INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS DESIGNER SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Sep 18, 2025 - The Instructional Systems Designer manages projects independently by conducting research, preparing plans, and evaluating training programs. This role requires designing and delivering instructor-led courses and eLearning solutions using tools while applying adult learning theories and best practices. The designer also develops course guides, supports curriculum improvement, and communicates effectively with peers and senior personnel to ensure program success.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for an Instructional Systems Designer Resume
  • Instructional Design
  • Content Development
  • Course Development
  • Storyboarding
  • eLearning Development
  • Needs Analysis
  • Assessment Design
  • Project Management
  • LMS Management
  • Quality Control
  • Collaboration
  • Stakeholder Consultation
  • Team Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Time Management
  • Innovation
  • Training Coordination
  • Project Delivery
  • Customer Support
  • SME Interviewing

Summary of Instructional Systems Designer Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Computer Science with 7 years of Experience

  • Demonstrated ability to apply ISD methodologies such as ADDIE or SAM
  • Able to develop Web-based Training and training simulations using Articulate, Adobe Captivate, Camtasia, and/or Storyline (Move to Basic Quals)
  • Strong knowledge in adult and accelerated learning principles, and Curriculum Design and Development
  • Proven track record of creating and delivering curriculum to large audiences
  • Knowledge and success in eLearning development and delivery
  • Proficient in the use of PC systems, Microsoft Office applications, industry-standard eLearning authoring tools, and Learning Management Systems
  • Experience leveraging webinar/training delivery tools, Adobe Connect
  • Proven problem management skills with the ability to think critically
  • Must be able to leverage technology and apply critical thinking to gather, aggregate, and analyze data, and present results to senior clients
  • Must be able to multi-task, work independently and as part of a team, share workloads, and deal with sudden shifts in project priorities
  • Knowledge of Cyber Security policies, procedures, and vocabulary
  • Effective oral and written communication skills with customer, technical, and management personnel

2. BS in Human Resource Development with 8 years of Experience

  • Experience as an ISD or working with e-learning and blended learning programs, web-based training development, and synchronous and asynchronous learning content in a formal academic or professional education and training environment
  • Experience in using Microsoft Office applications, including SharePoint, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
  • Ability to write, edit, review, and format customer-ready materials
  • Experience as an ISD or working with e-learning and blended learning programs, web-based training development, and synchronous and asynchronous learning content in a formal academic or professional education and training environment instead of a degree
  • Experience using Articulate Storyline software to develop and edit web and computer-based training materials
  • Experience with e-Learning standards, including SCORM and Section 508 requirements, web usability standards and practices, and evaluation models, such as Kirkpatrick
  • Knowledge of learning management systems, including Blackboard, or content management systems, including SharePoint
  • Knowledge of the Intelligence Community
  • Experience in developing and delivering curriculum for instructor-led training programs
  • Expert knowledge in adult learning theories, strategies, best practices, and techniques of instructional development
  • Experience teaching in this Customer's College
  • Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations

3. BS in Instructional Design with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience in training Navy Shipboard Networks
  • Recent experience with Navy authoring tools (CPM/LOM, AIM, etc.) to develop Navy training curriculum
  • Must have recent experience with the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) End-to-End (E2E) process to include the development of Navy Training System Plans (NTSPs), Navy Front End Analysis (FEA) deliverables, and Job Duty Task Analysis (JDTA)
  • Possess intermediate or above proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including SharePoint, Outlook, Word, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint
  • Possess intermediate or above proficiency with Web conferencing products (Microsoft Teams, Zoom Gov, etc.)
  • Experience working with Command and Control (C2) applications, including Global Command and Control System (GCCS), Command and Control Personal Computer (C2PC), and/or Agile Client
  • Expert analytical, communication, and research skills, and a successful record of accomplishment in creating engaging course materials and assessments for both classroom and online instruction
  • Expert proficiency using the ADDIE model and Kirkpatrick's approach to learning and training evaluation
  • Expert proficiency in applying Bloom's Taxonomy to all aspects of the design phase
  • Working knowledge of Shareable Content Object References Model (SCORM) features and Section 508 guidelines and requirements for eLearning

