Senior Instructional System Designer

Job Summary

As a Senior Instructional System Designer supporting the VHA AI Education Hub (TOPR 0032), you will lead the design and development of AI-focused learning programs that equip Veterans Health Administration staff with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate an increasingly AI-integrated healthcare environment. Working within a federal healthcare context, you will collaborate with VHA subject matter experts, clinical stakeholders, and program leadership to build scalable, role-based learning pathways rooted in occupational analysis and adult learning principles. Your work will directly advance VHA's mission to prepare its workforce for responsible and effective AI adoption across one of the nation's largest integrated healthcare systems. The ideal candidate is a seasoned instructional designer who thrives in complex, matrixed environments and brings a research-informed, learner-centered approach to every project. You are equally comfortable leading strategic curriculum planning conversations and rolling up your sleeves to produce high-quality course content, assessments, and supporting materials on deadline.

Primary Responsibilities

Design and maintain AI Foundations and role-based learning pathways for VHA staff, ensuring content is evidence-informed, accessible, and aligned with VHA workforce development priorities and AI adoption goals. Conduct healthcare occupational analyses to identify training needs, determine learning objectives, and map task-learning relationships that form the basis for structured instructional design plans. Develop engaging course content, formative and summative assessments, job aids, facilitator guides, and other supporting instructional materials across multiple modalities (e.g., eLearning, instructor-led, blended). Coordinate with VHA subject matter experts, clinical leads, and program stakeholders to validate instructional content for accuracy, relevance, and compliance with federal healthcare and Section 508 accessibility standards. Organize and cluster learning events into coherent course architectures, sequencing content to optimize knowledge transfer and skill development for diverse VHA staff roles and experience levels. Present training needs analyses, instructional design recommendations, and project status updates to government stakeholders, incorporating feedback to continuously improve learning solutions and program outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum 8 years of experience in instructional system design, curriculum development, or a closely related learning and development discipline, with demonstrated experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Curriculum Development, or a related field required. Prior experience supporting federal agency clients, preferably within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or another federal healthcare or health IT program. Ability to obtain and maintain a VA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential and pass a VA background investigation; must meet all VA information security and privacy access requirements prior to onboarding. Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future; this position does not offer visa sponsorship. Demonstrated proficiency in applying ADDIE, SAM, or equivalent instructional design frameworks; experience with eLearning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline/Rise, Adobe Captivate) and Learning Management Systems (LMS).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience designing AI, data literacy, or health informatics training content for clinical or administrative healthcare audiences. • Familiarity with VHA Talent Management System (TMS), VA Learning University (VALU) standards, or federal training compliance requirements. • Knowledge of Section 508 accessibility standards and demonstrated ability to develop fully accessible digital learning content. • Experience applying learning analytics or evaluation frameworks (e.g., Kirkpatrick Model) to measure training effectiveness and inform continuous improvement. • Advanced degree (MA/MS) in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related field.

About Aptive

About Aptive. Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.

EEO Statement

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class. Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply. About Aptive: Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.