Sr. Instructional Systems Designer (Part-time)

Overview:

Pherson is seeking a Senior Instructional Systems Designer (ISD) to support our client’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) training program as an independent contractor. The selected candidate will lead the design, development, and maintenance of instructor-led and self-paced training for NFIP stakeholders, including insurance agents and adjusters, turning complex flood insurance policy and claims content into clear, engaging learning. This role works closely with Pherson’s training team, subject-matter experts, and client stakeholders to ensure training products are accurate, accessible, and aligned to program priorities and continuing education requirements.

Job Title: Sr. Instructional Systems Designer (ISD)

Location: Remote (DC Metro Area Preferred)

Operating Hours and Expectations:This position is remote with a flexible schedule. Contractor is expected to be available for team meetings and review sessions during standard business hours (Eastern Time), Monday-Friday.

Security Clearance:  None required. U.S. citizenship is required, and the selected candidate must be able to obtain a favorable DHS suitability determination. Current or previous DHS suitability is highly desired.

Position Type: Independent Contractor (1099)

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads the analysis, design, development, and evaluation of NFIP training for adult learners, including insurance agents, adjusters, and other flood insurance stakeholders.
• Serves as the senior ISD for assigned courses, applying adult-learning principles and Pherson’s IACET-aligned design standards.
• Develops new training assets and updates existing ones, including instructor-led and virtual courses, self-paced e-learning, facilitator and participant guides, job aids, and assessments.
• Works with subject-matter experts to translate NFIP policy, claims, and program content into clear learning objectives, accurate content, and practical learning activities.
• Revises curriculum based on stakeholder and learner feedback, evaluation results, and changes to NFIP policy or program requirements.
• Prepares course documentation to support state continuing education (CE) approval, such as learning objectives, timed outlines, and credit-hour calculations.
• Maintains source files, version control, and course documentation so training assets can be updated efficiently.
• Collaborates with Pherson’s training delivery, multimedia, and project management staff to meet schedules and quality standards.
  

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in instructional systems design (ADDIE or similar) for adult learners, including both instructor-led and self-paced delivery
• Demonstrated experience developing e-learning with rapid authoring tools (e.g., Articulate 360 or Adobe Captivate)
• Demonstrated experience working with subject-matter experts to turn technical or regulatory content into clear, plain-language training
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple deliverables and deadlines independently in a remote environment
  
  

Desired: 

• Current or previous DHS suitability determination
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in instructional design, instructional technology, education, or a similar field
• Experience developing training for the insurance industry, especially flood insurance, property and casualty, or claims and adjuster training, or familiarity with the NFIP and the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP)
• Experience developing courses for state insurance continuing education (CE) approval
• Experience supporting federal government training programs
• Familiarity with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard
• Experience developing Section 508-accessible e-learning and packaging content for a learning management system (SCORM or similar)
• A professional certification in instructional design or talent development (e.g., ATD APTD or CPTD).

About Pherson: Pherson was founded in response to requests for analytic, instructional, and management support from the Intelligence Community. We are a dynamic team of driven, supportive, and highly skilled professionals dedicated to providing top quality consulting, leadership development, and training services to the US Government and commercial clients. To learn more about us and the important work we do with our clients, visit our website at www.pherson.org.

Benefits: Health, dental & vision; LTD/STD & life insurance; PTO, sick leave & holidays; 401k.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected class.