Instructional Systems Designer for (I5D) eLearning

DEFTEC Corporation; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

DEFTEC Corporation is seeking an Instructional Systems Designer (ISD) for eLearning to support NATO Nations and Partners. The role emphasizes needs analyses, objective setting, and development of SCORM-compliant content using Moodle or equivalent LMS platforms.

Travel 2–3 times per year for in-person training and conferences. Qualifications include an advanced degree in education/training development and at least three years of e-learning development experience with a portfolio showcasing

Qualifications

• Requires portfolio with minimum of three e-learning projects and representative storyboards/screen captures.
• 3+ years of e-learning development experience in last 5 years.
• Experience using SCORM-compliant authoring tools and LMS platforms.
• Excellent communication with clients, SMEs, and stakeholders throughout the design process.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive needs analyses with SMEs and stakeholders across NATO Nations and Partners.
• Define measurable learning objectives aligned with course goals.
• Design course structures, modules, lessons, and assessments.
• Develop instructional content using storyboard-based or rapid development methods.
• Select diverse instructional strategies for varied learning styles.
• Design and implement pre-, formative, and summative assessments.
• Establish evaluation processes to measure course impact and effectiveness.
• Create feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement of content and delivery.
• Engage with clients, SMEs, and team members to meet timelines and deliverables.
• Provide ISO assistance and ensure NATO standards compliance for course materials.
• Prepare and evaluate instructor-led activities and professional development events; travel 2–3 times/year.
• Represent LT Section in meetings and conferences; monitor progress with stakeholders.
• Research emerging learning technologies and practices to drive innovation.

Skills

Communication with clients/SMEs

Project coordination

Attention to detail

Security-conscious

Education

MS/MA in Education and Training Development or related fields

BS/BA in Education and Training Development or related fields with 3+ years experience

Tools

SCORM-compliant authoring tools

Moodle (LMS)

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.

DEFTEC offers a comprehensive whole-life benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, holiday, paid time off, 401K with a match, life insurance, short/long-term disability, and 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 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 ... prohibits discrimination and harassment of any typebased on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeedingand medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding),gender, gender identity, and gender expression, religious creed,disability (mental and physical) including HIV and AIDS, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics ), genetic information, age, marital status, civil union status, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, denial of family and medical care leave, arrest record and/or any other characteristic(s) protected by federal, state or local law.

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.