Instructional Systems Specialist - Journeyman

About the role

Pherson is seeking an Instructional Systems Specialist to join our team and help shape the future of our client's training solutions. This is a remote position suited for a self-starter who thrives independently, brings entrepreneurial energy to their work, and is eager to innovate in learning design.

Responsibilities

• Conduct formal training needs analyses and course reviews to identify workforce performance gaps within IC operations, collection, and analysis mission areas.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and Subject Matter Experts — in person and virtually — to design instruction aligned to IC mission requirements and operational realities.
• Develop and revise curriculum design guides, terminal and enabling learning objectives, course materials, job aids, and instructor notes.
• Design and maintain content across instructor-led, virtual, and eLearning platforms.
• Upload, manage, and maintain curriculum within Learning Management Systems.
• Develop evaluation methodologies and metrics to assess training effectiveness and learning transfer.
• Ensure all training materials comply with Section 508 accessibility standards and applicable federal guidance.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and instructional teams using collaboration platforms, including Microsoft Teams.

Requirements

• A four-year degree from an accredited institution of higher learning is required in Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, eLearning Development, Adult or Secondary Education, Educational Psychology, or other relevant educational degree.
• A minimum of 24 college credit hours in training design are required. This requirement may be substituted with a 40-hour certification in Training Design and Development and the above immediate experience requirement.
• Minimum of five years of experience designing and developing formal workforce training programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of adult learning theory and related frameworks.
• Demonstrated development of assessments, such as tests, rubrics, or checklists.
• Proven excellence in written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with Intelligence Community training in analysis, collection, and/or operations.
• Demonstrated experience engaging directly with clients or stakeholders to define requirements, resolve issues, and build buy-in across diverse groups.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a remote environment, managing workload and deadlines without direct oversight.
• Proven ability to navigate ambiguous or evolving requirements and deliver actionable solutions under shifting priorities.

Skills

• Ability to travel occasionally to client sites in Springfield, VA and Bethesda, MD, including access to SCIF environments.
• Proficiency with instructional design tools such as Adobe Captivate, Articulate 360, and Camtasia.
• Experience working within Learning Management Systems such as Cornerstone, Canvas, Blackboard, or comparable platforms.
• Experience developing SCORM-compliant eLearning content.
• Experience applying Section 508 accessibility standards; Trusted Tester certification preferred.

Qualifications

• A four-year degree from an accredited institution of higher learning is required in Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, eLearning Development, Adult or Secondary Education, Educational Psychology, or other relevant educational degree.
• A minimum of 24 college credit hours in training design are required. This requirement may be substituted with a 40-hour certification in Training Design and Development and the above immediate experience requirement.
• Minimum of five years of experience designing and developing formal workforce training programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of adult learning theory and related frameworks.
• Demonstrated development of assessments, such as tests, rubrics, or checklists.
• Proven excellence in written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with Intelligence Community training in analysis, collection, and/or operations.
• Demonstrated experience engaging directly with clients or stakeholders to define requirements, resolve issues, and build buy-in across diverse groups.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a remote environment, managing workload and deadlines without direct oversight.
• Proven ability to navigate ambiguous or evolving requirements and deliver actionable solutions under shifting priorities.

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Primarily a remote position with standard work hours Monday-Friday; occasional onsite presence is required.

Benefits

• Health, dental & vision;
• LTD/STD & life insurance;
• PTO, sick leave & holidays;
• 401k.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected class.