Digital Learning & Instructional Design Specialist

FLSA Status: ☒Exempt (salaried) Salary range: $84,00-$87,500 annuallySummaryThe Digital Learning and Instructional Design Specialist leads the design and development of engaging, evidence-based digital learning experiences for AANA's professional development portfolio, including online courses, micro-credentials, microlearning, assessments, and other technology-enabled education. This position applies instructional design, adult learning science, learner experience design, accessibility standards, and emerging technologies, including generative artificial intelligence, to translate complex healthcare and clinical content into effective learning experiences. The specialist partners with subject matter experts and the Senior Manager of Learning Operations and Technology to ensure educational products are accurate, innovative, learner-centered, and aligned with accreditation and AANA standards.Job LocationThis is a primarily remote position. The individual must be able to work independently, manage priorities and deadlines, communicate proactively, and collaborate effectively in a virtual environment. Occasional attendance at the Rosemont, IL office may be required for designated meetings, trainings, or department activities.Travel RequirementsThis position may require travel and onsite work at one to two conferences or educational programs per year.Major Duties & Responsibilities Instructional Design and Digital Learning Development 70%Design and develop high-quality online courses, microlearning, micro-credentials, assessments, simulations, and other digital learning experiences.Apply adult learning theory, instructional design models, learning science, user experience principles, and accessibility standards to course design.Translate complex healthcare and clinical content into clear, accurate, engaging, and instructionally sound learning experiences for healthcare professionals.Create advanced scenarios, case-based learning, branching activities, knowledge checks, and other interactive learning strategies that support measurable performance and competency outcomes.Develop storyboards, scripts, prototypes, course maps, assessment plans, and production-ready learning assets.Use Articulate 360 and related design technologies to build, test, publish, and maintain responsive digital learning content.Use generative AI responsibly to support course ideation, drafting, image generation, audio narration, assessment development, personalization, and production efficiency while maintaining human review, clinical accuracy, privacy, copyright, and ethical standards.Create or direct the development of multimedia assets, including graphics, illustrations, audio, video, and animations, that meet brand and accessibility requirements.Establish and apply instructional design, visual design, multimedia, and quality assurance standards across the online learning portfolio.Conduct learner testing, pilots, and iterative design reviews; use findings and learning data to improve usability, engagement, and outcomes.Research and recommend emerging learning technologies and innovative approaches, including simulation, serious games, adaptive learning, and AI-enabled learning tools.Align learning experiences with AANA strategy, professional practice needs, and accreditation requirements.Digital Learning Project Coordination 15%Manage instructional design projects from intake through launch, including scope, timelines, deliverables, reviews, and quality assurance.Coordinate digital learning workflows with internal partners, vendors, and subject matter experts to keep projects on schedule.Maintain organized project documentation, content repositories, version control, and production files.Identify project risks, recommend solutions, and communicate status and resource needs to the Senior Manager of Learning Operations and Technology.Partner with healthcare subject matter experts to define learning needs, performance gaps, objectives, content scope, and appropriate instructional strategies.Guide contributors in developing learner-centered content, scenarios, assessments, scripts, and supporting resources.Facilitate efficient content reviews and revisions to ensure clinical accuracy, instructional quality, consistency, and adherence to deadlines.Provide guidance on presentation, multimedia, branding, accessibility, copyright, and technical requirements for digital learning. Online Education and LMS Administration 10%Build, organize, test, publish, and maintain course content within the Learning Management System (LMS).Complete quality assurance testing for functionality, navigation, accessibility, tracking, and learner experience across devices and browsers.Support course setup, enrollment rules, assessments, evaluations, certificates, CE credit tracking, and content updates.Troubleshoot course and LMS issues in collaboration with internal technology partners and vendors.Use LMS data and learner feedback to identify opportunities for content and experience improvements.Evaluation, Documentation, and Compliance5%Develop and analyze course evaluations, assessment data, and other measures of learner engagement, competency, and educational effectiveness.Review educational materials for accuracy, accessibility, usability, formatting, and adherence to AANA branding and style standards.Ensure learning activities align with stated objectives, professional practice needs, CE requirements, and applicable accreditation standards.Compile and maintain required CE and accreditation documentation, including ANCC records and reporting materials.Maintain awareness of developments in instructional design, generative AI, healthcare education, accessibility, and continuing education standards.Experience3 or more years of experience in instructional design, e-learning development, learning experience design, or a related field preferred.Demonstrated experience designing interactive, scenario-based, and competency-focused digital learning for adult or professional audiences.Experience designing healthcare, medical, clinical, or other technically complex education strongly preferred; ability to translate clinical content for professional learners is essential.Advanced proficiency with Articulate 360, including Storyline and Rise, or comparable e-learning authoring tools.Demonstrated competency using generative AI tools for instructional design and multimedia production, including responsible use, prompt development, output evaluation, fact-checking, privacy, copyright, bias, and ethical considerations.Experience creating or directing multimedia assets, such as graphics, AI-generated imagery, audio narration, video, and animation, with attention to visual design and accessibility.Experience with learning management systems, SCORM/xAPI packages, course testing, troubleshooting, and digital content maintenance preferred.Knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional design methodologies, assessment design, accessibility standards, and learner experience design.Ability to manage multiple digital learning projects, timelines, review cycles, and stakeholders simultaneously.Strong collaboration and consultation skills, including the ability to guide subject matter experts toward effective instructional solutions.Knowledge of continuing education and accreditation requirements, including ANCC or ACCME, is a plus.SkillsExcellent written, verbal, visual, and digital communication skills.Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and commitment to clinical accuracy and educational quality.Ability to work independently, solve problems, receive and apply feedback, and adapt to evolving priorities and technologies.Proficiency with Microsoft 365 products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams.Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information and AI-related data considerations.Education/Certifications/LicensesBachelor's degree in instructional design, educational technology, learning sciences, education, communications, graphic or multimedia design, or a related field; equivalent training and experience may be considered.Formal coursework, certificate, or advanced degree in instructional design, educational technology, healthcare education, or a related discipline preferred.Portfolio demonstrating digital learning design and development required; healthcare or medical learning samples strongly preferred.AANA invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.Professional Development – Each department has a budget every fiscal year for you to use toward professional development or you may also be a mentor/mentee in our internal mentoring program.Work-Life Balance –AANA offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 15 days per year for new employees that is prorated for your first year of hire. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year as well as:AANA offers a compressed work week schedule. Paid Winter Closure- AANA is closed from December 25th through January 1st each year. 3 Floating Holidays per year1 “Culture/Heritage Day” per year for those that want to celebrate a holiday that is relative to their culture and/or heritage