Instructional Design Specialist

Carf-International; Tucson (AZ); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/life/disability

403(b) retirement savings

Wellness program

Job summary

CARF, based in Tucson, AZ, seeks an Instructional Design Specialist to design and develop engaging, accessible learning solutions. You will conduct needs assessments, craft storyboards, build eLearning modules, and manage content in the LMS, collaborating with SME and stakeholders.

The role emphasizes full‑cycle design, adult learning theory, and ethical handling of information. Hybrid work with relocation or partial remote options may be available, with a competitive salary and benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, learning technology, multimedia design, or related field; 7 years of related experience required.
• Master’s degree and 5 years related experience preferred.
• Specialized training in full-cycle instructional design, adult learning theory, eLearning development, and accessible learning design required.
• Proficiency with eLearning authoring tools (Storyline/Rise, Captivate) and LMS content publishing and tracking required.

Responsibilities

• Conducts learning needs assessments and performance analyses to define measurable objectives.
• Designs and develops engaging, accessible eLearning solutions with stakeholders.
• Creates design docs, storyboards, scripts, and course maps for projects.
• Develops learning assets including modules, microlearning, simulations, and job aids.
• Applies adult learning theory and accessibility standards throughout design.
• Assesses training effectiveness and iterates based on data.
• Converts ILT content to interactive eLearning or blended formats as needed.
• Publishes and maintains content in the LMS and tracks usage.
• Ensures compliance with policies on AI usage and data handling.

Skills

Instructional design

eLearning development

Project planning

Needs analysis

Collaboration

Adult learning theory

Education

Bachelor’s degree in instructional design or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Articulate Storyline

Articulate Rise

Adobe Captivate

LMS platforms

Job description

Looking for a mission-driven, collaborative workplace where you can make an impact? Join our team as an Instructional Design Specialist. The Instructional Design Specialist supports CARF’s mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives by providing instructional design, eLearning development, and learning technology expertise for learning and development programs and initiatives that contribute to organizational effectiveness and business development, respectively, and are in compliance with company policies and procedures, applicable laws, and contractual obligations.Application Deadline: September 9, 2026 or until filledESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe following duties and responsibilities are the essential functions of this job that an individual must be able to perform with or without a reasonable accommodation:Needs assessment and performance analysis: Conducts learning needs assessments, analyzes learner characteristics and organizational goals, and completes performance gap analyses to determine root causes and define measurable learning objectives.Instructional design and eLearning development: Uses instructional design and eLearning methodologies to analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate engaging, accessible, and outcomes-focused learning solutions in collaboration with key stakeholders/subject matter experts.Project planning and design documentation: Develops and maintains instructional design project plans that define the learning or business need; strategic alignment; assumptions, risks, and constraints; target audience; proposed solutions and deliverables; scope and timelines; stakeholder roles; approval workflows; and communication, implementation, measurement and evaluation plans.Course design and development: Develops high-level and detailed design documents, storyboards, scripts, prototypes, course maps, and other materials that outline program requirements, learning goals and objectives, instructional strategies, training content, delivery methods, assessment approaches, and stakeholder review points.Learning asset and digital content development: Designs and develops eLearning modules, microlearning, simulations, job aids, assessments, facilitator guides, train-the-trainer materials, and other learning assets aligned with business needs and learner outcomes, including interactive multimedia content created with tools such as Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate, or similar platforms.Learning principles and accessibility: Applies adult learning theory, multimedia learning principles, learner-centered strategies, agile instructional design practices, and accessible design standards.Assessment and continuous improvement: Develops and maintains competency-based assessment tools to measure training effectiveness and uses feedback, data, and evaluation results to improve learning design and implementation practices.Content conversion and enhancement: Converts, repurposes, and enhances instructor-led courses and existing content into interactive eLearning or blended learning formats, as appropriate.Digital learning administration: Publishes, maintains, and tracks digital learning content through learning management system functionality, as appropriate.Adheres to ethical principles and company policies regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the safeguarding of restricted and/or confidential information obtained as part of HRET department activities.Special job demandsFlexible work schedule required.Note: Duties and responsibilities are not all inclusive and may change at any time, with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.COMPENSATION & BENEFITSThe market entry salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $64,685 - $67,919 USD annually, payable semi-monthly. Actual starting salary is commensurate with education and experience. CARF offers a competitive compensation and premium benefits package; e.g., medical/dental/life/disability insurance, medical and childcare flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement savings account, defined benefit pension plan, comprehensive wellness program, employee assistance program, goal sharing and other performance award programs.WORK LOCATIONBased in Tucson, Arizona, USA, this position may be eligible for relocation assistance and/or full- or part-time (up to 2 days per week) remote work.The following qualifications represent the training, education, certifications, licensures, and/or work experience required to perform the essential duties and responsibilities successfully:Bachelor’s degree in a instructional design, learning technology, multimedia design, project management, education, human resources development, or related field and (7) seven years related professional experience required. Master’s degree and five (5) years related professional experience preferred. CARF accreditation/survey process knowledge preferred.Specialized training and/or demonstrated knowledge of full-cycle instructional systems design, adult learning theory, eLearning development, accessible learning design, and complex project management required.Demonstrated proficiency with eLearning authoring tools, including Articulate Storyline and Rise, Adobe Captivate, or similar platforms, and experience publishing, maintaining, and tracking digital learning content in a learning management system required.Demonstrated communication, collaboration, and project management skills necessary to manage multiple instructional design and eLearning development initiatives from analysis through implementation required.Demonstrated ability to successfully maintain the highest level of confidentiality, ethics, and professional standards required.Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining professional and collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders and influencing organizational decision making in order to achieve established strategic goals and objectives required.Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office required and functional mastery of AIMS preferred.Must be authorized to work in the United States. Does not now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status, including but not limited to H-1B visa status.