Digital Learning and Instructional Design Spe

American-Association-of-Nurse-Anesthetist; Rosemont (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) is seeking a Digital Learning and Instructional Design Specialist to lead the design and development of engaging, evidence-based digital learning experiences for AANA's professional development portfolio, including online courses, micro-credentials, microlearning, assessments, and other technology-enabled education.

This role applies instructional design, adult learning science, learner experience design, accessibility standards, and

Qualifications

• 3+ years of instructional design or e-learning development experience.
• Experience designing healthcare or medical education preferred.
• Advanced proficiency with Articulate 360 Storyline and Rise.
• Experience using generative AI for instructional design and multimedia production.
• Portfolio demonstrating digital learning design required.
• Knowledge of continuing education and accreditation requirements, including ANCC or ACCME, is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-quality online courses, microlearning, assessments, simulations, and other digital learning experiences.
• Apply adult learning theory, learning science, accessibility, and UX principles to course design.
• Translate clinical content for professional learners.
• Develop multimedia assets meeting brand and accessibility standards.
• Coordinate projects, timelines, reviews, and QA with SMEs and teams.
• Build and maintain LMS content and ensure CE tracking and accreditation compliance.

Skills

Instructional design

E-learning development

Learning experience design

Generative AI for ID

Multimedia assets

LMS administration

SME collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in ID/EdTech

Tools

Articulate 360

Storyline

Rise

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Digital Learning and Instructional Design Spe

Professional Rosemont, IL, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1017

$75,000.00 To $85,000.00 Annually

Department: Professional Development

Reports To: Senior Manager of Learning and Technology
FLSA Status: Exempt (salaried)

Effective Date

May 2026

Prepared By

Senior Director of Education & Professional Development

Summary

The Digital Learning and Instructional Design Specialist leads the design and development of engaging, evidence-based digital learning experiences for AANA's professional development portfolio, including online courses, micro-credentials, microlearning, assessments, and other technology-enabled education. This position applies instructional design, adult learning science, learner experience design, accessibility standards, and emerging technologies, including generative artificial intelligence, to translate complex healthcare and clinical content into effective learning experiences. The specialist partners with subject matter experts and the Senior Manager of Learning Operations and Technology to ensure educational products are accurate, innovative, learner-centered, and aligned with accreditation and AANA standards.

Job Location

This is a primarily remote position. The individual must be able to work independently, manage priorities and deadlines, communicate proactively, and collaborate effectively in a virtual environment. Occasional attendance at the Rosemont, IL office may be required for designated meetings, trainings, or department activities.

Travel Requirements

This position may require travel and onsite work at one to two conferences or educational programs per year. Responsibilities may include supporting digital learning technologies, educational content, faculty, or the learner experience as assigned.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

Instructional Design and Digital Learning Development

Percentage
70%

Design and develop high-quality online courses, microlearning, micro-credentials, assessments, simulations, and other digital learning experiences.

Apply adult learning theory, instructional design models, learning science, user experience principles, and accessibility standards to course design.

Translate complex healthcare and clinical content into clear, accurate, engaging, and instructionally sound learning experiences for healthcare professionals.

Create advanced scenarios, case-based learning, branching activities, knowledge checks, and other interactive learning strategies that support measurable performance and competency outcomes.

Develop storyboards, scripts, prototypes, course maps, assessment plans, and production-ready learning assets.

Use Articulate 360 and related design technologies to build, test, publish, and maintain responsive digital learning content.

Use generative AI responsibly to support course ideation, drafting, image generation, audio narration, assessment development, personalization, and production efficiency while maintaining human review, clinical accuracy, privacy, copyright, and ethical standards.

Create or direct the development of multimedia assets, including graphics, illustrations, audio, video, and animations, that meet brand and accessibility requirements.

Establish and apply instructional design, visual design, multimedia, and quality assurance standards across the online learning portfolio.

Conduct learner testing, pilots, and iterative design reviews; use findings and learning data to improve usability, engagement, and outcomes.

Research and recommend emerging learning technologies and innovative approaches, including simulation, serious games, adaptive learning, and AI-enabled learning tools.

Align learning experiences with AANA strategy, professional practice needs, and accreditation requirements.

Percentage
15%

Manage instructional design projects from intake through launch, including scope, timelines, deliverables, reviews, and quality assurance.

Coordinate digital learning workflows with internal partners, vendors, and subject matter experts to keep projects on schedule.

Maintain organized project documentation, content repositories, version control, and production files.

Identify project risks, recommend solutions, and communicate status and resource needs to the Senior Manager of Learning Operations and Technology.

Partner with healthcare subject matter experts to define learning needs, performance gaps, objectives, content scope, and appropriate instructional strategies.

Guide contributors in developing learner-centered content, scenarios, assessments, scripts, and supporting resources.

Facilitate efficient content reviews and revisions to ensure clinical accuracy, instructional quality, consistency, and adherence to deadlines.

Provide guidance on presentation, multimedia, branding, accessibility, copyright, and technical requirements for digital learning.

Online Education and LMS Administration

Percentage
10%

Build, organize, test, publish, and maintain course content within the Learning Management System (LMS).

Support course setup, enrollment rules, assessments, evaluations, certificates, CE credit tracking, and content updates.

Troubleshoot course and LMS issues in collaboration with internal technology partners and vendors.

Use LMS data and learner feedback to identify opportunities for content and experience improvements.

