Curriculum Specialist

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Position Title: Curriculum Specialist   

Location: Remote

Reports To: Director of Learning and Evaluation 

FLSA: Non-exempt

Date Updated: 12.20.2023

Who We Are

Outward Bound USA (OBUSA) is a national non-profit educational organization in the United States, in operation for more than 60 years. Outward Bound’s mission is to change lives through challenge and discovery. While perhaps ambitious and bold, our vision is a more resilient and compassionate world, with more endurance in response to change and more courage in the face of challenge. 

Outward Bound programs provide increased access for today’s youth to develop social emotional skills and build their capacity to navigate the future with confidence, compassion, and curiosity. Programs are far-reaching – inside city and suburban classrooms and outside in rugged backcountry settings – lasting anywhere from one-day to an entire semester. Outward Bound staff are positive, fun, passionate, mission-driven change makers who uphold a high standard for quality and commitment to our students. We strive to provide educational experiences that are inclusive and relevant for all participants and are committed to organizational improvement in support of an equitable and just society.  Learn more about us at: outwardbound.org/about-us/ 

OB in the United States

Today in the United States, Outward Bound programs have served over 1,000,000 alumni, and bring our mission to life for 40,000 students annually. Hundreds of experienced, dedicated educators deliver over 1,000 courses at our network of 10 different Outward Bound Schools across the country. The Outward Bound Network is supported by two national organizations – Outward Bound USA (OBUSA) and the Outward Bound Services Group (OBSG). OBUSA is the national chartering/governance organization that provides oversight and critical support services for the Regional Outward Bound Schools—including brand management, marketing, technology, safety, human resources, risk management, educational approach and research, and other system-wide resourcing. OBSG is a marketing division and call center supporting Outward Bound’s range of open enrollment programs offered at 8 of the 10 Regional Schools. Outward Bound is also part of an international network (Outward Bound International) that supports the operation of Outward Bound programs in 34 different countries.  

Learn about our Schools: outwardbound.org/about-us/schools 

Position Impact

Outward Bound prioritizes high-quality educational experiences and a strong culture of safety in delivering our mission. Our teams are guided by a strategic vision that prioritizes access to the outdoors for underrepresented communities, expanding the capacity of the Outward Bound Network, engaging in a process of continuous improvement, and cultivating a workplace that attracts top talent—like you. Your role will be part of a collaborative environment that is rich with support and designed to make everyone a part of our organization’s growth.   

The Curriculum Specialist will play a pivotal role in defining learning outcomes and designing, developing and enhancing curriculum materials that align with the organization’s strategic objectives and educational goals. This position requires a collaborative thinker and with a passion for youth education, a strong understanding of learning principles, and the ability to drive initiatives that contribute to the professional growth of our educational staff to serve our students.   

Our Culture

Outward Bound is challenging by design. Thriving here takes compassion, a learning mindset, and a deep desire to do meaningful work. And just like our students on course: we are crew, not passengers. This means everyone contributes. Our successes are shared, and our challenges are our opportunities. From the office to the wilderness, we are growing together. You belong here.  

Functions and Responsibilities

Needs Assessment

• Conduct thorough needs assessments to identify gaps in existing educational materials and curriculum.
• Stay informed about current trends, research, and best practices in education to inform program design and curriculum development.

Program Design and Development

• Facilitate collaborative program design processes that draw on existing best practices and increase consistency across Outward Bound locations for national program models. 
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, schools within the Outward Bound USA network, external partners, and educational professionals to align curriculum with industry standards and educational goals.
• Lead workgroups to engage network School staff in national program model development. 
• Design and produce comprehensive, engaging, and culturally responsive program delivery materials that align with course and/or population-specific educational objectives.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and relevance in program objectives and content creation.

Training and Support

• Identify core instructor competencies for specific program offerings. 
• Provide training and support to program staff, ensuring effective implementation of the curriculum in diverse educational settings.
• Develop resources and materials to assist program staff in understanding and utilizing the curriculum effectively. 
• In collaboration with the Director of Learning and Evaluation, design and produce national program manuals. 

Change Management and Continuous Improvement

• Facilitate a pilot process that engages network Schools in testing and improving curriculum design and materials.  
• Support network School program leadership with change management as new curriculum is piloted and implemented. 
• Use data and feedback to improve program design, curriculum content, and materials and the program development process.  
• Co-lead OBUSA Curriculum Community of Practice for representatives from network Schools. 

Requirements

Key Skills & Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and levels within and external to the organization.
• Proficient in Microsoft suite. 
• Exceptional written communication abilities, demonstrated through proficiency in grammar, formatting, and editing across a diverse range of written materials such as reports, and manuals and curriculum guides. 
• Ability to verbally communicate complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to evolving educational trends and incorporate feedback into curriculum revisions.
• Knowledge of best practices in youth development and social-emotional learning.
• Knowledge of best practices in curriculum development, teaching, and learning, including experiential learning.  
• Proven experience in developing curriculum that supports a variety of learners. 

Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Curriculum Development, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 
• Minimum of 3-years of experience in program design and/or curriculum development. 
• Minimum of 3-years of experience in the youth development or educational sector.
• 1-3 years delivering experiential and/or outdoor education.
• Familiarity with Outward Bound group and open enrollment programs is preferred. 

These skills, knowledge, and experiences collectively contribute to the effectiveness of the Curriculum Specialist in meeting the demands of the role and supporting organizational goals.

Location and Physical Requirements

• Permanent work authorization in the United States is required to apply for this position. We welcome applicants from anywhere in the contiguous United States. 
• Work remotely, with up to 10% travel. Occasional in-person attendance at meetings and collaboration sessions may be required.
• Ability to work at a desk and on a computer for most of the day. Some repetitive motions, such as typing on a keyboard, may be part of the daily tasks.
• While the role is generally not physically demanding, the ability to lift and carry light objects may be required occasionally, such as moving files or materials within the office. Strong visual acuity is essential for reading and analyzing data on a computer screen.

Compensation & Benefits

• This is a full-time, non-exempt position.
• OBUSA offers competitive benefits package, including health/dental/vision insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance, plus retirement plan with an employer match. 
• OBUSA offers a PTO, 10 federal holidays and paid time off for the last week of the year. 
• In the interest of transparency and pay equity across our team, a candidate with the minimum experience can expect to be offered in the lower third of the range.  
• Wage range $31.25 – $36.06 per hour. Note this is a grant funded position, with funding in place for three years, through year end of 2026. 

Application Information 

• Application deadline is January 15, 2024. 
• Candidates should submit their applications via the link on our website. Please address cover letter to Katie Dalbey, She/Her  (Director of Learning and Evaluation). 
• Applications will be reviewed at the close of the position. 
• Please reach out to vkerr@outwardbound.org if there are any accommodations you might need when applying or if asked to be interviewed. 

Outward Bound USA (OBUSA) is an equal opportunity employer and values the inclusion and collaboration among employees of diverse backgrounds and experiences. OBUSA prohibits discrimination against, and harassment of, any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, qualified individuals with a disability on the basis of the disability, or any other category which may be protected under applicable state or federal law. Outward Bound USA also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics nor on differences based on gender identity or expression.

As we strive to reflect the communities we serve; people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. See our Equity Statement here.