Instructional Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Instructional Design Consultant

Company: Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) on behalf of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)

Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary

Category: Learning & Development Operations / Public Sector Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Experience Level: Mid-to-Senior Level (implied by responsibilities and salary range)

Remote Status: Hybrid (implied by VDH-Central Office location and noted expectation to respond to emergencies as needed, whether remotely or in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Designs, develops, and delivers comprehensive training programs and instructional materials to support VDH initiatives, with a strong emphasis on adult learning principles and effective learning methodologies.

• Manages and coordinates the administration of certification programs, ensuring compliance and quality standards are met for participants and the organization.

• Conducts thorough needs assessments to identify training gaps and organizational development opportunities, aligning learning solutions with strategic objectives.

• Leverages technology, including Learning Management Systems (LMS) and distance learning platforms, to create engaging and accessible training experiences for a diverse audience.

• Plays a critical role in the Office of Emergency Preparedness, requiring flexibility and readiness to respond to emergency events through remote or on-site support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as a "restricted position" funded by a specific cooperative agreement, indicating a temporary tenure tied to grant funding. The "Trainer and Instructor III" State Role Title suggests a level of seniority and independent responsibility within the training and development function. The hybrid nature is inferred from the "VDH-Central Office" location and the explicit mention of responding to emergency events remotely or from the office.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independently develop, deliver, and coordinate training programs in support of VDH offices or districts, ensuring alignment with public health objectives and emergency preparedness goals.

• Design comprehensive course curricula and detailed lesson plans, creating engaging and effective instructional materials (e.g., presentations, facilitator guides, participant workbooks, e-learning modules).

• Administer certification programs, including program setup, participant tracking, assessment, and certification issuance, adhering to established protocols and quality standards.

• Conduct detailed needs assessments to identify specific training requirements and performance gaps within VDH and its partner organizations, utilizing various data collection methods.

• Facilitate group sessions effectively, both in-person and virtually, fostering participant engagement and knowledge retention through strong oral communication and presentation skills.

• Manage all logistical aspects of training delivery, including securing appropriate facilities, equipment, and resources, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with public health staff, healthcare providers, and emergency management partners to ensure training content is relevant, accurate, and addresses critical operational needs.

• Contribute to organizational development initiatives by applying adult learning theory and best practices to enhance employee skills, performance, and overall effectiveness.

• Prepare and present program evaluation data to stakeholders, demonstrating the impact and effectiveness of training interventions and identifying areas for continuous improvement.

• Support emergency preparedness and response efforts by developing and delivering specialized training, and by being available to assist during emergency events as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities imply a need for strong project management skills to handle multiple training initiatives, certification programs, and logistical requirements concurrently. The emergency preparedness aspect adds a critical layer of responsibility requiring adaptability and resilience.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Instructional Design, Adult Learning, Public Health, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role. A Master's degree may be preferred. Experience:

• Substantial experience (likely 5-10 years) in developing and delivering comprehensive training programs, with a focus on adult learning principles.

• Demonstrated experience in designing instructional plans, curriculum development, and creating supporting learning materials.

• Proven ability to manage logistical, administrative, and contractual details associated with training programs. Required Skills:

• Deep knowledge of adult learning theory and diverse training methodologies (e.g., instructor-led, e-learning, blended learning).

• Expertise in instructional design principles and curriculum development, including needs assessment, learning objectives, content creation, and evaluation.

• Proficiency in group facilitation, with exceptional oral and written communication skills for clear instruction and stakeholder engagement.

• Strong problem-solving abilities to address training challenges and adapt delivery methods as needed.

• Effective customer relations skills to manage relationships with trainees, stakeholders, and partners.

• Demonstrated leadership skills to guide training initiatives and potentially supervise support staff.

• Experience with information technology related to education/training, including distance learning platforms and Learning Management Systems (LMS).

• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of diverse teams, including public health, healthcare, and emergency management partners. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in emergency preparedness and response training, understanding the unique needs and urgency of such environments.

• Substantial experience in providing education and training programs within a public health or government sector context.

• Familiarity with program evaluation techniques to measure training effectiveness and ROI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Trainer and Instructor III" title, coupled with the salary range and responsibilities, suggests that candidates with a strong portfolio showcasing diverse training development and delivery projects, especially in complex or regulated environments, will be highly competitive. Experience with government procurement or grant-funded projects would also be beneficial.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio demonstrating a range of instructional design projects, including examples of needs assessments, curriculum outlines, lesson plans, and various types of instructional materials (e.g., e-learning modules, facilitator guides, participant workbooks).

