Curriculum Developer (Contract) Jobs

Curriculum Developer
Van Andel Institute for K-12 Education is seeking to hire a full-time Curriculum Developer for a one-year contract.
About Van Andel Institute For K-12 Education
Van Andel Institute for K-12 Education (VAI: K-12) aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists and problem solvers by creating classrooms where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive. We provide inquiry-based, hands-on learning experiences for students grades K-12 as well as innovative teaching resources and practical professional development so teachers everywhere bolster their instruction with authentic learning experiences that are memorable, meaningful, and fun!
Job Summary
As a Curriculum Developer, you will create innovative lessons and activities for K-12 students that align with VAI: K-12’s instructional models. You’ll create tools that make it easier for teachers to increase curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the classroom. You’ll work as part of a passionate team to drive innovation in content, instructional strategies, use of technology, research, delivery methods, and other areas to ensure VAI offers best-in-class instructional resources.
Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Editorial Specialist on the process for editing and revision.
• Lead the development of inquiry-based and project-based instructional materials.
• Collaborate with VAI K-12 Learning Specialists to create and present new product proposals as needed.
• Support the entire development process from conceptualization of product(s) to ready-for-market delivery.
• All other duties as assigned.
• Participate in continuing development and evaluation of VAI: K-12 programs.
• Develop prototypes and high-level concept proposals as needed to convey product directions before development.
• Prepare digital and/or print content for release, develop and/or check page layouts, and implement all steps in the production process for assigned projects.
• Work closely with marketing to ensure brand guidelines are met.
• Study market research data and in-house analytics to continually make adjustments as needed.
• Actively seek new learning that will help VAI better serve teachers and students.
• Manage development schedule so all products (print, digital, customized) are delivered on time and on budget.

Who We Are Looking For
One-year contractor at 40 hours per week, with the possibility to transition to a full-time employee.
You have a sustained track record of creating engaging, widely adopted instructional materials. Creating tools for teachers brings you joy!
You understand the fundamentals of inquiry-based and project-based instruction. You are passionate about transforming instruction to incorporate more authentic learning strategies in schools nationwide. Your depth of knowledge in these topics allows you to apply these principles flexibly to meet a variety of learning environments and scenarios.
You love teachers. You understand how important and how difficult it is to do the job well and you are selfless in your commitment to helping teachers improve their craft while also honoring their expertise, their experience, and the constraints of their realities.
You work with confidence and without ego. You have a deep knowledge of instruction and work with a high level of autonomy, but you are also adept at seeking and implementing feedback, are willing to be proven wrong, and are quick to support fellow teammates in need.
You have an entrepreneurial spirit. You understand and embrace the startup mentality, undaunted by the idea that there is no clear roadmap or proven path to follow. You are driven by understanding the big picture and contributing your unique perspective for us to achieve collective success.
You are a creative thinker, not bound by "the way things have always been done." What you know is less important than how well you learn and innovate. We don't need people who know all the answers; we need people who can invent the answers no one has thought of yet, to the questions yet to be asked.
Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience as a writer and editor of curriculum and/or instructional materials.
• Genuine passion for learning, curriculum development, science, and students.
• Three or more years of classroom instruction in a K-12 setting preferred.
• Deep understanding of science inquiry and/or project-based learning.
• Experience in the design and development of innovative instructional materials for students that support inquiry, a rich learning environment, and scientific habits of mind. 
• Master’s Degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or the equivalent preferred. 
• Entrepreneurial spirit—a willingness to try new things, and contribute to organizational success within and beyond primary functional areas.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or the equivalent required.

VAI Core Values
Candidates must contribute to the shared values of the organization:

• Be Curious
• Do the Right Thing
• Take Risks
• Collaborate
• Work with Urgency
• Respect Everyone

How To Apply

• Resume
• Online application https://jobs.silkroad.com/VAI/VAICareerSite/jobs/1020
• Cover Letter outlining your interest in the position, qualifications and goals

VAI is committed to achieving excellence through increasing diversity. We actively encourage applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer.
As Van Andel Institute is a drug and alcohol-free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process. This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, PCP, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.
Required Skills
Required Experience