Instructional Design Project Manager

ATD American Society for Training and Development, Incorporated; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

ATD American Society for Training and Development, Incorporated in Alexandria, VA is seeking an Instructional Design Project Manager to support the Education product development. You will lead cross-functional teams and oversee the full lifecycle of education courses.

You will ensure accessibility and ATD standards, collaborate with internal partners and vendors, and drive continuous improvement across the product portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in instructional design, education, and project management.
• Experience in a fast-paced technology-inspired culture with the ability to work in a dynamic environment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards; including WCAG and Section 508c, and how to validate materials are accessible for learners.
• Proficiency in working within various learning technology platforms a plus
• Proficiency in rapid development tools a plus
• Excellent skills in problem-solving, interpersonal communication, writing/editing, planning, organization, time management, multi-tasking, productivity, and efficiency
• Must thrive in a fast-paced and cross-functional work environment

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams including vendors and partnering with internal cross-functional teams to deliver education products.
• Lead and participate in the full product development lifecycle from planning through pilot and project closeout.
• Support sourcing instructional design, subject matter experts, and other resources for assigned projects.
• Research industry trends and sourcing innovative solutions for growth and scalability of the business line.
• Review and evaluate existing programs to make recommendations for enhancements, revisions, and product sunsetting.
• Guide course development to ensure quality, accessibility, and learning experience across ATD standards.
• Analyze participation and performance data to optimize the product portfolio and user experience.
• Liaise with Marketing, Enterprise Sales, and Global Education to support marketing strategy and execution.
• Develop deep knowledge of the Education portfolio to serve as a trusted consultant.
• Analyze operations to identify process improvements for education programs.
• Draft course descriptions for website, catalog, and technology platforms with SMEs and marketing.
• Support projects by augmenting/developing as instructional designer when needed.
• Review and/or add technology platform set-ups for courses to ensure accuracy.
• Participate in special projects as assigned.

Skills

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Accessibility WCAG/508c

LMS platforms

Rapid development tools

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

LMS platforms

Rapid development tools

Job description

Come work at a place where innovation and teamwork come together to support the most exciting missions in the world!

About the Role

As an Instructional Design Project Manager at ATD, you will report to our Manager, Product Development, supporting the Education department. This role will support the development, revision, and maintenance of courses for the talent development profession. You will collaborate with internal teams, subject matter experts, and external partners to manage education products throughout the product development lifecycle.

What You’ll Do

• Lead project teams including vendors and partnering with internal cross-functional teams to successfully deliver education products, ensure they meet key performance indicators, revenue targets, and align to our course standards and processes.
• Lead and participate in the full product development project lifecycle from planning through pilot and project closeout.
• Support sourcing instructional design, subject matter experts, and other resources for assigned projects.
• Research industry trends and sourcing innovative solutions that contribute to the growth and scalability of the business line.
• Review and evaluate existing programs to make recommendations for enhancements, revisions, and product sunsetting.
• Guide course development to ensure successful program content, designs, and materials that align with ATD’s standards for quality, consistency, accessibility, and learning experience.
• Analyze participation and performance data to continuously optimize the product portfolio and user experience.
• Liaise with the Marketing, Enterprise Sales, and Global Education functions to support marketing strategy and execution for the education products this role supports.
• Develop deep knowledge of the Education portfolio to serve as a trusted consultant on education programs.
• Analyze operational processes and business challenges to identify areas for process improvement for education programs.
• Draft course descriptions for website, catalog, and technology platforms in partnership with subject matter experts and marketing.
• Support projects by augmenting or acting as the instructional designer or developer when needed, to deliver a project on time and within budget.
• Review and/or adding technology platform set-ups for courses to ensure accuracy.
• Participate in special projects as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, Master’s degree preferred
• At least 5 years of experience in instructional design, education, and project management
• Experience in a fast-paced technology-inspired culture with the ability to work in a dynamic environment, consistently demonstrating positive business acumen
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Knowledge of accessibility standards; including WCAG and Section 508c, and how to validate materials are accessible for learners.
• Proficiency in working within various learning technology platforms a plus
• Proficiency in rapid development tools a plus
• Excellent skills in problem-solving, interpersonal communication, writing/editing, planning, organization, time management, multi-tasking, productivity, and efficiency
• Must thrive in a fast-paced and cross-functional work environment

Why Join Us

At ATD, you’ll be part of an organization dedicated to helping talent development professionals build the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. You’ll work alongside collaborative colleagues while contributing to products, programs, and resources that support professionals and organizations around the world.

Work Environment

This role is based in Alexandria, VA and follows a hybrid work model, offering a mix of in-office collaboration and flexibility. Our office is located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria on King Street – just steps from the Metro, waterfront, and a vibrant mix of shops and restaurants. The environment is energetic and collaborative, providing regular opportunities to connect with teammates and leadership. We are committed to employee growth and development, offering professional development resources, dedicated learning time, and organization-wide learning initiatives. We also foster a strong sense of community through team events, recognition programs, and company gatherings.

Salary

Salary Range: [$75,000]–[$95,000]. Starting salary will be based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skills.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid Time Off (PTO, Personal Days, Sick Time, Sabbaticals, Learning Hours)
• 403(b) plan options with 6% company match and immediate vesting on employee contributions
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts
• Unlimited Professional Development through ATD (classes, certifications, resources, etc.)
• Wellness library and events (virtual and in-person)
• On-site gym
• Basic and supplemental life insurance coverages
• Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity
• Company paid Teladoc visits
• New parent benefits
• Short- and long-term disability
• Employee discount program (Tickets at Work, Verizon, Hertz, and more)
• Pet insurance

EEO Statement

ATD is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, age, color, national origin, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Disability Accommodation

Need Assistance: ATD is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations for any applicant with a disability. If you are disabled and need assistance participating in the application or hiring process please contact us at [e-mail] or you may call us at 1.800.628.2783.

About ATD

Unleashing human potential is important work. For nearly 80 years, the Association for Talent Development (ATD) has supported those who develop the knowledge and skills of employees in organizations around the world. Getting employees up to speed, trained, and ready to tackle today’s increasingly demanding business landscape is important work. We help talent development professionals do this work by providing many products and services: Membership Research and publications Tools and resources on best practices Courses and certifications Conferences and events Together with our global community we help create a world that works better. We are a professional membership association, employing a global staff of more than 150 who use creativity, technology, teamwork, and innovation to serve members and customers around the world. Our products and services equip practitioners to increase their own effectiveness. ATD encourages every employee to actively engage in the organization, support the business and each other, generate ideas to drive revenue and efficiency, increase our value proposition, and better serve our profession and society.

We are high-performing, fast-paced, and we dream big. We love technology and constantly pursue the next way to improve our business. We are risk-takers and believe that “failure” is really another word for “learning” and learning is a core value. We have fun while we work hard. If you have a passion for helping create a world that works better.