• Case studies showcasing successful training program implementations, highlighting the process from initial analysis through delivery and evaluation.

• Evidence of ability to manage complex training logistics, including scheduling, resource allocation, and vendor coordination, with documentation of successful outcomes.

• Examples of how technology, such as Learning Management Systems (LMS) and distance learning tools, was integrated into training design and delivery to enhance reach and effectiveness. Process Documentation:

• Documentation of a structured approach to instructional design, including phases for analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE or similar models).

• Workflows or process maps illustrating how training needs are identified, how curricula are developed and approved, and how training is deployed and supported.

• Examples of how training effectiveness is measured and reported, including the use of evaluation metrics, feedback mechanisms, and ROI calculations where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should emphasize the candidate's ability to work independently and manage projects from conception to completion. Specific examples related to public health or emergency response training, if available, would be highly advantageous. The ability to document and articulate their design and delivery processes is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,217 - $95,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Plan: Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) plan, offering a defined benefit pension.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuing education relevant to instructional design and public health.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

• Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance coverage.

• Voluntary Benefits: Access to additional voluntary benefits such as disability insurance and flexible spending accounts.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday through Friday.

• Flexibility may be required to accommodate training schedules and emergency response needs, potentially including occasional evening or weekend work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range falls within the mid-to-senior level for instructional design roles in government sectors, especially in a capital city like Richmond, VA. The benefits package is standard for Virginia state employees, offering robust long-term security and comprehensive health coverage. The temporary nature of the position, however, means that some benefits like long-term disability or retirement vesting might differ from permanent roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector, Healthcare, Emergency Management.

Company Size: The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is a large state agency, part of the broader Virginia government. VITA (Virginia Information Technologies Agency) is also a significant state agency focused on IT services. This role operates within VDH, but the funding might originate from a federal grant managed by VDH. The Office of Emergency Preparedness is a specialized unit within VDH.

Founded: The Virginia Department of Health was established in 1908. VITA was established in 2003. This history suggests a stable, established organizational environment with deep roots in public service.

Team Structure:

• This role is within the Office of Emergency Preparedness at VDH, likely a specialized team focused on training and readiness for public health emergencies. The team may include program managers, analysts, and other subject matter experts.

• The reporting structure would likely be to a Training Manager or Director within the Office of Emergency Preparedness, who in turn reports to higher leadership within VDH.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving VDH staff, other state agencies (like emergency management), healthcare partners, and potentially federal agencies. Methodology:

• Data analysis is used to identify training needs and evaluate program effectiveness, driving data-informed instructional design decisions.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key to designing efficient training delivery and administrative processes, particularly for certification and emergency response.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed through the use of LMS and digital tools to streamline training deployment and tracking.

Company Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be structured, process-oriented, and focused on public service. Given the emergency preparedness context, there will be an emphasis on readiness, reliability, and clear communication. Collaboration with diverse stakeholders is a hallmark of public sector operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as "Trainer and Instructor III," indicating an advanced individual contributor role. It requires independence in developing and delivering training, managing programs, and contributing to organizational development. This level typically involves significant autonomy and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced staff.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a manager within the Office of Emergency Preparedness at VDH. This structure provides clear guidance and oversight while allowing for independent execution of duties. Collaboration with various departments and external partners is also a key aspect of the role's interaction network.

Operations Impact: The Instructional Design Consultant directly impacts the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Virginia Department of Health and its partners, particularly in emergency preparedness. By ensuring staff are well-trained and certified, this role contributes to the agency's ability to respond effectively to public health crises, protect citizens, and maintain essential public services. High-quality training leads to improved performance, compliance, and ultimately, better public health outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in emergency preparedness training, adult learning methodologies, or specific public health domains.

• Leadership: Potential to move into roles with more direct team supervision or program management within training and development at VDH or another state agency.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to gain experience with advanced instructional technologies, learning analytics, and broader organizational development initiatives.