Evaluation, Documentation, and Compliance

Percentage
5%

Develop and analyze course evaluations, assessment data, and other measures of learner engagement, competency, and educational effectiveness.

Review educational materials for accuracy, accessibility, usability, formatting, and adherence to AANA branding and style standards.

Ensure learning activities align with stated objectives, professional practice needs, CE requirements, and applicable accreditation standards.

Compile and maintain required CE and accreditation documentation, including ANCC records and reporting materials.

Maintain awareness of developments in instructional design, generative AI, healthcare education, accessibility, and continuing education standards.

Experience & Skills

Experience

• Three or more years of experience in instructional design, e-learning development, learning experience design, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience designing interactive, scenario-based, and competency-focused digital learning for adult or professional audiences.
• Experience designing healthcare, medical, clinical, or other technically complex education strongly preferred; ability to translate clinical content for professional learners is essential.
• Advanced proficiency with Articulate 360, including Storyline and Rise, or comparable e-learning authoring tools.
• Demonstrated competency using generative AI tools for instructional design and multimedia production, including responsible use, prompt development, output evaluation, fact‑checking, privacy, copyright, bias, and ethical considerations.
• Experience creating or directing multimedia assets, such as graphics, AI‑generated imagery, audio narration, video, and animation, with attention to visual design and accessibility.
• Experience with learning management systems, SCORM/xAPI packages, course testing, troubleshooting, and digital content maintenance preferred.
• Knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional design methodologies, assessment design, accessibility standards, and learner experience design.
• Ability to manage multiple digital learning projects, timelines, review cycles, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Strong collaboration and consultation skills, including the ability to guide subject matter experts toward effective instructional solutions.
• Knowledge of continuing education and accreditation requirements, including ANCC or ACCME, is a plus.

Skills

• Excellent written, verbal, visual, and digital communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and commitment to clinical accuracy and educational quality.
• Ability to work independently, solve problems, receive and apply feedback, and adapt to evolving priorities and technologies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information and AI‑related data considerations.

Education/Certifications/Licenses

• Bachelor's degree in instructional design, educational technology, learning sciences, education, communications, graphic or multimedia design, or a related field; equivalent training and experience may be considered.
• Formal coursework, certificate, or advanced degree in instructional design, educational technology, healthcare education, or a related discipline preferred.
• Portfolio demonstrating digital learning design and development required; healthcare or medical learning samples strongly preferred.

ADA Requirements

Physical Requirements:
Performs primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and occasional lifting of up to 10 lbs. Must be capable of climbing/descending stairs in emergency situations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to operate routine office equipment. Must be able to routinely perform work on a computer for an average of 6-8 hours per day, when necessary. Must be able to work extended hours whenever required or requested by management. Must be capable of regular, reliable, and timely attendance.

Working Conditions:
This position operates in a hybrid work environment, with a combination of remote and in-office work based on business needs. Employees must maintain a professional home workspace with reliable internet access. The role requires the ability to participate in virtual and in-person meetings. Occasional travel to the office or off‑site events may be required.

Mental and/or Emotional Requirements:
Must be able to perform job functions independently or with limited supervision and work effectively either on own or as part of a team. Must be able to read and carry out various written instructions and follow verbal instructions. Must be able to speak clearly and deliver information in a logical and understandable sequence. Must be capable of dealing calmly and professionally with numerous different personalities from diverse cultures at various levels within and outside the organization. Demonstrate the highest levels of member service and discretion when dealing with the public. Must be able to perform responsibilities with composure under the stress of deadlines/requirements for extreme accuracy and quality and/or fast pace. Must be able to effectively handle multiple, simultaneous, and changing priorities. Must be capable of exercising the highest level of discretion on both internal and external confidential matters.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned.

AANA invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package.

• Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
• Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success by merit increases and incentive programs; eligibility for an incentive program is based on the type of position.
• Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
• Professional Development – Each department has a budget every fiscal year for you to use toward professional development or you may also be a mentor/mentee in our internal mentoring program.
• Work-Life Balance –AANA offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 15 days per year for new employees that is prorated for your first year of hire. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year as well as:
  • AANA offers a compressed work week schedule.
  • Paid Winter Closure- AANA is closed from December 25th through January 1st each year.
  • 3 Floating Holidays per year
• 1 “Culture/Heritage Day” per year for those that want to celebrate a holiday that is relative to their culture and/or heritage
• 1 “Volunteer Day” per year- exchange one workday per year for a full day of volunteering at a non‑profit organization of your choice
• Tuition Assistance – We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

A Little Bit About Us:

The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) advances, supports, and protects nurse anesthesiology. We are the transformative leader in driving innovation and patient-centered excellence in anesthesia and healthcare. Our core values include Integrity, Member-Centered Approach, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Advocacy, and Growth Through Excellence. Our motto is “Safe and effective Anesthesia Care for Every Patient.”

Headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, and founded in 1931, AANA has a longstanding history of supporting Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), helping to improve patient care, and advancing the nurse anesthesiology profession overall. With more than 71,000 CRNAs and nurse anesthesiology resident members and 140 staff members, AANA is the transformational leader driving innovation and excellence in healthcare. Interactions with key stakeholders, such as members, professional organizations, government, and payors, will help to advance these objectives in support of the professional practice of anesthesiology.

Why work at AANA:

Our culture at AANA and appreciation for work‑life balance is unmatched. At AANA, we put the employees first and understand we are our greatest asset. 

EEOC STATEMENT

As an equal opportunity employer, AANA is committed to maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for the abilities and in a clear assuming …