Entry Level Instructional Design Jobs in Washington

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Call for CVs

LEVEL: Entry-level to Subject Matter Expert

LOCATION: Various - primarily remote

TYPE: Consultant/Contract, Part Time, and Full Time Regular Employment options anticipated

McColm & Company is a mission-driven consulting firm that equips change makers with the knowledge, skills, and insights they need to succeed in an increasingly complex world. McColm specializes in supporting U.S. federal customers with foreign affairs and national security portfolios by designing and managing bespoke professional training programs, delivering effective capacity building solutions, and by providing highly specialized technical assistance and analysis expertise to decision makers.

McColm is expanding its bench of language instructors across all languages for current contract requirements, and future opportunities contingent upon contract awards, supporting U.S. Government customers.

We are seeking instructors who can deliver high-impact, proficiency-oriented instruction grounded in best practices for adult language learning, with strong familiarity and experience using the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale for instructional design and assessment.

Position Responsibilities

• Design and deliver language instruction that develops functional proficiency from foundational communication through advanced performance (e.g., professional/technical topics as required).
• Plan instruction using measurable proficiency objectives mapped to ILR levels (e.g., tasks, functions, accuracy, and discourse control expected at target levels).
• Create learning experiences that prioritize real-world communication: speaking and listening (and reading/writing when required) with meaningful tasks and performance outcomes.
• Use best-practice methodology such as:
• communicative/task-based instruction,
• high-frequency, feedback-rich speaking practice,
• strategic grammar and vocabulary instruction in support of communication,
• differentiation and scaffolding for mixed proficiency needs,
• learner autonomy techniques (goal-setting, practice planning, reflection).
• Build psychologically safe learning environments that motivate adult professionals and maintain high expectations.
• Develop lesson plans, syllabi, and learning materials aligned to program goals and learner proficiency.
• Adapt authentic materials (news, professional documents, audio/video) appropriately for level and instructional purpose.
• Integrate technology effectively for virtual learning (platform tools, shared docs, digital resources).
• Demonstrate working knowledge of the ILR scale, including what performance "looks like" across levels.
• Support placement, progress checks, and readiness activities using ILR-aligned performance tasks (e.g., role plays, presentations, interviews, summaries, professional scenarios).
• Provide clear, actionable learner feedback tied to proficiency indicators (strengths, gaps, next-step targets).
• Maintain reliable scheduling and timely communication with program staff.
• Complete required documentation (e.g., session notes, learner progress inputs) as specified by the contract/program.
• Uphold confidentiality and professional conduct in U.S. Government training environments.

Requirements

Requirements are determined by each specific opportunity, however the following requirements are generally desired.

• Demonstrated experience teaching or coaching languages to adult learners (in-person and/or virtual).
• Native or near-native proficiency in the target language(s) and strong instructional command of English (as applicable to the role).
• Demonstrated ability to design instruction around proficiency outcomes (ILR/ACTFL-informed approaches welcomed).
• Experience delivering structured instruction in a virtual environment (Zoom or comparable platforms).
• Strong interpersonal skills, reliability, and learner-centered professionalism.
• Direct experience using the ILR scale for curriculum alignment, learner goal setting, and performance-based feedback.
• Experience preparing learners for ILR-style speaking/listening performance expectations (e.g., guided interview practice).
• Government, military, foreign affairs, or professional language program experience.
• Training/certifications in language pedagogy, instructional design, or assessment.

Benefits

McColm offers a competitive compensation and benefits package to all of our staff. Compensation is offered according to job requirements, market dynamics, and experience/skills of the successful candidate. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurances, generous Paid Time Off, 11 paid federal holidays, and annual performance-based bonuses.

We are an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, gender identity or expression, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Due to the high volume of applications McColm receives and to ensure we comply with our internal hiring policies, we regret we are not able to respond to individual phone calls or emails regarding submission status.