Instructional Systems Designer (ISD) eLearning

Spektrum; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Spektrum in Norfolk, VA, is seeking an instructional systems designer to support NATO education initiatives. You will analyze learning needs, design course structures, and develop content using modern e-learning methods, ensuring SCORM compliance and effective assessments.

Candidates bring at least 3 years in ISD, experience with LMS and authoring tools, and a portfolio of three e-learning projects. Travel to NATO facilities may be required (2-3 times per year) and strong English is essential.

Qualifications

• MS/MA/BS/BA in Education and Training Development or related field with 3+ years in instructional systems design.
• At least 3 years’ experience in e-learning development within the last 5 years.
• Portfolio demonstrating contributions to at least three e-learning projects with up to three storyboards each.

Responsibilities

• Support LT Section by collaborating with SMEs and stakeholders to perform needs analysis.
• Define clear, measurable learning objectives based on identified needs.
• Design course structures, modules, lessons, and assessments with logical content flow.
• Develop instructional content from SME materials using appropriate ISD methodologies.
• Select diverse instructional strategies for varied learning styles and engaging experiences.
• Design and implement pre-, formative, and summative assessments to gauge progress.

Skills

Client communication

e-learning authoring tools

SCORM content development

LMS development

Portfolio development

Education

MS/MA/BS/BA in Education and Training Development or related field

Tools

SCORM compliant authoring tools

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Job description

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.

Who we are supporting

Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is NATO’s leading agent for change: driving, facilitating, and advocating the continuous improvement of Alliance capabilities to maintain and enhance the military relevance and effectiveness of the Alliance. The main objectives of ACT are: providing appropriate support to NATO missions and operations; leading NATO military transformation; and improving relationships, interaction and practical cooperation with partners, nations and international organisations. ACT therefore leads Alliance concept development, capability development, training and lessons-learned initiatives and provides unfettered military support to policy development within NATO.

The program

Capability Development & Management Support (CDMS)

DCOS Capability Development (CAPDEV) acts as the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation's Director for guidance, direction and coordination of the activities and resources of the Capability Development Directorate.

The Requirements Division

The Capability Requirements (CR) Branch will develop the Capability Requirements Brief and recommended courses of action to resolve issues through the life cycle management of requirements using matrixed, cross-functional project-specific Requirements Management teams.

The Requirements Forward Branch (Mons)

The Capability Division coordinates the development of capabilities from capability planning through acceptance and then disposal with management entities, NATO Headquarters staff and the NATO Governance Structure.

The Capability Forward Branch (Mons)

coordinates with ACO, NCIA, NSPA, NATO HQ, territorial Host Nations, and NATO Centres of Excellence (COEs) to support the development of capabilities.

Strategic Plans and Policy (SPP) supports Allied Command Transformation in formalizing military advice to shape future military strategy, political guidance, and other policy documents supporting NATO’s strategic objectives.

Role ID: ACT-CDMS-27-01-A-LC13

Role and Duties

Taskings:

• 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 (ISD) 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 NATOEducation & 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 programme objectives.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend emerging learning technologies, instructional methodologies, and best practices to support innovation within NATO education and training

Essential Qualifications:

• MS/MA BS/BA Degree in Education and Training Development or related programswhich may include learning theory, educational psychology, instructional design andeducation 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 S
• 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.

Demonstrated proficiency in English as defined in STANAG 6001 (Standardized Linguistic Profile (SLP) 3333 - Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing) or equivalent.

Working Location

• Norfolk, VA

Working Policy

• On-Site

Contract Duration

• January 2027 – December 2030

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance