search committees recognize and mitigate cognitive and structural bias during the recruitment process. Traditionally, advocates were trained through a four-day, 16-hour in-person workshop that required significant travel and financial resources, limiting how often the training could be offered and how many people could participate. In addition, current advocates noted that the training focused heavily on information delivery but offered limited opportunities to practice applying advocacy strategies in realistic scenarios.
To address these challenges, our team designed a blended learning program that moves foundational knowledge into scalable eLearning modules and reserves synchronous time for skill practice and discussion. This approach reduces cost and logistical barriers while creating more meaningful opportunities for participants to apply what they learn.
The Design Strategy
I collaborated with a cross-institutional team that included faculty members, HR professionals, DEI leaders, an associate dean, an attorney, and an instructional design team to develop the training. The learning experience begins with self-paced eLearning modules that introduce the Search Advocate role, common forms of cognitive and structural bias, and key practices that support equitable hiring. Interactive learning activities, scenarios, and reflection prompts encourage learners to consider how bias may appear during different stages of the search process. Participants attend two instructor-led sessions where they apply these concepts through discussion, case-based activities, and guided practice responding to real search committee situations. This blended structure ensures participants build a strong conceptual foundation before engaging in collaborative skill practice with peers.
Interactive Learning Activities
Reflection Prompt
Participants attend two instructor-led sessions where they apply these concepts through discussion, case-based activities, and guided practice responding to real search committee situations. This blended structure ensures participants build a strong conceptual foundation before engaging in collaborative skill practice with peers.
The Value Delivered
This training model offers a more flexible, scalable approach to preparing Search Advocates while maintaining the collaborative learning that advocates value. By moving core content online, institutions can reduce travel costs and scheduling challenges while expanding access to the training. The instructor-led portion allows participants to practice applying bias-mitigation strategies, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue with others serving in the role. The program also supports continued communication among advocates, helping build a community of practice focused on equitable hiring. Together, these elements strengthen advocates’ ability to guide search committees and reinforce the institution’s commitment to inclusive excellence.