Instructional Content Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Instructional Content Designer

Company: Everway

Location: Remote, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Instructional Design / Special Education Content Development

Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Develops and crafts high-quality educational experiences and instructional materials specifically for students with significant cognitive disabilities, ensuring alignment with learning outcomes and standards.

• Applies integral instructional design principles, theories, and methods to optimize learning processes, enhance student outcomes, and drive engagement.

• Collaborates cross-functionally with product leaders, academic content authors, creative services, AI, and technology teams to deliver impactful educational solutions.

• Conducts thorough needs assessments and educational research, translating findings into actionable strategies for content development and program improvement.

• Designs and implements robust assessment strategies to accurately measure student learning and evaluate the effectiveness of instructional content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Instructional Content Designer at Everway is positioned within the intersection of special education and educational technology (EdTech), focusing on neurotechnology software. This implies a need for deep understanding of cognitive disabilities and specialized learning needs, coupled with proficiency in digital content creation and learning management systems. The emphasis on "transforming the way we understand and are understood" through neurotechnology suggests a forward-thinking approach to learning design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop engaging, accessible, and interactive educational experiences and instructional materials, considering structure, continuity, and diverse learning styles.

• Execute comprehensive needs assessments, documenting findings and effectively communicating them to relevant internal stakeholders and teams.

• Conduct in-depth instructional and educational research, synthesizing findings and presenting them to internal teams to inform content strategy and development.

• Support the creation and organization of essential instructional artifacts, including detailed scope and sequences and design matrices.

• Design and develop robust assessments that accurately measure student outcomes and validate learning objectives, ensuring alignment with curriculum goals.

• Evaluate existing and new content to ensure it meets stringent quality standards, including accuracy, appropriateness, and alignment with company objectives and student needs.

• Collaborate closely with Product leaders, academic content authors, creative services, editors, AI specialists, and technology teams throughout the entire instructional design lifecycle.

• Develop resources that incorporate evidence-based practices, foster student engagement, and specifically address the diverse learning needs of students with significant cognitive disabilities.

• Stay current with the latest trends, research, advancements, and relevant legislation in special education and neurotechnology, implementing new insights as appropriate for customer needs and educational policies.

• Provide support for marketing, sales, and customer success inquiries related to educational content, curriculum, and learning solutions.

• Participate in focus groups, design committees, and/or advisory board meetings, contributing a specialized instructional design perspective.

• Participate in and/or lead training sessions and professional development initiatives for internal teams or external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic content creation, research, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "owning" needs assessments and "designing" assessments indicates a hands-on approach to the entire instructional design process, from initial research to final evaluation. Collaboration with AI teams suggests an opportunity to leverage emerging technologies in content development and personalization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Special Education, or a related field; or

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in designing high-quality academic or instructional content specifically for special education, aligned with defined learning outcomes, standards, or competency frameworks.

• Demonstrates a strong understanding of pedagogy and curriculum design principles, with the ability to translate learning objectives into structured, engaging instructional experiences.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Instructional Design principles, theories, and methodologies tailored for special education.

• Proven ability in Content Development, creating engaging and accessible learning materials.

• Skill in conducting Needs Assessments to identify learning gaps and requirements.

• Experience in Educational Research and synthesizing findings for practical application.

• Proficiency in developing Scope and Sequences and Design Matrices for curriculum planning.

• Competency in Assessment Design to measure student learning outcomes effectively.

• Knowledge of Evidence-Based Practices in special education and learning design.

• Strong understanding of Pedagogy and Curriculum Design principles.

• Familiarity with Special Education Standards, including extended or alternate standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience creating digital content within a Content Management System (CMS) or Learning Management System (LMS).

• Prior curriculum mapping/development experience within an EdTech role.

• Familiarity with neurotechnology software and its application in educational settings.

• Experience with user accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) in digital content.

