Instructional Design Strategist - REMOTE

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Instructional Design Strategist

Company: Jobgether (Partner Company)

Location: Remote (Based in United States)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Learning & Development Operations / GTM Enablement

Date Posted: April 25, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-8 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and implement comprehensive eLearning strategies for a diverse federal audience, focusing on adult learning principles and accessibility standards.

• Drive the design and creation of engaging online courses and assessments, ensuring SCORM compliance and seamless integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Blackboard.

• Collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders to conduct thorough needs analyses and translate in-person training into effective digital learning experiences.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of learning content through data-driven insights and adherence to Agile development methodologies for efficient content lifecycle management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an Instructional Design Strategist, implying a focus not just on content creation but also on the overarching strategy and lifecycle management of learning programs. The mention of a "diverse federal audience" and the "U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program" suggests a need for understanding government-specific learning requirements, compliance, and potentially complex subject matter. The emphasis on accessibility (Section 508 / WCAG 2.0 Level AA) is a critical operational requirement for government-related content.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative, engaging, and accessible online courses and assessments, adhering to Section 508 / WCAG 2.0 Level AA accessibility standards.

• Conduct detailed learning needs analyses for various audience segments within the federal sector to identify knowledge gaps and training requirements.

• Facilitate virtual listening sessions and stakeholder interviews to gather requirements, feedback, and ensure alignment with program objectives.

• Create SCORM-compliant training modules and learning assets suitable for deployment on Learning Management Systems, specifically mentioning Blackboard LMS proficiency.

• Strategize and execute the conversion of existing in-person training materials and methodologies into effective and scalable online learning formats.

• Develop comprehensive storyboards, interactive activities, job aids, and assessment templates that align with adult learning principles and instructional design best practices.

• Produce concise and informative short video segments and fact sheets to supplement core training content and enhance knowledge retention.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative content development and strategic operational execution. The emphasis on "virtual listening sessions," "needs analysis," and "stakeholder collaboration" points to a strong requirement for communication and project management skills within an operations context. The mention of specific tools and standards (SCORM, Blackboard LMS, Articulate, Section 508) indicates a need for hands-on technical proficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Instructional Design Expertise: Deep understanding and application of adult learning principles (andragogy), ADDIE, SAM, or other instructional design models.

• eLearning Authoring Tools: Proficiency with industry-standard courseware authoring tools, with specific mention of Articulate (e.g., Storyline, Rise).

• LMS & SCORM: Hands-on experience developing and deploying SCORM-compliant content for Learning Management Systems, with explicit familiarity with Blackboard LMS.

• Content Development: Ability to create engaging storyboards, interactive exercises, assessments, and multimedia assets (including short video segments).

• Accessibility Standards: Strong knowledge and practical application of Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 Level AA accessibility compliance requirements for digital content.

• Needs Analysis: Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough learning needs assessments and translate findings into effective training strategies.

• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile development principles in the context of project management and iterative content development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing learning solutions for federal government agencies or in highly regulated industries.

• Proficiency in graphic design tools or video editing software for multimedia content creation.

• Experience with virtual facilitation and leading online workshops.

• Knowledge of learning analytics and how to measure training effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5-8 years of experience places this role at a mid-to-senior level, suggesting autonomy and strategic input. The specific mention of Articulate and Blackboard LMS, alongside Section 508/WCAG, are critical operational keywords for candidates to highlight. The Agile methodology familiarity points to a preference for efficient, iterative development processes common in operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: A portfolio showcasing 3-5 distinct eLearning projects, demonstrating a range of skills from needs analysis to final deployment.

• Process Documentation: Evidence of structured instructional design processes, including needs assessment methodologies, storyboard examples, and development workflows.

• Accessibility Implementation: Examples of how accessibility standards (Section 508/WCAG) were integrated into design and development.

• System Integration: Demonstrations of SCORM-compliant modules and their successful integration within an LMS environment (ideally Blackboard).

• Impact & ROI: Quantifiable results or qualitative feedback demonstrating the effectiveness and impact of developed learning programs.

Process Documentation:

• Needs Analysis Frameworks: Documented approaches to conducting learning needs assessments and stakeholder interviews.

• Development Workflow: Clear outlines of the iterative design, development, and review process for eLearning modules.

