Instructional Systems Specialist, Nf4

U.S. Marine Corps•Quantico, VA

12d

About The Position

The Instructional Systems Specialist serves as the Training and Curriculum Specialist for Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Marine and Family Programs Division (MF). The role plans, coordinates, develops, and maintains subject-matter curricula for MF programs and Professional Military Education schoolhouses. Working with program managers and other subject-matter experts, the specialist applies learning theory and evidence-based educational psychology, uses a systems approach to training, and develops instruction design plans, learning maps, performance objectives, course plans, and assessment measures. The position develops and updates curriculum and learning materials for topics including prevention of and response to harmful behaviors, financial management, deployment preparedness, spouse employment, children and youth, Marine Corps Total Fitness, and other life skills. Finished materials may include lesson plans, training texts, videos, handouts, exercises, interactive activities, quizzes, instructor manuals, tests, and other knowledge-attainment instruments. The specialist prepares instructions for consistent use of training aids and advises on instructional systems and technology. The specialist researches training options and delivery methods and designs content for classroom, synchronous web-based, and asynchronous web-based training. In coordination with program managers, the specialist reviews and updates curriculum, identifies training requirements, incorporates Headquarters directives into training plans, and provides advice on marketing, strategic planning, standardized training plans, and guidelines. The role also collaborates on evaluation tools, assesses the reliability and validity of tests, and ensures curriculum delivered through Marine Corps standard learning management systems adheres to Marine Corps Training and Education Command (TECOM) Courseware Development Technical Standards. Work schedules may fluctuate beyond typical work hours or workweeks, and travel may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

A degree that includes or is supplemented by at least 24 semester hours of coursework appropriate to the position, including study in at least four of these five areas: learning theory/psychology of learning/educational psychology; instructional design practices; educational evaluation; instructional product development; and computers in education and training.
Knowledge of varied training delivery systems, including classroom, synchronous web-based, and asynchronous web-based delivery.
Thorough understanding of adult-learning principles.
Comprehensive knowledge of learning theories and educational psychology as applied to the systematic design, development, and validation of instructional materials.
Comprehensive knowledge of training-program design principles and techniques, design strategies and models, and methods for improving instructional effectiveness.
Comprehensive knowledge of developing training materials, including identifying learner characteristics, specifying objectives, applying training strategies, validating materials, and evaluating training.
Exceptional oral, written, and computer-based communication skills across organizational levels.
Ability to provide technical advice and assistance to program managers developing curriculum for Marine and Family Programs Division programs.
Skills in instructional design methodologies, identifying training requirements, incorporating Headquarters directives into training plans, and measuring and evaluating training initiatives.
Proven proficiency in instructional design and curriculum development.
Knowledge of military structure, missions, programs, and organizational relationships.
Extensive knowledge of Marine Corps organizations and missions, and ability to translate organizational missions into strategic planning principles that support current and projected mission requirements.
Three years of experience in curriculum design or a related field or work area is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Three years of experience in the curriculum design occupation, or a related field or work area.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, develop, and maintain subject-matter curricula for Marine and Family Programs Division programs and Professional Military Education schoolhouses.
Coordinate with program managers and subject-matter experts to establish learning objectives, analyze learning needs, organize course content, develop instructional design plans, and select teaching strategies.
Identify tasks suitable for job or skill performance aids, select or develop performance measures, create learning maps, perform learning analyses, and derive performance objectives and criterion test items.
Develop and revise curriculum and instructional materials, including lesson plans, texts, videos, handouts, exercises, interactive activities, quizzes, instructor manuals, and other knowledge-attainment instruments.
Prepare detailed instructions for proper and consistent use of training aids.
Research training options, delivery methods, and techniques; design and develop content for classroom, synchronous web-based, and asynchronous web-based delivery.
Coordinate curriculum reviews and updates with program managers, identify training requirements, and incorporate Headquarters directives into designated training plans.
Advise on marketing, strategic planning, standardized training plans, and guidelines.
Collaborate with evaluation subject-matter experts and program managers to develop and implement evidence-informed evaluation tools.
Review research and study results to assess test reliability and validity; write, review, revise, and reword test items; and review examination results and individual test items with program managers.
Ensure curriculum for Marine Corps standard learning management systems complies with TECOM Courseware Development Technical Standards.
In conjunction with TECOM, potentially develop and monitor training at formal officer and enlisted schools.
Travel as needed for work assignments, training, meetings, curriculum pilot observation, and liaison with Marine Corps installation staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.