Senior Instructional Designer, Board Governance Education

NRECA; Arlington (TX); Hybrid; USD 123,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

NRECA is seeking a senior instructional designer to advance the director education portfolio and strengthen governance education across the cooperative network. You will design, develop, and deliver high‑impact learning experiences for NRECA’s 7,000‑member board community using modern instructional design and varied delivery channels.

You will lead end‑to‑end curriculum from research to evaluation, working with flagship programs like Directors Conference and Winter/Summer Schools, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, communications, business, accounting, or utility industry related degree.
• Seven or more years of experience designing and developing content for in‑person and online programs and conferences.
• Experience with competency frameworks to develop curriculum and programs.
• Proficiency with Articulate 360 and other tools including InDesign, PowerPoint, Adobe Premiere; AI tools a plus.
• Experience with an LMS for delivery of programs and online collaboration tools.
• Experience in a member‑based organization’s educational department; managing externally contracted projects is a plus.
• ATD/ASAE certification or equivalent and/or professional licensure a plus.
• Knowledge of governance education and adult learning principles.
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Research, design and develop innovative courses for board governance education.
• Lead a cohesive learning portfolio blending in‑person and digital experiences for cooperative boards.
• Create learner‑centered materials: presentations, guides, job aids, videos, and simulations.
• Apply tech‑driven instructional strategies for online and in‑person delivery.
• Recruit and support 20+ contracted instructors with coaching and feedback.
• Define curriculum purpose and craft compelling value propositions.
• Ensure learners are prepared before courses and stay engaged afterward.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and apply findings to refine curriculum.
• Monitor budget to meet net revenue margins.
• Collaborate with departments and partners on trends affecting cooperatives.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, communications, business, accounting, or utility industry related degree

Seven+ years designing content for in-person and online programs

Competency frameworks to develop curriculum

Articulate 360; InDesign; PowerPoint; Adobe Premiere; AI tools a plus

LMS delivery and online collaboration tools

Experience in member-based association education

ATD/ASAE certification or equivalent

Governance education knowledge

Adult learning principles and instructional design

Communication and presentation skills

Tools

Articulate 360

InDesign

PowerPoint

Adobe Premiere

LMS platforms

AI tools

Job description

Senior Instructional Designer, Board Governance Education

Jul 16, 2026

Job Description

NRECA is a unique national trade association providing advocacy, financial services, and business support services to more than 900 consumer‑owned electric cooperatives across the country. NRECA employees are united by our mission, inclusive culture, collaborative workplace, and commitment to service excellence. As a “best place to work” employer, weoperatewith integrity, transparency, and a spirit of innovation.

NRECA’s Education, Training & Events team designs, delivers, andfacilitateshigh-impact learning experiences and events—both online and in person--that empower cooperative leaders and staff to guide their organizations and communities into the future. The portfolio includes certification programs, a robust education curriculum of 100+ courses, leadership development programs, a trade show, thought leadershipeventsand multi-day conferences. This position is located in our Arlington, VA Headquarters and would be eligible for NRECA’s hybrid schedule which allows flexibility to work from home up to 2 days per/week.

Position Summary:

We are looking for a senior‑level instructional designer to manage and advance NRECA’s director education portfolio with a focus on strengthening board governance excellence across the electric cooperative network. This role blends deep understanding of electric cooperative governance and board leadership practices with a strong passion for instructional design and adult learning innovation to position NRECA as the industry leader in governance education. Designs, develops, and delivers high-impact learning experiences for NRECA’s 7,000‑member board community—leveraging modern instructional design methodologies, innovative technologies, and diverse delivery channels. Owns the lifecycle of director education programming—from research and design through development, marketing, delivery, and evaluation—while ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, budget expectations, and evolving governance needs. Contributes content expertise to flagship programs including Directors Conference, Winter and Summer Schools, and other key NRECA events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leverages an understanding of the cooperative business model and electric cooperative board governance practices to research, design and develop innovative courses that enhance NRECA’s board of directors education portfolio.
• Leads the design of a cohesive, high-impact learning portfolio that blends in‑person and digital experiences for cooperative boards of directors. Applies deep instructional design expertise to translate complex governance challenges into practical, competency‑based learning solutions with clear, measurable learning objectives.
• Creates dynamic, learner‑centered materials that bring content to life—including presentations, participant guides, job aids, video tutorials, and interactive simulations—tailored to engage and meet the needs of cooperative board members.
• Incorporates innovative and technology‑driven instructional strategies for both online and in‑person delivery, understands varied learning delivery channels and best practices to improve the effectiveness of education course development, learning application and retention.
• Recruits, develops, and supports a network of 20+ contracted instructors—setting clear expectations for instructional quality, providing coaching and feedback, and ensuring a consistent, high‑caliber learning experience.
• Designs and shapes meaningful learning experiences by defining curriculum purpose, understanding audience needs, and crafting compelling value propositions.
• Implements tactics to ensure learners are fully prepared before a course and stay engaged beyond the program.
• Conducts review cycles and facilitates subject‑matter expert ideation sessions. Identifies and partners with governance experts and experienced instructors to ensure content is relevantand impactful.
• Evaluates program effectiveness through participant feedback and performance insights; applies findings to continuously refine curriculum, enhance learning outcomes, and support data‑informed decision‑making.
• Consults the budget for assigned programs to meet assigned net revenue margins.
• Builds relationships with NRECA departments, member cooperative employees and network partnersto stay on top of trends and issues that impact electric cooperatives.
• Collaborates with conference program managers to generate content ideas for director education events such as Director’s Conference and NRECA’s Summer and Winter Schools for Directors.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in education, communications, business, accounting, or utility industry related degree.
• Seven or more years of experience in designing, developing content for in‑person and online programs and conferences.
• Experience working with competency frameworks and using them to develop curriculum and programs.
• Experience using Articulate 360 and other development tools including InDesign, PowerPoint, Adobe Premiere, among others. AI tools experience a plus.
• Expertise with a Learning Management System (LMS) for delivery of programs and online collaboraton tools.
• Employment experience in a member‑based organization’s (association) educational department and experience managing externally contracted projects a plus.
• Association for Talent Development (ATD), American Society for Association Executives (ASAE) certification or equivalent and/or professional certification or licensure a plus.
• Knowledge of governance education either as practitioner, board member or board liaison.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional frameworks.
• Knowledge of instructional design theory, models and best practices for both in‑person and online education program development.
• Knowledge of learning management systems (LMSs) as well as tools such as InDesign, PowerPoint, Adobe Premiere and Articulate 360.
• Ability to lead functional teams without direct supervisory authority over team members.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and multiple education programs at various stages of development using effective organization skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to produce innovative education programs that meet learners’ needs and enhances on‑the‑job performance while producing positive revenue results.
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse membership, employees and/or vendors in a clear and precise manner.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective and engaging presentations.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point) and artificial intelligence tools and applications in the day‑to‑day essential duties of the job.
• Ability to operate various office equipment such as personal computer, copier, printer, fax machine or other job‑related equipment.
• Ability to provide service excellence by building relationships, being resourceful.
• Ability to report to the office when required.
• Ability to travel.

Essential Physical Requirements** : **

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading.
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Salary Range: $123,000–$152,000 annual salary

Final compensation determined by individual qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Disclaimer Statemen t : The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned

Additional Requirement:

The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

NRECA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail [e-mail] or call: 703-907-5992 - NRECA Arlington Human Resources. Please call 402-483-9275 - NRECA Lincoln Human Resources, for Lincoln, NE employment opportunities. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case‑by‑case basis.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released the '[Know Your Rights](https://urldefense.com/v3/ https:/kairosservicesinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights.pdf ;!!KtIFMA!N6hDifJ8EvdJGENBG7C7jlCMshvSmtk6ElgoIVRvsgxSpExrtgD4atxJzSHu2J1DxQs2KgrikFSBy-V-1XycNWk$)' poster, which updates and replaces the previous "EEO is the Law" poster and "EEO Is the Law Poster Supplement".

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination. NRECA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information.

E-Verify. As a Federal Contractor, NRECA is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information please click on the following link: E-Verify .

Our North Star: Helping member cooperatives strengthen their relationships with their member‑owners.

Touchstone Energy® Cooperative, Inc. is a national network that empowers local electric cooperatives with resources and support to enhance member engagement, satisfaction, and community impact.

Utilities

Company size 11–50 employees

Company type Nonprofit Founded 1998

Total funding 0

Momentum

Funding history

Footprint

Where they work

4301 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203, US