Senior Instructional Systems Design (ISD/SME) (Contingent)

Contingent upon contract award.

First Division Consulting, Inc. is looking for an experienced Senior Instructional Systems Design (ISD) Subject Matter Expert (SME) with at least 10 years of expertise in military curriculum development and instructional design, specifically tailored for the United States Marine Corps. The SME will play a critical role in developing, evaluating, and refining training programs that ensure Marine Corps personnel are fully prepared for mission-critical tasks. This position requires advanced knowledge of instructional design principles, experience in military training environments, and a deep understanding of the Marine Corps’ operational and training needs.

The contractor shall perform the following task(s):

• Conduct high-level assessments to identify training gaps and recommend solutions based on in-depth analyses of Marine Corps instructional requirements.
• Lead the design and development of complex curriculum and instructional materials, ensuring alignment with Marine Corps standards, operational goals, and mission readiness.
• Develop, review, and refine multimedia and technology-enhanced training content that improves engagement and learning outcomes across Marine Corps training programs.
• Design and implement advanced evaluation strategies to assess training effectiveness, and recommend improvements based on measurable outcomes and Marine Corps feedback.
• Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and stakeholders at all organizational levels to ensure curriculum relevance, operational alignment, and instructional rigor.
• Oversee the implementation of training programs, including pilot testing and iterative improvements, and support instructors to integrate new content and instructional strategies.
• Apply expert-level ISD methodologies, including ADDIE, SAT (Systems Approach to Training), or other advanced models, ensuring compliance with military instructional standards and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, Training, or a related field required; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in military instructional design, curriculum development, or training analysis, ideally within the Marine Corps or other DoD environments.
• Expertise in advanced ISD methodologies, with a proven record of designing and managing training programs at a senior level.
• Completion of a Formal School Instructor Course or equivalent technical training instructor program required.
• Proficiency in instructional design and e-learning tools (e.g., Adobe Captivate, Articulate, Camtasia) and experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Skilled in integrating technology-based training solutions and multimedia elements into military instruction.
• Active Secret clearance required.
• Must be a US citizen.

Desired Competencies:

• Deep familiarity with the United States Marine Corps’ organizational structure, mission, and unique training requirements.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to guide and mentor junior instructional designers.
• Exceptional communication abilities, with a capacity to explain complex instructional methodologies and concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proactive problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt training solutions to dynamic operational requirements.

As a Senior ISD SME, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening the Marine Corps’ operational readiness through cutting-edge instructional design. You’ll work alongside top professionals dedicated to excellence in military training and development and have the opportunity to lead initiatives that directly impact Marine Corps capabilities and mission success.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
• Light to moderate lifting may be required.
• Regular, predictable attendance is required; including quarter-driven hours as business demands dictate.

 Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Ability to work in a confined area.   
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, STD, LTD, holidays, PTO and 401(k) plan with company match.

FirstDiv is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all applicants and employees in full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other class protected by applicable state or federal law.