• Contractual Advancement: While this is a temporary role, successful performance could lead to opportunities for longer-term contracts or permanent positions within state government, leveraging the acquired experience and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the position is temporary, the experience gained in designing and delivering training for a critical government function like emergency preparedness is highly transferable and valuable for future roles in public sector operations, L&D, or program management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role based at the VDH-Central Office in Richmond, Virginia. This suggests a professional office environment that supports collaborative work, individual focus, and access to necessary resources.

Office Location(s): VDH-Central Office, Richmond, Virginia. This location offers access to state government resources and is a hub for public health operations in the Commonwealth.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace likely supports collaborative activities for team meetings and cross-functional planning, as well as quiet areas for focused instructional design and material development.

• Access to standard office technology, training facilities, and potentially specialized software for instructional design and distance learning will be provided.

• Opportunities for interaction with colleagues in the Office of Emergency Preparedness and other VDH departments will be available during on-site workdays, fostering knowledge sharing and professional networking. Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday.

• The hybrid nature allows for a balance of remote work and in-office collaboration, with flexibility expected to meet operational demands, especially in the context of emergency preparedness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement requires self-discipline and effective time management for both remote and in-office tasks. The expectation to respond to emergencies indicates a need for adaptability and commitment beyond a standard 9-to-5 schedule when critical events occur.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit a comprehensive online application and resume, ensuring all relevant experience and qualifications are clearly detailed. Supplemental questions should be answered thoroughly.

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed to ensure minimum qualifications are met. Candidates with strong experience in adult learning, instructional design, and public health/emergency preparedness will be prioritized.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a practical exercise or case study related to instructional design, curriculum development, or training facilitation. This might involve designing a short training module or outlining a needs assessment process.

• Interviews: Multiple interview rounds are likely, involving HR, the hiring manager (Isis Romero), and potentially key stakeholders or team members from the Office of Emergency Preparedness. Questions will focus on technical skills, experience, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

• Final Selection & Onboarding: Successful candidates will undergo background checks and reference checks before an offer is extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Showcase projects that demonstrate tangible results, such as improved performance, increased certification rates, or enhanced preparedness. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your instructional design process (e.g., ADDIE) and how you adapt it to different project needs and constraints.

• Variety of Deliverables: Include examples of diverse training materials and formats (e.g., e-learning, facilitator guides, job aids, assessments) to highlight versatility.

• Public Health/Emergency Preparedness Relevance: If you have experience in these specific areas, highlight it prominently. Showcase how you've addressed unique challenges in these domains.

• Technical Proficiency: Include examples of your work with LMS, virtual classroom tools, or other relevant educational technologies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Instructional Design Principles: Be prepared to discuss adult learning theories, learning objectives, assessment strategies, and evaluation models.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific training challenges, such as low engagement, diverse learner needs, or technical issues during delivery.

• Emergency Preparedness Context: Think about how training differs in emergency situations – the need for speed, accuracy, and adaptability.

• Collaboration: Prepare examples of how you've worked with subject matter experts and diverse stakeholder groups to develop effective training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "public health staff, healthcare and emergency management partners" suggests that candidates should be ready to discuss their experience working with diverse, potentially non-technical audiences in high-stakes environments. The temporary nature of the role might mean a faster-paced interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Learning Management System (LMS): Proficiency in administering, managing, and potentially developing content for an LMS is essential. Specific LMS platforms used by VDH would be beneficial to highlight.

• Authoring Tools: Experience with e-learning development software such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or similar tools for creating interactive modules.

• Virtual Classroom Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, or Adobe Connect for delivering distance learning and facilitating virtual sessions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with data analysis tools to track training completion rates, assessment scores, and program effectiveness.

• Experience in creating reports and dashboards to communicate training outcomes to management and stakeholders. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how training data integrates with HR systems or performance management tools would be valuable.

• Experience with workflow automation tools could be beneficial for streamlining administrative tasks related to training and certification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly mentions "information technology related to education/training (including distance learning and learning management systems)." Candidates should be prepared to discuss their practical experience with these technologies and how they've used them to enhance learning outcomes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service: A strong commitment to serving the citizens of Virginia and improving public health outcomes.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and partnership with internal VDH departments and external agencies.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and maintaining confidentiality, especially in sensitive public health and emergency response contexts.

• Efficiency & Effectiveness: Striving for optimal use of resources to deliver high-quality training and support critical operations.

