Instructional Designer II

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Instructional Designer II is a mid-level individual contributor role responsible for designing, developing, implementing and evaluating engaging learning solutions that support workforce capability and the mission of the organization. The position applies instructional design principles, adult learning theory and learning technologies to create high-quality learning experiences for technical, scientific, leadership, compliance and professional development programs. Working collaboratively with Learning Development colleagues, subject matter experts in the organization, scientists, engineers, researchers, and business partners, the Instructional Designer II translates complex content into learner-centered instructional materials that improve employee performance, ensures learning solutions are aligned with adult learning principles, accessibility standards and supports organizational goals. KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Design, develop, and revise instructor-led, virtual instructor-led, blended, self-paced and e-learning courses using established instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM, or Agile Learning Design) Conduct learning needs analyses and assist in identifying performance gaps and appropriate learning solutions Develop learning objectives, instructional strategies, storyboards and course materials aligned with adult learning principles Translate technical, scientific, operational and business information into engaging learning experiences Learning Content Development Develop instructional materials, including and not limited to: Facilitator and participant guides E-learning modules Job aids and quick reference guides Performance support tools Assessments and knowledge checks Multimedia learning resources Simulations and scenario-based learning Ensure learning materials comply with organizational branding, accessibility (Section 508) and quality standards Update existing learning content to reflect changing organizational priorities and business needs for scientific, technical Design, develop and deploy high-quality print and digital content for marketing and communication campaigns Collaboration Partner with subject matter experts to gather content and validate technical accuracy Collaborate with colleagues within the Learning Development functional area, facilitators and project teams to deliver integrated learning solutions Participate in curriculum planning meetings and instructional design reviews Collaborate with Learning Development colleagues to apply instructional design best practices to Learning Management System (LMS) intake and implementation, supporting effective stakeholder and end-user experiences Build productive relationships with stakeholders across scientific, technical and administrative functions Provide backup support and facilitation for New Employee Orientation and support for other learning programs as needed Learning Technology Develop and publish digital learning content using authoring tools such as Articulate 360, Rise, Adobe Captivate, Camtasia, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva or similar applications Upload test and maintain learning content within the Learning Management System (LMS) for end user experience and reporting Troubleshoot basic learning technology issues and recommend enhancements to improve the learner experience Learning Evaluation Develop learner assessments using Kirkpatrick Four Levels and course evaluations Analyze participant feedback, learning assessments and completion data to evaluate program effectiveness Recommend revisions based on learner feedback and performance metrics Support continuous improvement of learning programs through evaluation and quality assurance activities Project Management Manage assigned and multiple instructional design projects simultaneously through analysis, implementation and after-action review Develop project schedules, coordinate deliverables and communicate project status to stakeholders Maintain instructional design documentation and project records Actively participate in the project team for longer-term and/or more complex projects within the Human Resources directorate Balance multiple concurrent projects while meeting deadlines and quality expectations Intermediate professional role, responsible for delivery of professional activities while receiving a moderate level of guidance and direction Focuses on providing standard professional advice and creating initial reports/analyzes for review by experienced team professionals Accountable for meeting own targets which impact the immediate work area Impact is generally limited to short-term team performance, occasionally on medium-term goals. Beginning to have more of a contributory impact on team performance Requires knowledge and experience in own discipline and company policies, practices and procedures; still acquiring higher level knowledge and skills Determines a course of action based on guidelines and modifies processes and methods as required Uses previous experience, analysis and investigation, to identify the most appropriate option to solve a range of differing, but straightforward problems Understands and communicates complex information within the specialization or recognized body of formal knowledge In some instances, will need to convey information to audiences not knowledgeable of the subject matter BASIC QUALIFICATIONS To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below: Possession of Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Adult Education, Educational Technology, Human Resources Development, Education, Learning Sciences, or a related field from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency In addition to the education requirements, must have a minimum of four (4) years of experience in instructional design, curriculum development, workplace learning or a related field is required Demonstrated experience designing instructor-led, virtual and e-learning programs Demonstrated knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional systems design methodologies Demonstrated experience using instructional authoring tools and learning technologies Experience defining and developing SCORM and 508-compliant products Experience with Learning Management Systems administration Demonstrated strong project management, communication and collaboration skills Working knowledge and proficiency of Microsoft Office Suite Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance PERFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration: Possession of master's degree in Instructional Design, Learning Technologies, Adult Education, Organizational Development, Education or a related discipline from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Experience working within an FFRDC, federal agency, national laboratory, academic research institution or mission-driven organization Experience supporting scientific, engineering, biomedical or research organizations Professional certifications such as ATD Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), Certified Instructional Designer/Developer (CIDD), Prosci Change Management Certification, Section 508 Accessibility Certification or equivalent Experience designing learning for technical or highly specialized audiences Experience applying AI technologies to support instructional design solutions and content creation Experience with Cornerstone products Experience with graphic design for communication and marketing campaigns