4. BS in Education Technology with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience with the development of instructional materials and instructor-led or Web-based delivery of education products
  • Experience with operating personal computers and various software packages, including Captivate, Storyline, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite
  • Experience with designing and implementing training and education courses
  • Experience with Articulate Storyline and Blackboard learning management system (LMS)
  • Knowledge of adult learning principles, ADDIE Model, online learning, or instructional design processes
  • Ability to work with various subject matter experts to create course content
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance
  • Ability to clearly communicate using verbal, written, and media-based content
  • Ability to efficiently interview subject experts, translate received information into procedural documentation, and identify effective media enhancements
  • Ability to design engaging content and create assessments beyond simple text-based learner engagements
  • Ability to manage multiple projects with separate priorities and schedules, including identifying potential time or task conflicts
  • Ability to organize information and documentation from source suppliers to ensure traceability and version control
  • Must have Instructional Design- or e-Learning-related Certification

5. BA in Sociology with 9 years of Experience

  • Experience with Adult Learning Theory, applying instruction methods and techniques
  • Experience with Instructional Design and Delivery
  • Experience with learning assessments and crafting useful feedback
  • Experience with different types of Learning technologies
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Demonstrated facilitation and customer service skills
  • Excellent Writing / Editing and Reviewing / Revising course content
  • Experience with the ADDIE model of instructional design, or other established models of instructional design (such as SAM)
  • Experience and familiarity with a broad range of adult learning theories and models for the evaluation of adult learning
  • Experience in an educational, corporate training, or professional services environment, with an emphasis on e-learning and multimedia technologies
  • Demonstrated ability to design, develop, and implement instructional materials following defined processes to include electronic job aids, structured courseware, and informal learning content
  • Proficient with the following: Articulate Suite, Storyline 2, Writing, editing, proofreading, and formatting of customer-ready materials
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Project)
  • Familiar with the following: e-Learning standards, to include SCORM and Section 508 Principles of adult learning 
  • Basic learning design principles (e.g., Bloom's Taxonomy), Project-based, learner-centered eLearning development, Wikis, and SharePoint

6. BS in Cognitive Science with 8 years of Experience

  • Experience with the Composica authoring tool
  • Experience with Authoring Instructional Materials (AIM), Content Planning Module (CPM), and Learning Objective Module (LOM)
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to think ahead and plan over a pre-determined period of time
  • Ability to create surveys, administer, perform data analysis and evaluation, and write survey reports, etc.
  • Experience in instructional technologies
  • Demonstrated experience with the creation of a document that identifies instructional design and project information to guide the development of instruction and contains
  • Ability to use empirical data to make instructional design decisions
  • Demonstrated experience in adult learning theories, methods, strategies, best practices, and techniques of instructional curriculum development and evaluation to assist in the development and delivery of lessons related to establishing training goals
  • Knowledge of the latest trends in education and how technology enables learning
  • Must have Instructional Systems Design experience within the Intelligence Community
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Creative Suite
  • Must have an understanding of the ADDIE instructional system design model

7. BS in Management Information Systems with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience with e-learning design and training development and experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and video technology 
  • Experience in using Storyline
  • Must have a TS/SCI with poly to be considered
  • Able to identify performance gaps or learning needs
  • Able to use empirical data to make instructional design decisions
  • Able to ensure instructional solutions address performance gaps
  • Able to identify and make improvements to instruction
  • Able to design instructional strategies that engage, motivate, or are learner-centered
  • Able to use face-to-face, online, and blended learning strategies
  • Able to develop project management plans for instructional design projects
  • Must have an Instructional Design Certification from an accredited institution
  • Experience with online learning platforms and tools
  • Prior experience as a facilitator

8. BS in Industrial Technology with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience or familiarity with enterprise software training development, or related technical field
  • Experience organizing complex information and content from a variety of sources into a coherent and logical outline and narrative
  • Experience with eLearning authoring tools such as Captivate, Articulate, or comparable tools for developing interactive learning experiences
  • Proven experience applying Adult Learning Theory to create courseware, including identifying learning objectives and outcomes, course scripts, and course storyboards
  • Strong communication skills, especially written
  • Able to translate complex concepts into appropriate language for a wide range of learners with varying backgrounds
  • Experience using both ADDIE and SAM content development methods
  • Innovative, self-motivated, highly organized, and constantly employing new ideas to make content more engaging for learners
  • Exceptionally creative, collaborative, and truly excited about building interactive training content

