SENIOR INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS SPECIALIST

Location: Washington, DC | Type: Full-Time | Clearance: Secret (No polygraph specified)
Note: This position is part of an active proposal effort and is contingent upon contract award.

OVERVIEW

DarkStar Intelligence is seeking a senior Instructional Systems Specialist to lead end-to-end curriculum design and evaluation for a high-impact federal training portfolio. You will own complex ADDIE efforts, mentor fellow designers, and ensure rigorous alignment between mission tasks, learning objectives, content, and assessments. Work is primarily on-site; U.S. citizenship is required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Active Secret security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years as an Instructional Systems Specialist.
• Recent, directly relevant leadership in federal/IC/DoD learning programs.
• Expertise in adult learning, assessment design, evaluation methodologies (e.g., Kirkpatrick), and LMS/LRS ecosystems.
• Exceptional writing, briefing, stakeholder management, and editorial rigor.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Alternate path: 15+ years in education/instructional design may be accepted in lieu of degree.
• Technical coursework or experience in data analysis/data science.
• Experience with federal law enforcement or IC customers and associated governance.

• Lead curriculum strategy and design reviews; enforce standards, version control, and evaluation rigor across products.
• Architect multi-modal learning (ILT, VILT, microlearning, on-demand) with measurable outcomes and data-driven improvements.
• Develop assessments tied to performance objectives; run pilots; capture analytics; implement continuous improvement plans.
• Coordinate with SMEs and stakeholders to align content with evolving mission needs and policies.
• Mentor mid-level ISDs; provide QC on lesson plans, instructor guides, and assessment banks.