Volunteer Associate Director of Education: Curriculum Development & Instructional Design (Remote)

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STW(tm) will provide a "letter of recommendation" to interns, students & professionals who are able to showcase outstanding performance for school/university credit and for professional references.

About Us:

Save the Water(tm) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to conduct water research to identify and remove harmful contaminants in water, and to raise public awareness about water contamination and its health impacts. STW (tm) also offers educational programs to excite young minds about water science.

Our volunteers are diverse professionals from all over the world bringing their knowledge and experience to STW (tm) because we care deeply about our communities and water resources. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop your career in System Administration. You will work with a highly engaged team of professionals in technology, education, science, public health and management. We look forward to hearing from you shortly!

To learn more about Save the Water(tm), please visit www.savethewater.org .

The Role:

Reporting to the Director of Education, this position offers the opportunity to use evidence-based solutions to deliver innovative learning techniques and resources across the world. You will lead an innovative team of curriculum development associates and instructional designers to produce teaching and learning resources for middle and high school students, and educators. The team’s goal is to develop inclusive learning content and assessments that support all students, and students with unique learning needs. The incumbent will be relied upon to influence change and impact how STW delivers curriculum now and into the future.

What you will be responsible for......

Planning:

• Oversees project plans in support of the vision and goals for the unit to maintain the organization’s competitive advantage in online and innovative teaching and learning. This includes the refinement of production and instructional models established by evidence-based teaching practices and emerging educational technologies.
• Advises on, and evaluates the implementation of, inclusive design and practices to maximize diversity and inclusion in course/curriculum development, accommodating and reflecting a wide range of learner needs and identities, consistent with AODA/ADA and STW(tm)’s equity, diversity and inclusion statement.
• Plans, implements and manages STW’s online and/or blended course development process. This includes providing strategic interventions/supports, in consultation with the overall Content Development team (Education Content, Research and Policy, Community Outreach, etc.), to ensure that quality courses are developed in a timely manner.
• Ensure that curriculum and courses are developed in line with STW((tm))’s goals and objectives, standards of quality and style.
• Lead team communication strategy by facilitating monthly team meetings, bi-weekly leadership team meetings and managing communications between external and internal stakeholders.
• Provide strong leadership to the Curriculum Development and Instructional Design team by managing and supporting all position duties, targets and goals and ensure they are adequately prepared to fulfill their duties.
• Possess strong relationship, task, project and resource management skills, as it relates to the Curriculum Development and Instructional Design team and STW((tm)).
• Manages and implements quality assurance processes. This includes working with the Instructional Design team in developing curriculum submissions for new online or blended courses.
• Assigns Instructional Designers to course development projects and arranges first project meetings to bring together the design team, Content Development team and key stakeholders to convey expectations and responsibilities for the project.
• Plans, prioritizes and manages the work of volunteers, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance and coaching. Identifies the need for volunteer resources, participates on project committees, and makes effective recommendations regarding volunteer’s selection.
• Manages performance by establishing performance standards, reviewing and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis.

Administration:

• Determines the scheduling of course developments, revisions projects and assigns Instructional Designers while considering balancing workload, individual strengths, course disciplines and their experience in online teaching and learning.
• Researches, evaluates and identifies best-practices and quality standards for course design and recommends adoption.
• Assesses and recommends adoption of educational technology tools to improve student and instructor experience in keeping with advancements in learning theories. Selects develops and implements as required.
• Makes independent decisions regarding recommended approaches to support online teaching and learning. Identifies training opportunities for volunteers and determines methods of delivery. Oversees the execution of online course design and curriculum development.
• Reviews courses against established standards and determines the need for changes and improvements.
• Decides how to prioritize tasks and most efficiently manage time given the broad range of duties and deadlines.
• Implements improvements to the structure and quality of courses from the perspective of students and instructors.
• Evaluates volunteer candidates and makes effective recommendations on suitable hires.
• Makes decisions and/or effective recommendations regarding transfers and promotions.
• Evaluates volunteer performance and decides on appropriate training or coaching to address lack of proficiency in carrying out responsibilities, or remedial action for volunteer disciplinary situations.
• Assesses investigation outcome of grievances and makes effective recommendations on appropriate course of action or next steps on grievances.
• Makes effective recommendations on level of discipline up to discharge and probationary termination.
• Support the Save the Water’s mission in educating the public about world water issues and its health impacts.
• Provide assistance in program design and evaluate the effectiveness of STW education programs.
• Research and recommend best practices in program development and evaluation.
• Attend regular meetings as necessary.
• Work collaboratively with the team members in the Education Group and members under the Public Awareness umbrella.
• Increasing SEO of our website using keywords as developed by our Web Analysts.
• Be willing to attend virtual meetings in EST timezone (GMT -4:00) and respond to emails within 36 hours.

Apply Now if you have....

• Strong attention to detail in all aspects of work.
• Strong ability to self-motivate, multi-task and prioritize effectively. Proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and online environment.
• Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills to elicit information and provide accurate information clearly and concisely.
• Very comfortable working in a virtual team environment incorporating group problem-solving; shares information and responsibility.
• Committed to attending team meetings. Strong relationship-building skills, both internally and externally.
• Outgoing, persistent and energetic. Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to handle requests and complaints in a professional, non-confrontational manner.
• Creative problem solving skills, capacity for innovation.
• Enjoy taking initiative, adaptable, and able to work under pressure.

Education

• Masters in Education, Educational Technology, Instructional Design, Distance/Online Education, or related field. Equivalencies of education and experience may also be considered.

Requirements

• Ability to actively promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Strong project management, as well as organizational and planning skills to ensure the success of multiple teams and course development projects.
• Demonstrated innovation, creativity and energy, with initiative to assume project leadership and define courses of action.
• Leadership, coaching, teambuilding and managerial skills, combined with an ability to efficiently plan and utilize group resources.
• Relationship building skills to develop respect, mutual understanding and productive working relationships.
• Knowledge of curriculum-building and instructional design for online and blended learning.
• Experience in web, interface, or media design.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to solve technical and logistical problems.
• Knowledge of theories and evidence-based approaches to instructional design, educational technology, online teaching and learning.
• Negotiation and conflict management skills. Ability to motivate staff and to work with diplomacy in resolving interpersonal conflicts.
• Ability to balance/advocate for Instructional Designers’ needs and the overall operational requirements and goals of the subgroup and organization.
• Ability to effectively manage change, shifting direction as needed to address emerging directions and/or needs.
• Experience using Google product applications or GSuite.

Preferred

• Knowledge in Science, Environmental Science, Biology, or Hydrology.

How to apply:

If interested, please submit your resume to newvolunteers@savethewater.org We would love to hear from you!

(c) 2021