• Quality Assurance: Methodologies for ensuring content accuracy, technical functionality, accessibility compliance, and adherence to adult learning principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Instructional Design Strategist role, a portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase the final product but also the underlying strategy, process, and operational rigor applied. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design methodology and how they ensure scalability, compliance, and effectiveness within an organizational context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Explanation of Estimate:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance coverage.

• Dental Insurance plan.

• Vision Insurance plan.

• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance.

• Life Insurance policies.

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (offering a strong benefit for long-term financial planning).

• Paid Holiday Pay.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility in scheduling may be available, to be discussed and confirmed with the hiring manager, to accommodate remote work and cross-time zone collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation. The inclusion of specific benefits like disability and life insurance, alongside a 401(k) with potential matching (though not specified, it's a common offering), indicates a robust benefits package typical for established organizations. The mention of "Opportunities for professional development" is a key draw for operations professionals focused on skill enhancement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Company Size:

Founded:

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: This role likely sits within a Learning & Development (L&D) or a broader GTM Enablement team, supporting the operational delivery of training programs.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect to collaborate closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), program managers, government stakeholders, and potentially IT/LMS administrators.

• Reporting: The Instructional Design Strategist will likely report to an L&D Manager, Training Lead, or a Program Director overseeing the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program's learning initiatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using needs analysis data and learner feedback to inform instructional design decisions.

• Agile Development: Adoption of iterative development cycles for efficient content creation and updates.

• Compliance-Centric: Strict adherence to government regulations, accessibility standards, and program-specific requirements.

Company Website: [Partner company website to be provided by Jobgether or hiring manager]

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of supporting a federal program is crucial. It implies a need for professionalism, adherence to strict guidelines, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to a diverse, potentially non-technical audience. The "Jobgether" platform suggests a modern approach to recruitment, leveraging technology for candidate matching.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in federal government training requirements, specific industry regulations (e.g., agriculture, compliance), or advanced accessibility standards.

• Leadership: Potential to move into Lead Instructional Designer roles, manage teams, or take on larger, more complex program initiatives.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn new authoring tools, explore emerging learning technologies, and gain experience in virtual facilitation and program management.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience working with diverse government agencies and understanding broader operational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Strategist" title suggests a path towards senior roles, team leadership, or program management within L&D or specialized government project teams. The focus on federal programs offers unique career development pathways not found in typical corporate settings.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Self-Managed: Candidates must be comfortable working independently, managing their time effectively, and maintaining productivity without direct on-site supervision.

• Technology-Enabled: Requires reliable internet access, a suitable home office setup, and proficiency with collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams) and the specified authoring/LMS software.

• Collaborative Culture: Despite being remote, the role involves significant collaboration through virtual meetings, shared documents, and project management platforms, fostering a connected, albeit distributed, team environment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week. While remote, adherence to core business hours for collaboration and meetings, particularly within the Eastern Time Zone (given the Washington D.C. client context), is likely expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote aspect is a major factor. Candidates should be adept at asynchronous communication and proactive engagement. The operational implication is the need for robust remote work policies and tools to ensure effective collaboration and project delivery.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by Jobgether's AI or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Focus on experience, understanding of instructional design principles, and specific tool proficiency (Articulate, Blackboard, Section 508). Expect behavioral questions related to stakeholder management and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present examples from their portfolio, explaining their design process, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. This is a critical step.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: May involve a practical exercise, such as creating a storyboard, outlining an assessment, or analyzing a sample learning need.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or key stakeholders to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate experience with federal audiences, accessibility compliance, SCORM/LMS integration, and adult learning principles.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process followed, the tools used, the challenges overcome, and the measurable results or impact.

• Highlight Process: Showcase your systematic approach to needs analysis, design, development, and evaluation. Include examples of storyboards, wireframes, or process maps.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Articulate Storyline/Rise and your understanding of SCORM standards and Blackboard LMS functionality.

• Emphasize Accessibility: Clearly explain how you incorporated Section 508/WCAG guidelines into your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical learning need for a government program.

• Practice articulating your design philosophy and how you ensure learner engagement and knowledge retention in a remote learning environment.

