Lead Instructional Design Consultant (Remote)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Instructional Design Consultant (Remote)

Company: Jobgether (on behalf of a partner company)

Location: Remote (Primarily targeting candidates in Maine, USA, but open to broader US-based remote)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations (Instructional Design & Training Operations)

Date Posted: April 25, 2026

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

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and development of comprehensive eLearning programs and assessments for a diverse federal audience, directly impacting the efficiency of the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program.

• Conduct thorough needs analyses for distinct audience groups to ensure training relevance and effectiveness.

• Facilitate virtual listening sessions with stakeholders to gather requirements and feedback, ensuring alignment with program goals.

• Develop SCORM-compliant training modules specifically for Blackboard LMS, enabling seamless integration and tracking.

• Lead the conversion of existing in-person training materials into engaging and accessible online formats, optimizing for remote learning.

• Design detailed storyboards, interactive activities, and robust assessment templates to support learning objectives.

• Create supplementary learning assets such as short video segments and informative fact sheets to enhance knowledge retention.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Lead Instructional Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and experience requirements (5-8 years) suggest a strong individual contributor role with significant ownership and potential for leading specific projects within the instructional design domain, rather than direct people management. The focus on federal audience and specific programs indicates a need for understanding government sector training requirements and compliance. The remote nature is emphasized, with a specific mention of Maine, suggesting it may be a primary target region for compliance or administrative reasons, but the role is broadly remote across the US.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop engaging online courses, interactive modules, and comprehensive assessments aligned with adult learning principles and federal program objectives.

• Conduct detailed needs analyses for various audience segments within the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program to identify critical knowledge and skill gaps.

• Facilitate virtual listening sessions and stakeholder interviews to effectively gather requirements, understand challenges, and ensure training solutions meet strategic goals.

• Create SCORM-compliant eLearning assets for deployment on the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring compatibility and effective reporting.

• Lead the transformation of traditional in-person training programs into effective, scalable online learning experiences.

• Develop detailed storyboards, interactive learning activities, and robust assessment templates that align with instructional design best practices and project specifications.

• Produce concise and impactful supplementary learning materials, including short video segments and fact sheets, to reinforce key concepts and support program compliance.

• Ensure all developed training content adheres to Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 Level AA accessibility standards, promoting inclusivity for all learners.

• Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) and project managers to ensure content accuracy, relevance, and timely delivery.

• Apply Agile development methodologies to manage the instructional design and development lifecycle, allowing for iterative feedback and flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities list is quite detailed and reflects a hands-on role. The emphasis on "lead" in the title might mean leading specific projects or streams of work within a larger program, rather than managing a team. The mention of specific government programs and compliance standards (Section 508, WCAG) is crucial for candidates to highlight.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 to 8 years of progressive experience in instructional design, with a strong focus on developing eLearning solutions for professional or government audiences.

• Proven track record of designing and developing engaging online courses, assessments, and other learning materials.

Required Skills:

• Instructional Design Expertise: Deep understanding of adult learning principles (andragogy), ADDIE model, and other instructional design frameworks.

• eLearning Authoring Tools: Proficiency with industry-standard courseware authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline/Rise, Adobe Captivate, or similar.

• LMS Proficiency: Experience developing and deploying content for Learning Management Systems, specifically Blackboard LMS, and understanding SCORM compliance.

• Content Development: Ability to create comprehensive storyboards, interactive activities, job aids, video scripts, and assessments.

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

• Needs Analysis: Skill in conducting thorough training needs assessments and audience analysis to inform design decisions.

• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile development principles and their application in project management for instructional design.

• Virtual Facilitation & Collaboration: Experience in conducting virtual listening sessions and collaborating effectively with remote stakeholders and subject matter experts.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's degree in a relevant field.

• Experience working with federal government agencies or on government contracts.

• Graphic design or video editing skills for creating multimedia learning assets.

• Experience with a broader range of LMS platforms beyond Blackboard.

• Familiarity with learning analytics and using data to inform instructional design improvements.

• Experience in program management within a training or education context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements strongly emphasize practical, hands-on experience with specific tools and compliance standards relevant to government contracts. Candidates should be prepared to showcase examples of SCORM-compliant modules, accessibility adherence, and content conversion projects. The "Lead" title, combined with 5-8 years of experience, suggests the expectation of independent project ownership and potentially guiding less experienced designers.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Instructional Design Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 detailed case studies demonstrating your end-to-end instructional design process, from needs analysis to evaluation.

