Senior Instructional Designer, Board Governance Education

NRECA; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NRECA is seeking an experienced instructional designer in Arlington, Virginia, to support governance education for cooperative boards. This position involves the complete lifecycle of education programs and allows for flexible work arrangements, including up to 2 days of remote work.

The ideal candidate will design and manage courses, develop engaging materials, and collaborate with subject-matter experts to deliver quality education. NRECA offers a supportive workplace culture and a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of experience designing and developing adult education programs.
• Experience working with competency frameworks.
• Ability to report to the office when required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and manage governance education courses.
• Lead the full course lifecycle from research to evaluation.
• Collaborate with internal partners and subject-matter experts.

Skills

Adult learning principles

Instructional design

Curriculum development

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, communications, business, or related field

Tools

Articulate 360

InDesign

PowerPoint

Adobe Premiere

Job description

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, we operate with integrity, transparency, and a spirit of innovation.

The Education, Training & Events team designs, delivers, and facilitates high‑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‑leadership events, and multi‑day conferences.

We are looking for an experienced instructional designer to support NRECA’s governance education strategy by leading the design, development, and management of education programs for electric cooperative boards of directors. This role oversees the full lifecycle of director education programs—from research and curriculum design through delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement. The position plays a key role in positioning NRECA as the industry leader in governance education. Our ideal candidate is located in the Washington D.C. Metro area and would be eligible for NRECA’s hybrid schedule, which allows flexibility to work from home up to 2 days per week. We may consider uniquely qualified candidates who live outside a commutable distance to work remotely.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and manage governance education courses for cooperative directors using adult learning and instructional design best practices.


• Lead the full course lifecycle, including research, curriculum development, content creation, delivery, and evaluation.


• Develop engaging learning materials across formats, including presentations, participant guides, and digital learning assets.


• Collaborate with internal partners, subject‑matter experts, and contracted instructors to deliver high‑quality educational experiences.


• Incorporate innovative and technology‑forward instructional strategies for in‑person and online learning environments.


• Contribute to director education programming for major NRECA events, including Directors Conference, Summer and Winter Schools.


• Review assigned program budgets and support revenue goals while maintaining educational quality.


• Serve as an instructor for governance courses as needed, and assist in the management of contracted instructors.


• Ability to travel is required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, communications, business, or a utility‑industry related field.


• Seven or more years of experience designing and developing content for in‑person and online adult education programs.


• Experience working with competency frameworks and using them to develop curriculum and programs.


• Experience using Articulate 360 and other development tools, including InDesign, PowerPoint, and Adobe Premiere.


• Experience with a Learning Management System (LMS) for program delivery and online collaboration tools.


• Ability to report to the office when required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Employment experience in a member‑based organization’s educational department and experience managing externally contracted projects.


• Association for Talent Development (ATD), American Society for Association Executives (ASAE) certification or equivalent, and/or professional certification or licensure.


• Employment experience with teaching and/or creation of governance education.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Requires close visual acuity for activities such as preparing and analyzing data, transcribing, and extensive reading.


• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, or a negligible amount constantly to move objects. The job is rated for light work if the worker sits most of the time.

Disclaimer Statement

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.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodation Statement

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.

Compensation and Policy Statements

Pay Transparency Non‑Discrimination: NRECA will not disclose or use pay information for discrimination purposes. E‑Verify: As a Federal Contractor, NRECA participates in the E‑Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.