• Review common government training requirements and accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the cornerstone of this application process. Candidates must be prepared to not only show their work but also articulate the strategic thinking and operational execution behind it, especially concerning compliance and system integration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• eLearning Authoring: Articulate Suite (Storyline, Rise) is explicitly mentioned and expected. Other tools like Adobe Captivate or lectora might be considered but Articulate is key.

• LMS: Blackboard LMS is a specific requirement; familiarity with its features for content deployment and tracking is essential.

• Collaboration: Standard remote work tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides).

• Project Management: Tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com are likely used for managing development workflows and tracking progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with LMS reporting features (Blackboard analytics) to track learner progress, completion rates, and assessment scores.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how training data integrates with broader organizational systems (e.g., HRIS, performance management systems) could be beneficial. Automation may be used for workflow triggers within the LMS or project management tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Articulate Storyline and Blackboard LMS is non-negotiable. Candidates should be prepared to detail their experience level with these specific tools and how they leverage them for operational efficiency and compliance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: Essential when dealing with federal programs and compliance requirements.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse stakeholders in a remote setting.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to enhance learning programs based on feedback and data.

• User-Centricity: Designing with the end-learner (federal audience) and their needs at the forefront.

• Efficiency: Utilizing Agile methodologies and effective tools to deliver high-quality content on time.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Essential for remote teams; expecting regular check-ins, clear status updates, and timely responses.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to constructive criticism and a willingness to iterate on designs based on stakeholder input.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, innovative solutions, and lessons learned within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely balances the structured, compliance-driven nature of government work with the agile, collaborative spirit needed for effective remote operations and creative instructional design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Federal Requirements: Understanding and consistently applying complex government regulations, compliance standards (Section 508/WCAG), and program-specific nuances.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining effective communication, team cohesion, and project momentum across distributed teams and diverse stakeholders.

• Diverse Audience Needs: Designing learning experiences that cater to a broad range of technical proficiencies, educational backgrounds, and learning styles within the federal audience.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying current with evolving eLearning authoring tools, LMS capabilities, and accessibility best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Certifications: Pursuing certifications in specific instructional design methodologies, accessibility, or government contracting training.

• New Tool Adoption: Opportunities to explore and become proficient in new or advanced features of Articulate, other authoring tools, or emerging learning technologies.

• Project Leadership: Taking on roles with increased responsibility in project management, curriculum development, or team leadership.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insights into the operations and regulatory landscape of the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in government contracting and remote work present significant growth opportunities for professionals who can adapt and excel. This role offers a chance to specialize in a unique and evolving sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting a learning needs analysis for a complex government program. How would you adapt this for a remote stakeholder group?"

• "Walk us through a challenging project where you had to ensure Section 508 / WCAG compliance. What were the key considerations and how did you address them?"

• "How do you balance the need for creative, engaging content with strict adherence to compliance and technical specifications (like SCORM)?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with federal government programs, specifically the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program?"

• "How do you maintain strong working relationships and collaborate effectively with stakeholders in a remote environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction -> Problem Statement -> Your Role/Solution -> Design Process -> Tools Used -> Challenges & Solutions -> Results/Impact -> Q&A.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, storyboards, short video clips) to illustrate your points.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or specific examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of your training solutions.

• Focus on Process: Be prepared to discuss the 'why' behind your design choices and the operational steps you took.

• Address Requirements: Explicitly link your portfolio examples back to the key requirements of the job description (e.g., SCORM, Blackboard, Section 508).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate not only technical proficiency but also strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of the operational requirements specific to government training and accessibility.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Jobgether portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize keywords from the job description, particularly "Instructional Design," "eLearning," "SCORM," "Blackboard LMS," "Articulate," "Section 508," "WCAG 2.0," "Needs Analysis," and "Adult Learning Principles." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Developed 10+ SCORM-compliant modules resulting in a 15% increase in knowledge retention").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a dedicated website, cloud storage link) and that your selected projects clearly demonstrate the required skills and experience. Be ready to curate specific examples for potential follow-up requests.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your portfolio presentation and be ready to articulate your design philosophy, problem-solving approach, and understanding of operational constraints in federal training environments.

• Research the Program: Familiarize yourself with the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program to understand its objectives and the potential learning needs it addresses. This will demonstrate initiative and a genuine interest.

⚠️ 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 or Jobgether before making application decisions.