• Knowledge of AI tools and their application in content creation and personalization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "2+ years of experience" and "Demonstrated knowledge of state standards, including extended or alternate standards" for special education is critical. This role is not a general instructional design position; it requires specialized knowledge of the unique needs and regulatory frameworks within special education, particularly for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 distinct projects demonstrating expertise in designing instructional content for special education or learners with significant cognitive disabilities.

• Include examples of learning objectives translated into structured learning modules, activities, and assessments.

• Provide evidence of consideration for accessibility, engagement, interactivity, and continuity in content design.

• Present case studies that highlight the process of needs assessment, curriculum mapping, and content development.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your process for conducting needs assessments and how you translate findings into instructional design strategies.

• Detail your approach to designing assessments that accurately measure student outcomes and learning objectives.

• Provide examples of how you incorporate evidence-based practices and diverse learning styles into content development.

• Showcase your methodology for collaborating with subject matter experts, academic authors, and technology teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Instructional Content Designer role, especially one focused on special education, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display finished products but also the thought process and methodology behind them. Emphasis should be placed on how the candidate addresses the specific needs of the target audience (students with significant cognitive disabilities) and adheres to educational standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $70,000 - $95,000 annually

• Rationale: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Instructional Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the US, specifically within the EdTech and specialized education sectors. Factors considered include the remote work arrangement, the specialized nature of the role (special education/neurotechnology), and the company's stated commitment to competitive compensation. Salary may vary based on specific qualifications, experience level, and location within the USA.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with bonus opportunities.

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits (medical, dental, vision).

• Flexible time off plans, allowing for work-life balance.

• Career growth opportunities through dedicated development programs and training.

• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge neurotechnology software.

• Collaborative and innovative company culture.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility offered to accommodate remote work and varying time zones across the USA.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't specify salary, benefits like "bonus opportunities," "flexible work schedules," and "career growth through development programs" are highlighted. The estimated salary range is based on typical compensation for similar roles in the US EdTech market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Neurotechnology Software / Educational Technology (EdTech)

Company Size: Over 600 team members globally.

Founded: Not specified, but described as a growing global company.

Team Structure:

• The Instructional Content Designer will be part of a broader team that includes Product leaders, academic content authors, creative services, editors, AI specialists, and technology teams.

• The role requires close collaboration with cross-functional departments to ensure cohesive and effective educational solutions.

Methodology:

• Curiosity, Courage, and Commitment: These are Everway's core values, guiding their approach to innovation, problem-solving, and execution.

• Data-Driven and Research-Informed: The role emphasizes utilizing instructional design principles, educational research, and evidence-based practices.

• Individual-Centric Design: A focus on understanding and addressing the unique needs of each individual, particularly students with cognitive disabilities.

• Transformative Approach: Aiming to transform understanding through neurotechnology software.

Company Website: https://www.everway.com/ (Inferring domain from the job board URL and general company context)

📝 Enhancement Note: Everway's mission in neurotechnology software for understanding and being understood, coupled with their core values of curiosity, courage, and commitment, suggests a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and a strong ethical compass. The global presence implies exposure to diverse perspectives and a potentially dynamic work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an individual contributor position focused on specialized content design within the education sector. It requires a mid-level of experience (2+ years) in a specific niche (special education instructional design).

Reporting Structure: The Instructional Content Designer will likely report to a manager or lead within the Product or Education team, collaborating closely with various stakeholders across departments like Product, Content, and Technology.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on the quality and effectiveness of educational content, directly influencing student learning outcomes and the success of Everway's neurotechnology software solutions in the special education market. By creating accessible and engaging materials, the designer contributes to the company's mission of transforming understanding and enabling individuals to thrive.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in instructional design for neurotechnology and special education, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Leadership: Potential to move into lead instructional design roles, managing projects or teams, or influencing broader content strategy.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain experience working with AI, product development, and creative services, broadening skill sets.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for further certifications in instructional design, special education, or related fields.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers or contribute to training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for an Instructional Content Designer often involves specializing further within a domain (like special education or neurotech), moving into senior or lead roles, or transitioning into related areas like curriculum management, product management for educational tools, or learning analytics.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This provides flexibility and allows employees to work from their preferred location within the USA.

