Instructional Designer (Contract)

Instructional Designer (Contract, Part-Time)

Remote  |  20–25 hrs/week  |  $80–$90/hr  |  No Travel

About the Role

Tend is a tech-forward dental studio group redesigning what dental care looks and feels like — for our patients and for our teams. As we grow across new markets, keeping our people well-trained isn't a nice-to-have, it's how we protect the experience that makes Tend, Tend. That's where this role comes in.

We're looking for a contract Instructional Designer to turn subject-matter expertise into training our team will actually use. You'll take existing content — including SME-provided slide decks and source material — and shape it into clear, engaging, learner-centered courses that hold up in a fast-paced, multi-market healthcare environment.

This is a part-time, remote, contract engagement (20–25 hours/week), ideal for an experienced freelance or contract instructional designer who wants steady, flexible work with a people-focused organization. Reports to: Chief People Officer. CST or EST time zone preferred for overlap with the team.

What You'll Do

Course Development

Convert existing SME-provided slide decks and source materials into engaging, well-structured eLearning courses

Design and develop interactive content using tools like Vyond, Articulate Rise/Storyline, Camtasia, or similar platforms

Ensure consistency in tone, structure, and visual quality across course modules

Instructional Strategy

Apply adult learning theory and instructional design frameworks (ADDIE, STAR, Peyton's 4-Step Method) to build training that actually sticks

Turn static or text-heavy content into interactive, engaging learner experiences

Partnership & Collaboration

Partner with content owners and subject-matter experts to translate technical or clinical information into clear, accessible learning

Work independently to manage timelines and communicate progress clearly with stakeholders

Who You Are

Tend's values and competencies guide how we work — here's how they show up in this role.

Tend to Others

You keep the learner at the center of every decision — building courses that change how someone actually does their job, not just checking a training box.

Be Brave Enough to Lead

You give SMEs honest, constructive feedback when their content won't land as training, and you're willing to redesign a module that isn't working rather than ship it as-is.

Savor the Ride

You believe training doesn't have to be boring. You look for the moment to make a module more interactive, visual, or genuinely engaging to get through.

Embrace Our Differences

You design for different learning styles and comfort levels with technology across a diverse, multi-market team.

Rooted in Growth

You seek feedback on your own course drafts and iterate — you know the first version is never the final version.

What Else Sets You Up to Succeed

Makes Sense of the Mess

You can take a raw slide deck or a scattered set of notes and turn it into a structured, sequenced course — without losing the substance.

Builds the Roadmap

You juggle multiple courses at different stages of development, keep timelines realistic, and flag risk before it becomes a missed deadline.

Fluent in the Tools

You move comfortably between authoring platforms and pick the right one for the content, not just the one you know best.

What You Have

Required

3+ years of experience in instructional design or a similar learning & development role

Intermediate working knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional design models (ADDIE, STAR, Peyton's 4-Step Method)

Hands-on experience building courses in Vyond, Articulate Rise, Articulate Storyline, Camtasia, or comparable authoring tools

Strong eye for turning static or text-heavy content into interactive, engaging learner experiences

Ability to work independently, manage timelines, and communicate clearly with stakeholders

Nice to Have

Experience in the healthcare industry

Familiarity with UKG Pro Learning (LMS)

Logistics

Fully remote

20–25 hours/week, contract basis

$80–$90/hour, based on experience

No travel required

CST or EST time zone preferred for overlap with our team

Physical Requirements

This role involves regular computer-based work, including extended periods of screen time for course design and development. Requires clear written and verbal communication with SMEs and stakeholders via video calls, email, and chat. No travel required.

#LI-remote Pay Range $80 — $90 USD

Tend is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We're committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. Tend does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination.

Legal and Compliance Notice: Tend complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination, equal employment opportunity, pay transparency, and other employment-related requirements. Where specific state disclosures or postings are required by law, we provide this information as part of our hiring process or upon request.

Agency and recruiter notice: Tend does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies or third-party recruiters. Any candidate submitted to Tend without a signed search agreement in place will not be considered a referred candidate, and Tend will not pay a fee for any resulting hire. If you're interested in partnering with our Talent team, please reach out to talent@hellotend.com before submitting candidates.

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