• eLearning Module Examples: Include direct links or navigable demos of SCORM-compliant eLearning modules you have developed, ideally showcasing interactivity and robust assessment design.

• Accessibility Compliance: Provide examples or documentation that clearly illustrates your adherence to Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards in your delivered work.

• Content Conversion Projects: Highlight projects where you successfully converted instructor-led training (ILT) into engaging online learning formats, detailing the challenges and solutions.

• Assessment Design: Present examples of various assessment types you have designed, including quizzes, scenario-based questions, and performance assessments, demonstrating their alignment with learning objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Needs Analysis Framework: Outline your systematic approach to conducting training needs analysis, including stakeholder engagement and data collection methods.

• Design & Development Workflow: Detail your typical workflow for designing and developing eLearning content, including storyboarding, prototyping, and iterative development phases.

• Quality Assurance & Testing: Describe your process for ensuring quality, accuracy, and functionality of eLearning modules, including user testing and accessibility checks.

• LMS Integration Strategy: Explain your approach to ensuring seamless integration and effective deployment of training content into Learning Management Systems like Blackboard.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate not just the final product but also the underlying instructional design methodology, problem-solving skills, and commitment to accessibility and compliance. Highlighting the process is as important as showcasing the output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance coverage.

• Dental Insurance plan.

• Vision Insurance plan.

• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance.

• Life Insurance policy.

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with potential company match.

• Paid Holiday Pay throughout the year.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual for work-life balance.

Working Hours:

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

• The remote nature of the role offers flexibility in scheduling work hours, provided core business needs and collaboration times with stakeholders (potentially across different US time zones) are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on national averages for similar roles and experience levels in the US, adjusted for the specialized skills and remote work. The specific federal contract or agency involved could influence the exact compensation. The listed benefits are standard and robust, aligning with a professional consulting role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The partner company operates within the Education Technology (EdTech) and Government Services sectors, focusing on delivering specialized training solutions. This dual focus means they understand both the pedagogical nuances of adult learning and the stringent requirements of government contracts.

Company Size: As Jobgether is posting on behalf of a partner, the exact size of the partner company is not specified. However, the nature of the role (Lead Consultant, specific program focus) suggests it could be a mid-sized firm specializing in federal training solutions or a larger consulting firm with a dedicated government sector practice. This size typically allows for a focused team environment with direct impact and potential for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: The founding date of the partner company is not provided. However, the established need for specific training programs like the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program suggests a company with a history of serving evolving government needs.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role is within the instructional design and training operations function, supporting a specific government program.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: You will collaborate closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from the federal program, project managers, potentially other instructional designers, and technical teams responsible for LMS deployment.

• Reporting: This "Lead" role likely reports to a Director of Training Operations, a Senior Project Manager, or a Chief Learning Officer within the partner company, who oversees federal training initiatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on needs analysis and learner feedback to drive design decisions, ensuring training effectiveness and ROI.

• Agile Development: Application of Agile principles for iterative design, development, and deployment of training modules, allowing for flexibility and continuous improvement.

• Compliance & Accessibility Focus: Rigorous adherence to federal standards like Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 is a core part of the operational methodology.

Company Website: While Jobgether is the platform, the partner company's specific website is not provided. Interested candidates may need to inquire further or look for companies specializing in federal training solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The context provided suggests a professional services firm that partners with government entities. The culture would likely be results-oriented, compliance-focused, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on delivering high-quality, accessible training solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is positioned as a Lead Instructional Design Consultant. This signifies a mid-to-senior level role where the individual is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, lead specific projects or workstreams, and apply advanced instructional design principles. It requires not only technical skill but also the ability to interpret complex requirements and translate them into effective learning solutions. The "Lead" aspect implies mentorship or guidance for junior team members on specific projects, even if not direct line management.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a senior leader within the partner company's training or government services division, such as a Director of Training Operations, a Program Manager, or a Senior Instructional Designer who oversees multiple projects. Collaboration will be extensive with SMEs and project teams.

Operations Impact: The Instructional Designer's work directly impacts the operational efficiency of the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program by ensuring personnel are adequately trained on regulations, procedures, and best practices. Effective training leads to better compliance, reduced errors, and improved program outcomes, thus contributing significantly to the program's success and the partner company's reputation with federal clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in federal training requirements, specific industry verticals (like agriculture/hemp production), or advanced eLearning technologies.

• Leadership: Transition into roles with direct people management (e.g., Training Manager) or take on larger, more complex program management responsibilities.