Office Location(s): Remote within the USA. The company also has a global presence with offices in the UK, USA, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Australia, and New Zealand, suggesting a distributed team structure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Digital Environment: Expect to work primarily through digital tools and platforms, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills across virtual teams.

• Technology-Rich: Access to and utilization of various software and tools, including Microsoft Suite, Google Workspace, and potentially specialized EdTech platforms or content management systems.

• Focus on Innovation: The company's mission in neurotechnology suggests an environment that encourages creative problem-solving and the exploration of new educational approaches.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with built-in flexibility to accommodate remote work and potential collaboration across different time zones within the USA. The mention of "flexible work schedules" in the benefits section implies some autonomy in managing daily working hours, provided core responsibilities and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: A fully remote environment requires strong self-discipline, time management, and proactive communication. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and leveraging digital collaboration tools effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application, likely conducted by HR or a recruiter, focusing on essential criteria and alignment with the role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about experience, responsibilities, and fit with the team, potentially including behavioral questions related to Everway's core values (Curiosity, Courage, Commitment).

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a portfolio showcasing their instructional design work, with a focus on special education content. This may involve discussing specific projects, design choices, and outcomes.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a small design exercise or case study to evaluate practical skills in curriculum design, assessment creation, or content structuring.

• Cross-Functional Team Interview: Meeting with potential colleagues from Product, Content, or Technology teams to assess collaboration style and functional understanding.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a senior leader for final approval and discussion of role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Special Education Focus: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects directly related to special education, cognitive disabilities, or diverse learning needs.

• Showcase Process: For each project, explain your instructional design process: needs assessment, learning objectives, content strategy, activity design, assessment methods, and evaluation.

• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved student engagement metrics, successful learning outcomes). If direct metrics are unavailable, articulate the intended impact and how the design supports it.

• Accessibility and Engagement: Clearly articulate how you incorporated accessibility features and strategies to enhance student engagement and interactivity.

• Clarity and Organization: Present your portfolio in a clean, organized, and easily navigable format (e.g., a dedicated website, a well-structured PDF).

• Tailor to Everway: If possible, connect your work to Everway's mission in neurotechnology and their values.

Challenge Preparation:

• Instructional Design Case Study: Be prepared to analyze a hypothetical learning challenge and propose an instructional design solution, outlining your process, content considerations, and assessment strategy.

• Curriculum Mapping Exercise: Understand how to map learning objectives to curriculum standards and develop a scope and sequence.

• Accessibility Audit: Think about how you would review existing content for accessibility and suggest improvements.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you handle feedback, work with subject matter experts, and resolve design disagreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical stage for instructional designers. Candidates should be ready to not only show their work but also articulate the rationale behind their design decisions, demonstrating a deep understanding of instructional theory and its practical application in special education contexts.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Suite: Word (for document creation, curriculum outlines), PowerPoint (for presentations, storyboarding), Excel (for data tracking, assessment design).

• Google Workspace: Docs (collaborative document creation), Sheets (spreadsheet analysis), Slides (presentation development).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or learning management systems (LMS) is preferred, indicating a need to understand how content is delivered and managed digitally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Microsoft Suite and Google Workspace indicates a baseline requirement. The "desirable" criteria mentioning CMS/LMS experience suggests that familiarity with platforms like Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, or proprietary EdTech content platforms would be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Be Curious: Approach challenges with an inquisitive mindset, seeking to understand underlying needs and exploring innovative solutions in neurotechnology and special education.

• Have Courage: Be willing to propose new ideas, challenge existing approaches, and advocate for best practices in instructional design and special education.