9. BA in Fine Arts with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience in instructional design and/or curriculum development, for both online and print-based curricula
  • Demonstrates a genuine interest in supporting learners and instructors with a wide range of skills and abilities
  • Demonstrates a strong interest in growth and knowledge in the realm of adult learning theory and education technologies
  • Knowledge of the creation, use, and deployment of digital media
  • Ability to solve problems with minimal supervision and balance multiple projects while working constructively in a team environment
  • Superior interpersonal, writing and communication skills enabling interfaces with all levels of organization and client stakeholders
  • Proficiency with course authoring software, learning management systems, content management systems, and graphic editing software
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
  • Proficiency in Google applications
  • Previous education delivery experience 

10. BS in Computer Science with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience in current individual and group training and development methods and adult learning theory that support effective learning
  • Experience as an ISD or working with e-learning and blended learning programs, web-based training development, and synchronous and asynchronous learning content in a training environment
  • Experience with e-Learning standards, including SCORM and Section 508 requirements, web usability standards and practices, and evaluation models such as Kirkpatrick
  • Proficiency with MS Office, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, Adobe Acrobat
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with an emphasis on grammar, editing, quality assurance capabilities and attention to detail
  • Prior experience with a government contractor
  • Working experience in Instructor-led training (ILT) development 
  • Working experience in Interactive Courseware (ICW) development 
  • Prior Experience/proficiency with LMS/LCMS, Adobe Captivate, Articulate, Storyline and/or other COTS authoring tools
  • Prior experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  • Previous experience in a USN multi-media curriculum design and development, Authorizing Instructional Materials (AIMII), Content Planning Module/Learning Objective Module (CPM/LOM)

11. BA in Education with 3 years of Experience

  • Previous experience working independently in managing projects, researching, evaluating, monitoring, and inspecting work, and preparing project plans and presentations
  • Previous experience evaluating and developing course design guides and overall training programs
  • Previous experience developing and designing courses using Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, or similar software
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a CI Polygraph
  • Experience in developing and delivering curriculum for instructor-led training programs
  • Expert knowledge in adult learning theories, strategies, best practices, and techniques of instructional development
  • Experience teaching in this Customer's College
  • Must be able to communicate, converse, and exchange information with peers and senior personnel

12. BS in Human Resource Development with 8 years of Experience

  • Experience in the full life cycle of the instructional systems design (ISD) process
  • Experience in developing engaging, experiential instructor-led training as well as web-based and blended learning solutions that are Section 508-compliant and SCORM-conformant
  • Ability to develop clear and concise linear and non-linear storyboards for programmers/online developers, including graphics concepts, audio scripts, user interactions, navigation, and other related elements
  • Proficiency with word-processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
  • Superior use of the English language including the ability to read, comprehend, and communicate information and ideas effectively
  • Knowledge of the field of human-computer interaction and performance-centered design
  • Ability to apply instructional design principles to gaming and simulation environments
  • Experience and working knowledge of at least one rapid development tool (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Articulate Presenter, Adobe Captivate)
  • Experience developing video / motion-graphic storyboards
  • Experience with design production tools (Adobe Creative Suite)
  • Familiarity with concepts related to Communities of Practice and the application of social networking and online collaboration tools to learning
  • Experience serving Federal clients
  • Experience working in consulting firm environments

13. BS in Education Technology with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience in the documentation development, including writing/editing training documentation for C4ISR systems or equipment
  • Experience in defense life-cycle (acquisition) logistics support of electronic systems, to include logistics principles, practices, and processes
  • Experience using Authoring Instructional Materials (AIM) Learning Object Module (LOM) and Content Planning Module (CPM)
  • Knowledge of the NAVEDTRA series
  • Experience building presentations for training
  • Proficient in MS Office such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Must be able to obtain an Interim Secret before start and full Secret Clearance after start
  • Able to oversee the completion of specific programs and projects
  • Able to oversee the technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems
  • Able to apply instructional design methodologies
  • Able to coach and review the work of less-experienced professionals
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Possesses excellent interpersonal and teaching skills
Relevant Information
Instructional Designer Skills, Experiences, and Job Requirements