Instructional Designer

The Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES), Inc., is an entrepreneurial non-profit organization, located at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, which conducts advanced educational programs and activities to promote the productivity and attractiveness of professional life on the NIH campuses. FAES programs complement the work of NIH in accomplishing its mission of research and training in the biomedical sciences, and FAES seeks to continue to create and sustain cutting-edge programming in all operational areas. We provide full-service event and conference management services as well as limited housing for members of the NIH community and affiliated organizations.

Position Description: Reporting to the Senior Instructional Designer, the Instructional Designer will provide support for designing, developing, and delivering face-to-face, blended, fully online, and technology enhanced courses, workshops, modules, and other instructional materials for FAES Academic Programs. The Instructional Designer will maintain and uphold the FAES standards of excellence in course development and delivery and will act as a project lead for various assigned special projects necessary for the maintenance and development of courses and for the growth of FAES Academic Programs Initiatives. This position plays a key role in supporting the overall success of the program, including increasing enrollments year-over-year, and for delivering exceptional services to the National Institutes of Health, with emphasis on program and customer service excellence.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead Course Development Projects: Serve as the project lead for course development and revision, managing timelines, tracking efforts, and reporting on progress.
• Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts: Work with faculty, scientists, and subject matter experts to identify target audience needs, align content with learning outcomes, and ensure evidence-based teaching practices are implemented, particularly in regard to adult learning theory.
• Design and Review Instructional Materials: Create and refine engaging, accessible, and high-quality instructional materials that follow sound instructional design principles and are 508 compliant.
• Support Curriculum Development: Provide consultation and motivation to faculty for ongoing curriculum improvement, ensuring courses meet high standards and remain current. Provide insight to assist in curriculum updates for the organization.
• Provide Faculty Assistance and Training: Assist with course design, troubleshoot teaching challenges, and offer feedback on instructional materials in a timely manner. Create engaging resources for faculty and participate in faculty development sessions.
• Ensure Quality Control: Conduct quality reviews of courses using quality and course readiness rubric, communicate expectations of course standards, and evaluate instructional design effectiveness.
• Leverage Learning Technologies: Analyze and apply trends in instructional design and technology to enhance the educational experience, with a focus on adult learning theory.
• Analyze Data and Communicate Trends: Review course data to identify and communicate trends, supporting continuous improvement in instructional effectiveness.
• Engage in Professional Development: Stay current with innovative teaching strategies, learning technologies, and emerging trends through ongoing professional development.
• Perform Additional Duties as Needed: Support other tasks as assigned to contribute to the success of instructional design initiatives and the overall organization.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Instructional Design Expertise: Strong understanding of and ability to apply instructional design models, adult learning principles, and best practices for teaching and learning, particularly in online environments.
• Assessment and Accessibility Knowledge: Familiarity with classroom assessment techniques, Section 508 standards, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessibility standards, and assistive technologies.
• Legal and Ethical Awareness: Understanding of copyright laws, Creative Commons, and their application to online courses.
• Technology Proficiency: Skilled in evaluating, utilizing, and recommending learning technologies, including course management systems (e.g., Canvas), conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams), and multimedia software for online course delivery.
• Multimedia and Technical Skills: Proficient in basic graphic design, audio, video editing, basic HTML, Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, and image manipulation software; familiarity with Panopto preferred.
• Training and Collaboration: Effective at training individuals and groups in various modalities, fostering collaboration in a professional setting.

Additional skills and requirements:

• Self-Motivation and Problem-Solving: Work independently with strong organizational skills; proactively and creatively solve problems.
• Ethical and Professional Conduct: Demonstrate ethical behavior and uphold the organization's values in all business practices.
• Effective Communication: Communicate clearly and effectively through speaking, listening, and writing, using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Client-Centered Focus: Anticipate and respond to client needs, providing hands-on support to meet or exceed expectations.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Build positive relationships, foster teamwork, and work effectively with others to achieve organizational goals.
• Creativity and Innovation: Cultivate new ideas and approaches to achieve targets and enhance effectiveness.
• Flexibility and Availability: Show willingness to listen, encourage ideas, and must be available to work on-site in FAES Administrative Office on NIH Campus at least two days a week, including the second Tuesday of the month (subject to change). The individual should also be available for occasional evening and weekend work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, Education, or a related field; Master's degree is preferred. Equivalent experience in instructional design, curriculum development, or education may substitute for specific degree focus.
• Three years of experience at a professional level in the areas of instructional design, instructional technology, or a closely related field
• At least three years of online teaching experience is preferred