Instructional Designer

Job Title:

Instructional Designer

Organization:
American Retirement Association

Location:

Hybrid (On-site 3+ days/week, Arlington, VA)

Position Type:
Full-Time | Exempt

Reports To:

Director of Instructional Design & Course Development

At the American Retirement Association (ARA), we are dedicated to empowering retirement professionals to help all Americans achieve a secure retirement. We do this through education, advocacy, and innovation. Join our collaborative, mission-driven team and help shape the future of retirement in America.

We’re looking for an experienced Instructional Designer to develop engaging, learner-centered educational experiences that support the association’s mission and strategic goals. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining online courses, training programs, and credentialing materials that meet established learning objectives and align with adult learning principles. The Instructional Designer collaborates with team members, subject matter experts, and program leaders to translate complex concepts into clear, effective, and interactive learning solutions.

Through the thoughtful use of instructional design methodologies, technology tools, and assessment strategies, the position ensures that all educational offerings are accurate, accessible, and impactful for diverse audiences.

• Design engaging learning solutions using instructional design models to address complex technical and business needs.
• Analyze and translate large volumes of complex or abstract content into clear, well-sequenced learning aligned to measurable objectives.
• Research, organize, and produce comprehensive instructional content—working both independently and in collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs)—to create design documents, storyboards, web-based trainings, instructor-led trainings, virtual instructor-led trainings, tutorials, job aids, reference guides, scripts, navigational text, knowledge checks, assessments, and exams.
• Develop instructionally sound, visually engaging learning experiences that align with brand standards and learning strategies.
• Collaborate with internal and external SMEs to extract technical knowledge, align expectations, and ensure learning outcomes meet business needs.
• Utilize learning management system (LMS) tools to package, publish, test, and troubleshoot learning products.
• Support the end-to-end design and development of learning projects, managing assigned tasks, timelines, and deliverables while maintaining clear communication with all project stakeholders.

• Skills Requirements:
  Instructional design and course development, with proficiency in Articulate Storyline and related eLearning tools. Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, collaboration, and relationship-building skills. Demonstrated strategic thinking and business acumen. High emotional intelligence and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. Excellent multitasking, project management, planning, organizational, and customer service skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Effective time management and the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
• Knowledge Requirements:
  Advanced knowledge of instructional design modules, expertise in adult learning theories, ability to design for multiple modalities (eLearning, ILT, vILT).
• Technology Requirements:
  Articulate Storyline, Microsoft Office Suite, Learning Management Systems, AI-driven solutions.
• Experience Requirements: 4+ years of experience in a similar role.
• Education Requirements:
  
  Bachelor’s degree or advanced education in adult education, instructional design, or equivalent experience.
• Supervisory Requirements:
  None
• Travel Requirements:
  Local travel with potential for U.S. based conference travel
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, both in a home and office environment. Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, phones, and printers. Visual acuity to view and analyze information on a computer screen for extended periods. Occasional light lifting (up to 10 lbs)…