Ascension LLC is seeking a highly skilled Instructional Systems Designer (ISD) to support FEMA’s National Training and Education Division (NTED) in advancing national preparedness through high-quality, all-hazards training programs.

We are looking for a candidate who brings deep instructional design expertise, strong federal training experience, and the ability to translate complex emergency management concepts into effective learning solutions. This role is critical to ensuring FEMA-sponsored training programs are compliant, engaging, measurable, and aligned with national preparedness goals.

The ideal candidate will have experience working within federal training environments, curriculum review processes, and stakeholder-driven program delivery models, and will thrive in a mission-focused, fast-paced environment supporting homeland security initiatives.

Position Summary

The Instructional Systems Designer will support the design, review, evaluation, and continuous improvement of FEMA NTED training curricula under the Training Partners Program (TPP). This role directly contributes to ensuring training effectiveness, compliance, and alignment with DHS/FEMA standards.

The ISD will work across multiple task areas, including curriculum development, course recertification, webinar design, and training evaluation. The position requires a detail-oriented and analytical professional who can operate independently, collaborate with subject matter experts, and support structured review processes such as Training Review Boards.

This individual is expected to be self-driven, highly organized, and capable of managing competing priorities, while proactively identifying improvements to training content, delivery methods, and evaluation processes. The role requires strong familiarity with instructional design methodologies, Section 508 accessibility requirements, and modern learning technologies.

Key Responsibilities / Day-to-Day Activities

• Design instructional materials and curricula aligned with adult learning principles and FEMA standards
• Review all-hazards training courses for quality, compliance, and instructional effectiveness
• Support course recertification efforts, including content updates and validation against evolving requirements
• Develop webinar content and virtual learning materials in compliance with Section 508 standards
• Conduct training needs assessments and identify curriculum gaps
• Collaborate with subject matter experts, program staff, and stakeholders to refine course content
• Evaluate training effectiveness using surveys, performance metrics, and feedback analysis
• Facilitate or support Training Review Boards and curriculum approval processes
• Ensure compliance with federal accessibility and instructional standards
• Maintain documentation, version control, and knowledge repositories
• Apply instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, Agile) to develop scalable training solutions
• Recommend improvements to training delivery formats (virtual, hybrid, in-person)