• Skill Development: Pursue certifications in instructional design, project management (PMP), accessibility standards, or advanced authoring tools.

• Client Engagement: Develop stronger client-facing skills and contribute to business development efforts by showcasing successful training solutions.

• Cross-functional Expansion: Gain exposure to other areas of operations within the partner company, such as learning analytics, curriculum strategy, or technology implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title suggests a clear path for career advancement within specialized training operations, either through increased project scope, client management, or a move into formal leadership positions. The focus on federal contracts offers a niche but stable career track.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position. The "office" will be the candidate's chosen workspace, requiring a dedicated, quiet area conducive to focused work and virtual collaboration.

Office Location(s): While the job posting mentions Maine, USA, as a location, it is a remote role. This implies that while candidates based in or willing to relocate to Maine might be preferred for administrative or tax reasons, the role is open to candidates across the United States. The partner company and its federal clients are likely US-based.

Workspace Context:

• Independent Work: A high degree of self-discipline and time management is required for successful remote work.

• Virtual Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with video conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Teams), project management software, and collaborative document platforms is essential for seamless interaction with the remote team and stakeholders.

• Technology Access: Candidates must have reliable internet access and a suitable home office setup to effectively perform their duties, including potentially using specialized software and participating in virtual meetings.

• Federal Environment: Understanding the professional communication and operational standards expected when working with federal agencies is important.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While remote work offers flexibility, candidates should be prepared to align their working hours with project deadlines, team meetings, and stakeholder availability, which may span various US time zones. Responsiveness during core business hours is typically expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a remote role, the emphasis is on self-management, digital communication etiquette, and maintaining productivity independently. Candidates should highlight their experience with remote work tools and their ability to manage their own schedule effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume by Jobgether's AI system and potentially a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and fit.

2. Hiring Manager/Recruiter Screen: A brief call (15-30 minutes) to discuss your background, interest in the role, and initial fit with the partner company's needs.

3. Technical Interview & Portfolio Review: A more in-depth interview (60-90 minutes) with the hiring manager and/or senior team members. This will heavily focus on your instructional design process, experience with specific tools (Articulate, Blackboard), and a detailed review of your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 1-2 key projects, explaining your rationale, challenges, and outcomes.

4. Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a small, time-bound instructional design task or case study to assess your practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and approach to a specific design challenge.

5. Final Interview: A conversation with a senior leader or executive to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects that best showcase your skills in eLearning development, accessibility, content conversion, and assessment design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (needs analysis, design, development, evaluation), the tools used, the challenges encountered, and the measurable results or impact.

• Highlight Accessibility: Explicitly point out how you incorporated Section 508/WCAG compliance into your designs and development.

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to discuss your instructional design methodology (e.g., ADDIE, SAM) and how you adapt it to project needs.

• Showcase Tools: Clearly identify which authoring tools (Articulate, etc.) and LMS (Blackboard) you used for each project.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about SCORM compliance, learning theories, and best practices for specific learning objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a case study, quickly identify the target audience, learning objectives, and any constraints (time, budget, technology).

• Focus on Process: Outline your proposed instructional design process for the challenge, emphasizing how you would approach needs analysis, content strategy, and assessment.

• Prioritize Accessibility: Integrate accessibility considerations into your proposed solution from the outset.

• Be Realistic: Propose solutions that are achievable within the given parameters.

• Practice Articulation: Be ready to present your approach clearly and concisely, justifying your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and portfolio demonstration. Candidates should prepare to "show, don't just tell" their capabilities, focusing on their process, problem-solving skills, and adherence to standards.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Articulate Suite (Storyline/Rise): This is highly probable given the requirement for advanced eLearning development and interactivity. Expect questions on specific features and use cases.

• Blackboard LMS: Essential for deploying and managing training content. Understanding its features for content upload, user management, and reporting is key.

• SCORM Standards: Crucial for ensuring interoperability between authoring tools and LMS platforms.

• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: Standard tools for documentation, collaboration, and communication (Word/Docs, PowerPoint/Slides, Excel/Sheets).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Blackboard Analytics: Understanding how to extract and interpret data from the LMS to assess training effectiveness and learner progress.

• Learning Analytics Tools (General): Familiarity with concepts of learning analytics, even if not directly using advanced tools, is beneficial for demonstrating impact.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core instructional design function, but familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) used for workflow management and collaboration is highly relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Articulate and Blackboard is critical. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with these tools in detail, including specific examples of how they've leveraged their features for effective learning design and deployment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Learning Delivery: Commitment to creating high-quality, effective, and engaging learning experiences that meet client objectives.

