Instructional Systems Designer for (I5D) eLearning at DEFTEC Corporation in Norfolk, VA, USA

Job description

• 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.
• 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.

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Required

• Active NATO Secret Security Clearance

Benefits

• 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.