Instructional Designer (Contract)

Tend is a tech-forward dental studio group redesigning what dental care looks and feels like — for our patients and for our teams. As we grow across new markets, keeping our people well-trained isn't a nice-to-have, it's how we protect the experience that makes Tend, Tend. That's where this role comes in.

We're looking for a contract Instructional Designer to turn subject-matter expertise into training our team will actually use. You'll take existing content — including SME-provided slide decks and source material — and shape it into clear, engaging, learner-centered courses that hold up in a fast-paced, multi-market healthcare environment.

This is a part-time, remote, contract engagement (20–25 hours/week), ideal for an experienced freelance or contract instructional designer who wants steady, flexible work with a people-focused organization. Reports to: Chief People Officer. CST or EST time zone preferred for overlap with the team.

Responsibilities

• Course Development
  • Convert existing SME-provided slide decks and source materials into engaging, well-structured eLearning courses
  • Design and develop interactive content using tools like Vyond, Articulate Rise/Storyline, Camtasia, or similar platforms
  • Ensure consistency in tone, structure, and visual quality across course modules
• Instructional Strategy
  • Apply adult learning theory and instructional design frameworks (ADDIE, STAR, Peyton's 4-Step Method) to build training that actually sticks
  • Turn static or text-heavy content into interactive, engaging learner experiences
• Partnership & Collaboration
  • Partner with content owners and subject-matter experts to translate technical or clinical information into clear, accessible learning
  • Work independently to manage timelines and communicate progress clearly with stakeholders

Qualifications

Tend's values and competencies guide how we work — here's how they show up in this role.

• Tend to Others: You keep the learner at the center of every decision — building courses that change how someone actually does their job, not just checking a training box.
• Be Brave Enough to Lead: You give SMEs honest, constructive feedback when their content won't land as training, and you're willing to redesign a module that isn't working rather than ship it as-is.
• Savor the Ride: You believe training doesn't have to be boring. You look for the moment to make a module more interactive, visual, or genuinely engaging to get through.
• Embrace Our Differences: You design for different learning styles and comfort levels with technology across a diverse, multi-market team.
• Rooted in Growth: You seek feedback on your own course drafts and iterate — you know the first version is never the final version.

Skills

• Makes Sense of the Mess: You can take a raw slide deck or a scattered set of notes and turn it into a structured, sequenced course — without losing the substance.
• Builds the Roadmap: You juggle multiple courses at different stages of development, keep timelines realistic, and flag risk before it becomes a missed deadline.
• Fluent in the Tools: You move comfortably between authoring platforms and pick the right one for the content, not just the one you know best.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in instructional design or a similar learning & development role
• Intermediate working knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional design models (ADDIE, STAR, Peyton's 4-Step Method)
• Hands-on experience building courses in Vyond, Articulate Rise, Articulate Storyline, Camtasia, or comparable authoring tools
• Strong eye for turning static or text-heavy content into interactive, engaging learner experiences
• Ability to work independently, manage timelines, and communicate clearly with stakeholders

Nice to Have

• Experience in the healthcare industry
• Familiarity with UKG Pro Learning (LMS)

Pay

$80–$90/hour, based on experience

Schedule

20–25 hours/week, contract basis

Logistics

• Fully remote
• No travel required
• CST or EST time zone preferred for overlap with our team

Physical Requirements

This role involves regular computer-based work, including extended periods of screen time for course design and development. Requires clear written and verbal communication with SMEs and stakeholders via video calls, email, and chat.