• Adaptability: Readiness to respond to evolving public health needs and emergency situations, requiring flexibility and a proactive approach.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs) from various public health disciplines and emergency management professionals to ensure training content accuracy and relevance.

• Stakeholder Communication: Regular communication with management, trainees, and partner organizations is necessary to gather feedback, report progress, and ensure alignment.

• Process Improvement Culture: An environment that encourages feedback on training methodologies and administrative processes to drive continuous improvement and enhance learning experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will likely be professional, mission-driven, and focused on public safety and well-being. Candidates who demonstrate a commitment to public service and can work effectively within a structured, government environment will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Grant-Funded Position: The temporary nature of the role (1-year period, contingent on funding) requires adaptability and the ability to deliver impact quickly.

• Diverse Audiences: Training needs to be tailored for a wide range of learners, from public health officials to healthcare partners and emergency responders, each with different backgrounds and learning styles.

• Emergency Response Demands: The expectation to respond to emergency events introduces an element of unpredictability and stress, requiring the ability to pivot priorities and work under pressure.

• Technology Integration: Keeping pace with evolving instructional technologies and ensuring effective implementation within a government agency's infrastructure can be a challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Emergency Preparedness Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge and practical experience in designing and delivering training for critical incident response.

• Public Health Systems: Understanding the complexities of the public health infrastructure in Virginia and how training supports its various functions.

• Government Operations: Developing insights into state government processes, compliance requirements, and inter-agency collaboration.

• Advanced Instructional Design: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge learning technologies and methodologies relevant to government and public sector training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented by this role also offer significant opportunities for professional growth. Successfully navigating these challenges will equip the candidate with highly sought-after skills in emergency preparedness training, public sector operations, and adaptive instructional design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Instructional Design Process: "Describe your end-to-end instructional design process. How do you ensure your designs are effective, engaging, and meet the needs of diverse learners, particularly in a public health context?" (Focus on ADDIE, needs assessment, learning objectives, evaluation).

• Adult Learning Application: "How do you apply adult learning principles (e.g., andragogy) in your training design and delivery? Provide an example of how you’ve adapted your approach for adult learners with specific needs." (Highlight self-direction, relevance, experience-based learning).

• Emergency Preparedness Training: "Imagine we need to train new VDH staff on immediate response protocols for a hypothetical public health emergency. How would you approach designing and delivering this critical, time-sensitive training?" (Emphasize speed, clarity, practical application, potential for remote delivery).

Company & Culture Questions:

• VDH Mission Alignment: "Why are you interested in supporting the Virginia Department of Health's mission, particularly in the area of emergency preparedness?" (Show genuine interest in public service and the agency's goals).

• Collaboration Experience: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with subject matter experts from different fields (e.g., public health, IT, emergency management) to develop a training program. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and achieving consensus).

• Government Environment: "What are your expectations for working within a state government agency like VDH, and how do you see yourself contributing to our culture of public service?" (Demonstrate understanding of government work culture and values).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prioritize Relevance: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your skills in instructional design, adult learning, and, if possible, public health or emergency preparedness.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem/need, your approach/solution (design process), the deliverables, and the impact/results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Key Contributions: Emphasize your specific role and contributions, especially if it was an independent or leadership role.

• Showcase Deliverables: Be ready to show examples of your work, such as sample module screenshots, facilitator guides, or curriculum outlines.

• Address Technology: Be prepared to discuss the tools and technologies you used and how they enhanced the learning experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on public health and emergency preparedness, interviewers will be keen to assess your ability to handle high-pressure situations, communicate complex information clearly, and adapt training to urgent needs. Demonstrating a calm, methodical, and collaborative approach will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided online portal on careers.pageuppeople.com before the closing date.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating instructional design, curriculum development, and training delivery, with a preference for public health or emergency response examples. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "Instructional Design," "Adult Learning Theory," "Needs Assessment," "LMS," "Emergency Preparedness," and "Group Facilitation." Clearly list relevant software and technologies.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Practice developing a brief training outline or needs assessment based on a hypothetical scenario. Be ready to articulate your process and justify your design decisions.

• Research VDH: Familiarize yourself with the Virginia Department of Health's mission, current initiatives, and the Office of Emergency Preparedness's role. Understand their commitment to public service and emergency response.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions. The temporary nature of this position and its funding source are critical factors to consider.