Instructional Systems Designer / Program Manager

Washington, DC
Full Time
Mission Support
Experienced
Instructional Systems Designer / Program Manager

Position Summary
DarkStar Intelligence seeks a highly skilled Program Manager with expertise in instructional systems design and program management to lead and oversee contractor personnel on-site in Washington, D.C. This full-time, day-shift position requires a TS/SCI clearance and emphasizes leadership, innovation, and technical proficiency. The successful candidate will manage program operations, ensure compliance with contract requirements, and address performance issues while collaborating with government representatives. Leveraging tools like Blackboard and Captivate, the role involves developing instructional materials aligned with the ADDIE design model and ensuring adherence to accessibility standards and industry best practices. A PMP certification and demonstrated experience in instructional design, adult learning strategies, and program evaluation are essential for this dynamic and impactful role.
 
Location: Washington, D.C.
Schedule (FT/PT): Full-Time
Travel Required: No
Shift: Day
Remote Type: No remote work
Security Clearance: Current TS/SCI
Polygraph: Counterintelligence Polygraph (Preferred)
 
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Leverage extensive knowledge and expertise in Program Management to provide technical guidance, oversee contract administration, and ensure contract compliance.
  • Serve as the Program Manager for all contractor personnel on-site, addressing performance issues, facilitating communication, and ensuring personnel adhere to established work-hour and leave policies.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for escalating unaddressed or unresolved performance concerns to the government point of contact and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).
  • Ensure contractor personnel understand the chain of communication for all personnel and performance-related matters.
  • Oversee the creation and delivery of instructional materials using classroom-based and virtual course resources provided by agency subject matter experts to address performance gaps effectively.
  • Apply the ADDIE design model to projects, encompassing instructional systems design documentation, storyboarding, scripting, exam development, instructional aids, curricula, and collaboration with multimedia specialists for graphic design, animation, and video production.
  • Develop, test, and deploy courseware in the Learning Management System (LMS) test environment, ensuring adherence to customer requirements.
  • Utilize Blackboard and Captivate at a practical level while maintaining a working knowledge of other eLearning tools and applications as required.
  • Stay updated on current developments in learning management systems to ensure cutting-edge course design and delivery.
  • Ensure compliance with copyright laws, the Council on Occupational Education (COE) standards, organizational instructional systems design policies, Section 508 accessibility standards, DoD Directive 8000.01, DoD Manual 8400.01, and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
  • Collaborate to design and implement blended learning strategies that integrate face-to-face and online instruction.
  • Provide foundational expertise in classroom and eLearning instructional design, performing quality assurance and peer reviews for instructional systems design plans, courses, and materials.
  • Develop professional-level presentation materials to support course delivery and instructional goals.
  • Regularly participate in meetings with project stakeholders, including clients, subject matter experts, and end users, to align instructional goals with project requirements.
  • Conduct Needs Analysis, Job Analysis, Task Analysis, and Gap Analysis to ensure instructional solutions meet identified performance requirements.
  • Track project schedules and progress to ensure timely delivery of high-quality instructional products within established development parameters.
  • Produce impactful instructional outcomes tailored for adult learners in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
  • Provide quality assurance oversight for all instructional products created by Journeyman ISD personnel, ensuring adherence to high standards of instructional design.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Current Top Secret/SCI Clearance
  • Counterintelligence Polygraph (Preferred)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification: Required for this position.
  • Experience Requirements:
    • Without an Appropriate Degree: At least six (6) years of experience and practical-level knowledge and expertise in instructional systems design processes and terminology.
    • With an Appropriate Degree:
      • A Master's degree in an appropriate field (e.g., Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, Adult Learning/Andragogy) from an accredited college or university.
      • At least two (2) years of experience working with training programs.
  • Practical Knowledge and Expertise in the Following Areas (or Equivalent Coursework):
    • Learning Theory, Psychology of Learning, Educational Psychology:
    • Understanding of learning theories and their application to the systematic design, development, and validation of instructional media.
  • Instructional systems design Practices:
    • Application of principles and techniques for designing training programs.
    • Development of effective design strategies, models, and methods for enhancing instructional effectiveness.
  • Educational Evaluation:
    • Techniques for evaluating instructional/educational program effectiveness.
    • Development of written and performance tests, survey instruments, and reliability/validity assessments for evaluation tools.
  • Instructional Product Development:
    • Techniques for developing training materials, including:
    • Identifying learner characteristics.
    • Specifying objectives.
    • Applying training strategies.
    • Validating and evaluating training materials.
  • Computers in Education and Training:
    • Application of computer technologies in educational and training contexts, including the selection of appropriate tools and platforms.
Salary Range
$160,000 – $168,000
This pay range is a general guideline and not a guarantee of specific compensation or salary. When extending an offer, DarkStar Intelligence considers various factors, including (but not limited to) the job's responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, market data alignment, applicable bargaining agreements (if any), and other relevant laws.

About DarkStar Intelligence

DarkStar Intelligence is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). We are dedicated to advancing mission support and tradecraft development for our clients while emphasizing employee retention and client satisfaction. We deliver high-quality, intelligence-based solutions grounded in our “Core Four” values: humility, passion, agility, and ownership. Our team members embody humility by prioritizing the mission over personal recognition, bringing passion through relentless enthusiasm for problem-solving and innovation. With agility, they adapt swiftly to changing mission requirements and excel in team dynamics. Above all, our personnel take full ownership of their work, holding themselves accountable to deliver results and uphold the highest standards of excellence. We strive to make our country safer and create a lasting impact through these values.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At DarkStar Intelligence LLC, we believe that Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is not just a policy but a core value that defines our approach to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is valued based on their skills, abilities, and qualifications and where employment decisions are made solely on merit.

We uphold a zero-tolerance stance on discrimination of any kind. Our commitment ensures that no one is discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our EEO principles are embedded in every facet of the employment process—from recruitment and hiring to promotions, transfers, training, and career development. We also apply this commitment to maintaining an inclusive work environment, equitable compensation and benefits, fair performance evaluations, and respectful terminations. At DarkStar Intelligence, diversity and inclusion are more than policies; they are essential to who we are and how we operate.

EEO Flyer: shorturl.at/abpNX

Employee Benefits

At DarkStar Intelligence LLC, we believe investing in our employees means providing a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their personal and professional well-being. We offer a variety of benefits to meet the diverse needs of our team:

Core Benefits:

  • Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision plans to ensure you and your family access essential care.
  • Income Protection: Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability to give you peace of mind.
  • Retirement Planning: A 401(k) plan to help you build a secure financial future.
  • Work-Life Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Legal Services for added support whenever needed.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, 11 paid Federal Holidays, plus a Floating Holiday to celebrate what matters most to you.

Voluntary Benefits:

  • Identity & Legal Protection: LegalShield and IDShield protect your identity and provide access to legal resources.
  • Additional Coverage: Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Critical Care Insurance for extra protection and peace of mind.

At DarkStar Intelligence, we are committed to providing benefits that empower you to thrive inside and outside the workplace. We value your contributions and strive to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

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