• Commit Fully: Demonstrate dedication to developing high-quality educational content that makes a real impact on student learning and well-being.

• Individual-Centric: Value understanding and addressing the unique needs of each learner, fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

• Transformative Impact: Strive to contribute to Everway's mission of transforming understanding through technology.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Work collaboratively with diverse teams including Product, Content Authors, Creative Services, AI Specialists, and Technology.

• Feedback Integration: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback to ensure the highest quality of educational content.

• Shared Mission: United by a common goal of improving educational outcomes for students with significant cognitive disabilities through innovative neurotechnology.

• Global Perspective: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across different countries and cultures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values are central to its culture. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody curiosity, courage, and commitment in their work, particularly in the context of designing for a specialized and impactful field like special education.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Diverse and Complex Needs: Creating effective instructional content for students with significant cognitive disabilities requires deep empathy, specialized knowledge, and ongoing adaptation to individual learning profiles.

• Bridging Technology and Pedagogy: Effectively integrating neurotechnology software with sound pedagogical principles to create meaningful learning experiences.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and clear communication across diverse teams (e.g., product, AI, content, creative) with potentially different priorities.

• Staying Ahead of Research and Trends: Continuously updating knowledge on advancements in special education, instructional design, and neurotechnology to maintain content relevance and effectiveness.

• Measuring Impact in Specialized Education: Developing and implementing assessment strategies that accurately capture learning gains for students with complex needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Neurotechnology: Opportunity to gain expertise in how neurotechnology is applied to enhance learning and understanding.

• Specialized Instructional Design: Develop advanced skills in designing for specific learning disabilities and neurodiversity.

• EdTech Innovation: Exposure to cutting-edge developments in the educational technology sector.

• Professional Certifications: Potential support for obtaining certifications in Instructional Design, Special Education, or related fields.

• Global Collaboration: Experience working within an international team, fostering cross-cultural competence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are specific to the niche nature of the role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they address these challenges, highlighting their problem-solving skills, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing an instructional module for a student with significant cognitive disabilities. What key principles would you prioritize?" (Focus on empathy, accessibility, concrete examples, and use of evidence-based practices).

• "How do you approach needs assessments for new educational content? Provide an example of how your assessment findings influenced your design." (Highlight systematic approach, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decisions).

• "Imagine you are collaborating with an AI team to develop personalized learning content. How would you ensure the AI's output aligns with sound pedagogical principles and special education standards?" (Focus on collaboration, quality control, and ethical considerations).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Everway's core values – curiosity, courage, and commitment – resonate with your professional approach to instructional design?" (Prepare specific examples of how you embody these values).

• "What interests you most about Everway's mission in neurotechnology and its application in special education?" (Show genuine interest and research into the company's work).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills in special education content design, demonstrating a range of design challenges and solutions.

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your approach, the design decisions, the tools used, and the (intended or actual) outcomes.

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your instructional design methodology, from needs analysis to evaluation.

• Highlight Adaptations: Explain how you tailored content for specific learning needs, accessibility requirements, and engagement strategies.

• Quantify Impact: Use data or metrics where possible to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs. If not, articulate the intended impact and rationale.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would adapt your approach for different scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of both instructional design principles and the specific needs of special education. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process, showcase their portfolio effectively, and align their approach with Everway's values and mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Instructional Content Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Everway careers portal via the provided Greenhouse link.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your experience in special education content design, curriculum development, instructional design principles, and proficiency with Microsoft Suite/Google Workspace. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases 2-3 relevant projects demonstrating your expertise in designing for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Ensure it highlights your design process, accessibility considerations, and learning outcomes. Be ready to present and discuss your work.

• Research Everway: Familiarize yourself with Everway's mission, their work in neurotechnology, and their core values (curiosity, courage, commitment). Understand their target audience and the impact they aim to achieve.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common instructional design questions, behavioral questions related to the company values, and scenarios specific to special education and EdTech.

⚠️ 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.