Position Title: Instructional Systems Design (ISD) Specialist
Location: Quantico, VA (Russell Knox Building)
Work Modality: 100% On-Site (SCIF Environment)
Security Clearance: Active Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI)
Carney is an industry leader in human performance, adult learning, and knowledge architecture across the federal defense sector. We empower national defense professionals by designing scenario-driven, rigorous instructional programs that reflect real-world operational challenges.
Position OverviewCarney is looking for a talented Instructional Systems Design (ISD) Specialist to develop cutting-edge classroom, eLearning, and blended learning course materials for the JCITA curriculum at Quantico, VA. Operating inside a secure SCIF environment, the ISD Specialist applies recognized instructional systems design models (e.g., ADDIE) and adult learning theory to analyze, design, and evaluate training that addresses field-driven performance gaps in Counterintelligence (CI) and Security Operations (SECOPs).
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop instructor-led training (ILT), virtual classroom materials, interactive practical exercises, scenario props, narrative scripts, storyboards, and comprehensive instructor guides (CDRL A009, A010).
Collaborate closely with military and civilian Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), course chairpersons, and government stakeholders to translate highly complex, classified DoD intelligence topics into effective learning interventions.
Conduct formal needs assessments, job-task analyses, and performance gap analyses to shape terminal and enabling learning objectives.
Ensure all instructional designs and courseware strictly conform to Council on Occupational Education (COE) accreditation standards and JCITA instructional policies and procedures.
Provide rigorous quality assurance and peer review across design plans, courseware packages, assessments, and presentation materials.
Partner with multimedia programmers and e-Learning developers to conceptualize engaging visual aids, digital media elements, and distributed learning modules.
Maintain scheduled milestones to ensure course materials are finalized and submitted NLT one (1) day following completion of new course development or updates (CDRL A008/A009).
Security Clearance: Must hold an active, verified Top Secret / SCI (TS/SCI) clearance at the time of proposal and award.
Education & Experience (Must meet Path A or Path B):
Path A: Bachelor’s degree in Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, Human Resource Development, Education, or a directly equivalent degree AND at least five (5) years of experience developing course materials for complex DoD subject matter; OR
Path B: Professional certificate in Instructional Design AND at least seven (7) years of experience developing course materials for complex DoD subject matter.
Domain Mastery: Expert knowledge of adult learning theory, educational evaluation principles, and standard instructional design frameworks.
Communication Skills: Demonstrated superior written and verbal communication skills with a proven portfolio of instructional design plans, storyboards, and student guides.
Prior experience designing curriculum for DoD Counterintelligence, HUMINT, or Special Operations communities.
Demonstrated familiarity with COE accreditation self-studies and compliance documentation.
Experience integrating SCORM-compliant distributed learning courseware into enterprise DoD Learning Management Systems.
Skills Required
- Active, verified Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance
- Path A: Bachelor's degree in Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, Human Resource Development, Education, or a directly equivalent field
- Path A: At least five years of experience developing course materials for complex DoD subject matter
- Path B: Professional certificate in Instructional Design
- Path B: At least seven years of experience developing course materials for complex DoD subject matter
- Expert knowledge of adult learning theory, educational evaluation principles, and instructional design frameworks
- Superior written and verbal communication skills
- Proven portfolio of instructional design plans, storyboards, and student guides
- Experience designing curriculum for DoD Counterintelligence, HUMINT, or Special Operations communities
- Familiarity with COE accreditation self-studies and compliance documentation
- Experience integrating SCORM-compliant distributed learning courseware into enterprise DoD Learning Management Systems
What We Do
Carney incorporated in 1994 with a single mission -- to dramatically improve the job performance and critical mission accomplishment of employees, work teams, and entire organizations. We provide solutions to our Federal government clients across many solution types. Some of these are human capital consulting, leadership development, business process re-engineering, serious gaming, e-learning, and social government. Generally, these solutions are blended to create a unique solution to a specific client. Each one is aimed at helping our clients realize their potential by effectively doing more with less. We know we are successful when our clients are able to carry out their mission faster and better than they ever have. We help individuals perform at the speed of need. What this means is that we develop solutions that enable individuals, teams, teams of teams, and entire organizations to get to performing (delivering on their mission) as quickly and as effectively as possible. We endeavor to deliver Performance Acceleration services to our clients, which is the enhanced ability to learn and acquire skills at the exact time and place of need.