• Client-Centricity: Understanding and prioritizing the needs of the federal audience and program goals, ensuring training directly supports their mission.

• Compliance and Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of accessibility (Section 508, WCAG) and adhering to all federal regulations and contractual obligations.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance learning design and delivery, while always seeking ways to optimize processes.

• Collaboration and Partnership: Working effectively with SMEs, project managers, and other stakeholders to achieve shared success.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote-First Communication: Emphasis on clear, concise, and proactive communication through digital channels (email, chat, video conferencing).

• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Ability to integrate seamlessly with subject matter experts and project management teams, respecting diverse expertise and perspectives.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to constructive feedback on designs and deliverables, with a focus on iterative improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share best practices, design techniques, and insights with colleagues to elevate the overall quality of training development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely balances a professional, results-driven approach required for federal contracts with the collaborative and adaptable nature needed for remote work and dynamic project environments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Federal Requirements: Understanding and consistently applying complex and evolving federal regulations, accessibility standards, and procurement processes.

• Diverse Audience Needs: Designing training that effectively caters to a broad range of learners within the federal audience, potentially with varying levels of technical proficiency and prior knowledge.

• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Maintaining strong working relationships and clear communication across distributed teams and with potentially busy federal stakeholders.

• Technical Integration: Ensuring seamless deployment and functionality of SCORM-compliant modules within the Blackboard LMS, troubleshooting potential compatibility issues.

• Measuring Impact: Demonstrating the tangible impact and ROI of training programs to federal clients, beyond simple completion rates.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Federal Sector Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge of specific government programs and the unique training needs within public sector operations.

• Advanced Accessibility: Becoming an expert in accessibility standards and inclusive design principles for digital learning.

• New Technologies: Exploring emerging trends in eLearning, such as AI in learning, immersive technologies (VR/AR), and advanced learning analytics platforms.

• Project Leadership: Developing skills in project management, client relations, and potentially team leadership within instructional design projects.

• Certification Pathways: Pursuing certifications like Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM), CPTD (Certified Professional in Talent Development), or specific accessibility certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity to specialize within a stable sector (federal government training) while developing cutting-edge eLearning skills. The challenges are typical of high-stakes project environments, offering substantial learning potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting a needs analysis for a complex government program. What methods do you use to identify key learning objectives and performance gaps?" (Prepare to discuss methods like interviews, surveys, job analysis, and how you'd adapt them for a remote federal context.)

• "Walk us through a challenging instructional design project you led. What were the objectives, your approach, the tools you used, and the ultimate outcome? How did you handle stakeholder feedback or pushback?" (Focus on a project showcasing Articulate, Blackboard, and ideally some government/compliance aspect.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about working with federal clients and programs like the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program?" (Research the program briefly to show genuine interest.)

• "How do you approach collaboration in a fully remote environment, especially when working with diverse stakeholders like SMEs and government officials?" (Highlight your communication skills, proactivity, and experience with remote tools.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a clear story arc: Problem -> Solution -> Process -> Results.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., "reduced error rates by X%", "increased knowledge retention by Y%", "achieved 100% accessibility compliance").

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where your portfolio examples demonstrate proficiency in Articulate, Blackboard, SCORM, and accessibility standards.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, technical choices, and problem-solving approaches.

• Engage and Discuss: Treat the portfolio review as a collaborative discussion, not just a presentation. Ask clarifying questions and be open to feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of technical instructional design skills, process rigor, compliance awareness, and the ability to thrive in a remote, client-facing environment. Demonstrating a clear, repeatable process and measurable results is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Jobgether portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experience with instructional design, eLearning development using tools like Articulate, Blackboard LMS integration, SCORM compliance, and adherence to Section 508/WCAG accessibility standards. If you have federal government project experience, make that prominent.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5-8 years of relevant experience, using keywords from the job description such as "Instructional Design," "eLearning," "Adult Learning Principles," "SCORM," "Blackboard," "Articulate," "Section 508," and "Needs Analysis." Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your instructional design process, prepare detailed case studies from your portfolio, and research the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program to understand its context and potential training needs. Rehearse answers to common behavioral and technical questions.

• Company Research: While Jobgether is the platform, research companies that specialize in government training solutions or EdTech consulting for the public sector. This will help you understand the broader landscape and tailor your responses to the likely culture and operational focus of the partner company.

⚠️ 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.