Curr Design & Prof Dev Specialist en Close Up

Company Overview │ Close Up is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, civic education organization that aims to inform, inspire, and empower young people to become active participants in our democracy. We believe a strong democracy requires engagement by all citizens. Therefore, we seek to reach youth from all communities and all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, gender, socioeconomic level, or academic standing. Since 1971, we have partnered with schools nationwide to serve more than one million students and educators through experiential programs in our nation’s capital and in local communities, professional development for educators, and curriculum and resource design.

Position Overview | The curriculum and training specialist collaborates closely with others in the Curriculum Department to train and coach instructors and other program staff and to develop and refine the curriculum of Close Up programs. This is a key position that requires working both in the office and in the field, which includes some travel to program sites beyond the Washington, D.C., area. This person, who reports to the senior manager of curriculum and training, must have the ability to accurately and effectively articulate Close Up’s pedagogy and educational mission to a variety of external and internal constituencies, and the capacity to maintain a high level of educational expertise to contribute to various projects. 

Primary Responsibilities 

• Design and facilitate instructional training for 40-50 Civic Fellows and program instructors, including training on Close Up methodology, program curriculum, and facilitating controversial issue discussions.
• Develop staff trainings for customized and specialized programs.
• Plan and deliver professional development sessions throughout the program season to supplement initial training.
• Provide ongoing in-field formal observation and informal coaching for a cohort of instructional staff, and work with program leaders and department leadership to ensure the continued growth of instructors.
  • Develop lesson plans and supporting materials for student programs.
  • Refine and revise lessons and materials based on observations and feedback from instructors and other program staff.

Other Responsibilities  

• Work on program as an instructor or program leader as needed (4-6 weeks per year).
• Write 2-3 blog posts per year for Close Up’s Current Issues Blog.
• Support the academic and logistical success of student programs.
• Take ownership of personal professional development by seeking out training opportunities and resources. 
• Support professional development and the creation of classroom resources as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; a major in education, history, political science, international relations, or a related field is preferred.
• At least one year of experience training adult learners or leading group facilitation.
• Demonstrated ability to assess your own performance and adjust accordingly.  
• Ability to convey complex information to a variety of audiences clearly and concisely.
• Willingness to provide positive and constructive feedback.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to cultivate trust and build rapport, including by providing both positive and constructive feedback that supports individual growth.
• Ability to manage a flexible-yet-demanding schedule.  
• Familiarity with teaching with controversial issues, facilitation techniques, and cooperative learning strategies.
• Knowledge of civic education trends and practices.
• Knowledge of government structures and processes and current political and social issues.

Work Environment

• The person in this position will frequently be on student program. Program schedules typically run from 8am to 10pm, and programs usually start in the late afternoon on Sunday and run through Thursday night. There is flexibility within the program schedule. 
• Frequent evening and weekend work is required for D.C.-based program execution, observation, and evaluation during the program season (January-June). Occasional weekend and evening work is required from September to December. 
• This position is based at the Close Up office in Arlington, Virginia, but it includes frequent time in D.C. on student program. 
• Some travel outside the D.C. metro area is required. 

Compensation and Benefits | In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, Close Up provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes two robust medical insurance plans, dental insurance (over 90 percent of premiums are company-paid), and vision coverage. Close Up pays 100 percent of the premiums for life/AD&D insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance, and offers flexible spending and dependent care accounts, a 403(b) retirement savings program, paid vacation/sick days/holidays, paid parental leave, a Metro subsidy or free garage parking, free gym access, and a positive work environment. 

Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted; applicants may be asked to provide a writing or curriculum sample at the time of interviewing. Employment offers are contingent upon receipt of a favorable criminal background check.

Close Up Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

No recruiters or phone calls, please.