Instructional Systems Designer for (I5D) eLearning

deftec; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

medical

dental

vision

holiday

paid time off

401K with a match

life insurance

short/long-term disability

educational reimbursement

Job summary

DEFTEC is seeking an Instructional Systems Designer for eLearning to work with NATO partners, analysts, SMEs, and clients. You will design course structures, develop SCORM-compliant content, and implement varied instructional strategies to create engaging learning experiences that meet NATO standards.

Remote travel to NATO facilities may be required 2-3 times per year. A strong portfolio and LMS experience (Moodle) are essential, along with a valid NATO security clearance and a degree in

Qualifications

• The candidate holds an active NATO Secret security clearance.
• Requires MS/MA/BS/BA in Education and Training Development or related fields with at least 3 years as an instructional systems designer.
• Minimum 3 years of recent e-learning development experience using SCORM-compliant authoring tools.
• Experience designing content within LMS (Moodle or equivalent).
• Portfolio with at least three e-learning projects showing storyboards and screenshots.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with SMEs and stakeholders across NATO to conduct needs analysis and TNAs when needed.
• Define clear, measurable learning objectives aligned with course goals.
• Design course structures including modules, lessons, and assessments.
• Develop instructional content from SME-provided materials using appropriate methodologies.
• Implement diverse instructional strategies for various learning styles.
• Create pre-, formative, and summative assessments and evaluate course impact.
• Establish feedback mechanisms and refine content continuously.
• Engage with clients and team members to meet timelines and deliverables.
• Provide ISO/QA support for NATO course providers and ensure standards compliance.
• Prepare and evaluate instructor-led activities and training events, including international travel 2–3 times per year.
• Represent the LT Section at meetings and conferences; stay current with learning technologies.

Skills

Security clearance

e-learning development

SCORM authoring

Client/stakeholder communication

Portfolio of e-learning projects

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Education & Training Development or related field

Tools

Moodle

Job description

Instructional Systems Designer for (I5D) eLearning

DEFTEC delivers mission-critical solutions through skillfully delivered services and innovative products. We are inspired by our clients' critical missions and driven to provide the most effective solutions to execute their missions, operational challenges, and requirements. Our dedicated, experienced, and talented employees work closely with our clients to ensure the delivery of exceptional services and products.

Position Overview:

The Instructional Systems Designer (ISD) for eLearning supports the Learning Technology (LT) Section by collaborating with Subject Matter Experts and stakeholders across NATO Nations, Partners, and Entities to conduct comprehensive needs analyses, including Training Needs Analysis when required, and translate identified learning gaps into clear, measurable learning objectives aligned with course goals. This role designs comprehensive course structures and develops instructional content using appropriate methodologies such as storyboard-based or rapid development approaches, selecting diverse instructional strategies and assessment methods (pre-, formative, and summative) to ensure engaging, effective learning experiences that comply with NATO standards. The incumbent implements evaluation processes and feedback mechanisms to continuously refine course content and delivery, engages directly with clients, SMEs, and team members to meet project timelines, and provides ISD quality assurance support to NATO course providers, while also preparing, facilitating, and evaluating instructor-led training activities and professional development events, including international travel to NATO Education & Training Facilities 2-3 times per year. Qualifying candidates hold a relevant degree in education, training development, or instructional design (or equivalent experience), bring at least three years of recent e-Learning development experience using SCORM-compliant authoring tools and LMS platforms such as Moodle, and can demonstrate this expertise through a portfolio of at least three e-Learning projects with representative storyboards and course screenshots; this individual also represents the LT Section at meetings and conferences and researches emerging learning technologies and instructional best practices to drive innovation within NATO education and training.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support the LT Section by collaborating with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and key stakeholders across NATO Nations, Partners, and Entities to conduct a comprehensive needs analysis. When necessary, conduct Training Needs Analysis (TNA) to pinpoint learning gaps and requirements.
• In collaboration with SME define clear and measurable learning objectives based on the identified needs, ensuring alignment with the course's overall goals.
• Design comprehensive course structures, including layout of modules, lessons, and assessments, ensuring a logical flow of content.
• Develop instructional content from source materials provided by SMEs using appropriate instructional design methodologies, including storyboard-based or rapid development approaches, as appropriate.
• Select and implement diverse instructional strategies that cater to various learning styles, ensuring an engaging and effective learning experience.
• Design and implement pre-assessments, formative assessments, and summative assessments to gauge learner progress and the effectiveness of the course.
• Implement a comprehensive evaluation process to measure the course's overall impact and effectiveness.
• Establish a robust feedback mechanism for learners and stakeholders. Use the collected feedback for the continuous refinement and improvement of course content and delivery methods.
• Engage directly with clients, SMEs, and other team members, ensuring timely communication and adherence to project timelines and deliverables.
• Offer Instructional System Design (ISO) assistance and ensure quality for NATO course providers. Ensure all course materials and processes comply with NATO's standards and requirements.
• Prepare, facilitate, and evaluate instructor-led educational activities, workshops, and professional development events in virtual and residential environments, as required in support of the Learning Technology Section. This includes international travel to NATO Education & Training Facilities (2-3 times/year).
• Represent the Learning Technology Section during meetings, conferences, workshops, and other activities as directed by the Team Lead. Monitor project progress and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure alignment with program objectives.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend emerging learning technologies, instructional methodologies, and best practices to support innovation within NATO education and training.

Required Qualifications:

• Active NATO Secret Security Clearance
• MS/MA BS/BA Degree in Education and Training Development or related programs which may include learning theory, educational psychology, instructional design and education evaluation or BS/BA Degree in the listed fields with a minimum of 3 years' experience as an instructional systems designer.
• A minimum of 3 years' experience (within last 5 years) working with e-Learning development.
• Experience in communicating effectively with clients, SMEs, and stakeholders throughout the instructional design process.
• Experience using state-of-the-art e-learning authoring tools to develop SCORM-compliant learning content.
• Experience developing content within Learning Management Systems (LMS), such as Moodie or equivalent platforms.
• Provide a portfolio demonstrating contributions to at least three e-learning projects. For each project, include up to three representative storyboards (to include screenshots of the fully developed course) showing course outline, course flow, and assessment strategy.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• holiday
• paid time off
• 401K with a match
• life insurance
• short/long-term disability
• educational reimbursement

The DEFTEC team comprises professionals who make a difference daily in crucial national security missions. Our leadership knows that this happens by employing a diverse team that is well cared for. Our top priority is our employees, making DEFTEC an ideal workplace.

Reasonable accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Please get in touch with [e-mail] if you require reasonable accommodations.

DEFTEC is a Drug-Free Workplace where post-offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our policies.

AAP/EEO Statement

DEFTEC Corp is an Equal Opportunity and Aff…

This policy applies to all terms of employment, includingrecruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.