The Professional Development Designer is responsible for developing scalable, high-quality learning experiences that engage and develop K–8 educators.

The Professional Development Designer will identify and seize opportunities to develop learning experiences that are highly effective for adults. They will deliver communication clearly and design instruction with a focus on the unique needs of adult learners. The Professional Development Designer will create ways to promote innovation in instructional design to align with best practices and trends. They will incorporate technical skills, knowledge, and capabilities to foster professional development of educators. They will utilize efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement. 

This position is also responsible for collaborating with members of their matrixed team of developers, designers, editors, reviewers, researchers, and others to develop, write, and design learning content and products.  This is a remote position with occasional travel.

PRIMARY DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Design

• Designs high quality and scalable learning experiences for a variety of instructional models including in-person workshops and digital platforms
• Produces a variety of effective training applications and learning experiences according to the best practices of instructional design
• Analyzes participant feedback and course work of all current Fly Five courses to identify ways to elevate participants’ learning experience
• Designs instruction to engage participants and to foster a positive community of learners
• Regularly self-assesses progress of deliverables, work quality and alignment to the project vision and communicates challenges and successes to the Director of PDEE
• Designs learning experiences for a variety of audiences, including teachers, school leader, school community members and CRS staff
• Innovates professional learning content aligned with current trends within the instructional design field when appropriate
• Works collaboratively with matrix teams including the CRS Publications department, Marketing department, Educational Partnerships department and with outside vendors
• Designs and delivers engaging and effective presentations at webinars, mini-courses, conferences and other large-scale events
• Adheres to deliverables for all timelines, frameworks, protocols, and processes for producing, designing and editing curriculum- related products and content.
• Designs learning experiences that are accurately aligned to the Fly Five program CARES standards.
• Adjusts content and instructional delivery based on training goals, initiatives and audience
• Implements instructional practices with considerations of current research from including but not limited to, cultural centers, conferences, focus groups, school leaders, university staff, or researchers.

Communication and Expectations

• Follows through on internal training to stay current with Fly Five curriculum updates
• Meet regularly throughout the workweek via video conference to provide status updates, communicate roles and responsibilities for the workload, strategically plan tasks to meet deliverables, and discuss challenges that need problem-solving
• Operates within the team to maintain a positive culture, climate, communication and professional collegiality
• Promotes and models the agreed-upon group norms of the department and all matrixed teams
• Anticipates and adopts innovations in digital and technology applications
• Seeks to improve processes, from small tweaks to complete reengineering 
• Utilizes evaluation tools for each phase of instructional design

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and QUALIFICATIONS

• A four-year degree in the field of education, instructional design, or a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution and five or more years of teaching experience
• Experience working with collaborative team projects involving internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent time management and strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Ability and interest in working with a high degree of autonomy and  professionalism
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with Google Suite
• Appreciates and values diversity   
• Represents CRS positively and professionally in interactions with clients, vendors, and the community at large in both real and virtual settings
• Attends on-site meetings with colleagues and customers in Turners Falls, MA and other locations as needed
• Ability to travel, sometimes extensively
• Ability to pass periodic background (including fingerprint) checks

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to use a computer for up to eight hours per day 
• Ability to talk on the phone for up to four hours per day
• Ability to lift up to thirty pounds on occasion
• Ability to travel by airplane or car, at times extensively