Instructional Designer

American Retirement Association; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid workplace

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Paid holidays and time off

Job summary

The American Retirement Association is seeking an experienced Instructional Designer to develop engaging online courses and credentialing materials that meet objectives and adult-learning principles.

You will collaborate with SMEs, design with accessibility in mind, and manage end-to-end course development across multiple modalities in a hybrid Arlington environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in instructional design, education, or related field.
• 4+ years of instructional design experience in corporate or association settings.
• Proficiency in Articulate Storyline and related eLearning tools.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Design engaging learning solutions using instructional design models to address complex technical and business needs.
• Translate content into clear, well-sequenced learning aligned to measurable objectives.
• Create design documents, storyboards, e-learning, ILT, vILT, tutorials, job aids, and assessments.
• Ensure learning experiences are accessible, on-brand, and visually engaging.
• Collaborate with SMEs to extract knowledge and align outcomes with business needs.
• Package, publish, test, and troubleshoot courses in the LMS.
• Manage tasks, timelines, and deliverables with clear stakeholder communication.

Skills

Articulate Storyline

Instructional design

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder collaboration

Time management

Analytical thinking

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in instructional design

Tools

Learning Management Systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Instructional Designer

Organization: American Retirement Association

Location: Hybrid (On-site 3+ days/week, Arlington, VA)

Position Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Reports To: Director of Instructional Design & Course Development

About Us

At the American Retirement Association (ARA), we are dedicated to empowering retirement professionals to help all Americans achieve a secure retirement. We do this through education, advocacy, and innovation. Join our collaborative, mission-driven team and help shape the future of retirement in America.

Position Summary

We’re looking for an experienced Instructional Designer to develop engaging, learner-centered educational experiences that support the association’s mission and strategic goals. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining online courses, training programs, and credentialing materials that meet established learning objectives and align with adult learning principles. The Instructional Designer collaborates with team members, subject matter experts, and program leaders to translate complex concepts into clear, effective, and interactive learning solutions. Through the thoughtful use of instructional design methodologies, technology tools, and assessment strategies, the position ensures that all educational offerings are accurate, accessible, and impactful for diverse audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Design engaging learning solutions using instructional design models to address complex technical and business needs.
• Analyze and translate large volumes of complex or abstract content into clear, well-sequenced learning aligned to measurable objectives.
• Research, organize, and produce comprehensive instructional content—working both independently and in collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs)—to create design documents, storyboards, web-based trainings, instructor-led trainings, virtual instructor-led trainings, tutorials, job aids, reference guides, scripts, navigational text, knowledge checks, assessments, and exams.
• Develop instructionally sound, visually engaging learning experiences that align with brand standards and learning strategies.
• Collaborate with internal and external SMEs to extract technical knowledge, align expectations, and ensure learning outcomes meet business needs.
• Utilize learning management system (LMS) tools to package, publish, test, and troubleshoot learning products.
• Support the end-to-end design and development of learning projects, managing assigned tasks, timelines, and deliverables while maintaining clear communication with all project stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Skills Requirements: Instructional design and course development, with proficiency in Articulate Storyline and related eLearning tools. Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, collaboration, and relationship-building skills. Demonstrated strategic thinking and business acumen. High emotional intelligence and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. Excellent multitasking, project management, planning, organizational, and customer service skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Effective time management and the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
• Knowledge Requirements: Advanced knowledge of instructional design modules, expertise in adult learning theories, ability to design for multiple modalities (eLearning, ILT, vILT).
• Technology Requirements: Articulate Storyline, Microsoft Office Suite, Learning Management Systems, AI-driven solutions.
• Experience Requirements: 4+ years of experience in a similar role.
• Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or advanced education in adult education, instructional design, or equivalent experience.
• Supervisory Requirements: None
• Travel Requirements: Local travel with potential for U.S. based conference travel
• Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, both in a home and office environment. Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, phones, and printers. Visual acuity to view and analyze information on a computer screen for extended periods. Occasional light lifting (up to 10 lbs) for transporting a laptop or office materials between work locations. Ability to commute to the office as required (i.e., at least 3 days per week). Ability to participate in virtual and in-person meetings, presentations, or team collaborations.

Why Join Us?

We’re a purpose-driven organization that values innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact. As the Instructional Designer, your work will directly support our mission and enhance the way we connect with our community.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits
• Hybrid workplace
• Opportunities for professional development

Employee Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Profit Sharing 401(k) Plan
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Eleven Paid Holidays
• Eighteen Days of Paid Time Off
• Two Hours of Personal Leave Per Month
• Parental Leave
• Hybrid Work Arrangement (Telework on Mondays and Fridays)
• Commuting/Telework Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Membership in Absorb Learning Management System
• Membership in You Need a Budget (YNAB)
• Membership in Experian My Financial Expert
• Membership in Calm App
• Spot Pet Insurance Discount
• Worldwide Travel Assistance Program
• Will Preparation Services

Equal Opportunity Employer

American Retirement Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. American Retirement Association provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Apply now to join a team that’s helping build a secure retirement future for millions of Americans.