Instructional Systems Design (ISD) Specialist

Team Carney, Inc.; Virginia; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Team Carney, Inc. seeks an Instructional Systems Design (ISD) Specialist to develop classroom, eLearning, and blended learning materials for the JCITA curriculum at Quantico, VA.

The role applies ADDIE and adult learning theory to analyze, design, and evaluate training addressing CI and SECOP performance gaps in a secure SCIF environment. Required qualifications include TS/SCI clearance, a relevant bachelor’s degree or professional certification with extensive DoD course development experience,

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in DoD-related field and 5+ years’ experience developing complex DoD course materials (Path A)
• Or a professional certificate with 7+ years’ DoD course development experience (Path B)
• Expert knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional design frameworks
• Proven ability to communicate effectively through plans, storyboards, and student guides

Responsibilities

• Design ILT, VILT, e-learning, and blended learning materials.
• Translate complex DoD topics into effective learning interventions with SMEs and stakeholders.
• Conduct needs assessments and task analyses to shape learning objectives.
• Ensure designs conform to COE standards and JCITA policies.
• Provide quality assurance and peer review of courseware and assessments.
• Collaborate with multimedia and e-learning developers to create engaging modules.
• Meet milestones and deliver course materials within specified deadlines.

Skills

Instructional design

ADDIE

Adult learning theory

Needs assessment

Performance analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Curriculum Development / Instructional Design / Education

Professional certificate in Instructional Design

Tools

SCORM

Job description

Position Title: Instructional Systems Design (ISD) Specialist
Location: Quantico, VA (Russell Knox Building)
Work Modality: 100% On-Site (SCIF Environment)
Security Clearance: Active Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI)

About Team Carney

Carney is an industry leader in human performance, adult learning, and knowledge architecture across the federal defense sector. We empower national defense professionals by designing scenario-driven, rigorous instructional programs that reflect real-world operational challenges.

Position Overview

Carney is looking for a talented Instructional Systems Design (ISD) Specialist to develop cutting-edge classroom, eLearning, and blended learning course materials for the JCITA curriculum at Quantico, VA. Operating inside a secure SCIF environment, the ISD Specialist applies recognized instructional systems design models (e.g., ADDIE) and adult learning theory to analyze, design, and evaluate training that addresses field-driven performance gaps in Counterintelligence (CI) and Security Operations (SECOPs).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and develop instructor-led training (ILT), virtual classroom materials, interactive practical exercises, scenario props, narrative scripts, storyboards, and comprehensive instructor guides (CDRL A009, A010).

• Collaborate closely with military and civilian Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), course chairpersons, and government stakeholders to translate highly complex, classified DoD intelligence topics into effective learning interventions.

• Conduct formal needs assessments, job-task analyses, and performance gap analyses to shape terminal and enabling learning objectives.

• Ensure all instructional designs and courseware strictly conform to Council on Occupational Education (COE) accreditation standards and JCITA instructional policies and procedures.

• Provide rigorous quality assurance and peer review across design plans, courseware packages, assessments, and presentation materials.

• Partner with multimedia programmers and e-Learning developers to conceptualize engaging visual aids, digital media elements, and distributed learning modules.

• Maintain scheduled milestones to ensure course materials are finalized and submitted NLT one (1) day following completion of new course development or updates (CDRL A008/A009).

Required Minimum Qualifications (Hard Contractual Baselines)

• Security Clearance: Must hold an active, verified Top Secret / SCI (TS/SCI) clearance at the time of proposal and award.

• Education & Experience (Must meet Path A or Path B):

  • Path A: Bachelor’s degree in Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, Human Resource Development, Education, or a directly equivalent degree AND at least five (5) years of experience developing course materials for complex DoD subject matter; OR

  • Path B: Professional certificate in Instructional Design AND at least seven (7) years of experience developing course materials for complex DoD subject matter.

• Domain Mastery: Expert knowledge of adult learning theory, educational evaluation principles, and standard instructional design frameworks.

• Communication Skills: Demonstrated superior written and verbal communication skills with a proven portfolio of instructional design plans, storyboards, and student guides.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience designing curriculum for DoD Counterintelligence, HUMINT, or Special Operations communities.

• Demonstrated familiarity with COE accreditation self-studies and compliance documentation.

• Experience integrating SCORM-compliant distributed learning courseware into enterprise DoD Learning Management Systems.