Innovate, Excel, Succeed with Our Team! The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), located in Atlanta, Georgia seeks an outstanding candidate to fill our Senior Specialist, Professional Learning position to support the Center for Outcomes Based Contracting (OBC).

For 158 years, SEF has made major contributions to improving education, from early childhood education through post-secondary completion. SEF works to improve equity, excellence, and opportunity in education in the South and across our nation, with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for students of color and students in low-income families. SEF pursues its mission through research, policy analysis, advocacy, leadership development, and direct services to schools. 

This position reports to the Professional Development Manager, Outcomes Based Contracting. To learn more, please visit www.southerneducation.org. 

The Opportunity:

The Center for Outcomes Based Contracting (OBC) is designed to foster partnerships between school districts and service providers, with the goal of improving student outcomes. The Senior Specialist, Professional Learning will focus on designing, delivering, and evaluating training programs that support the strategic priorities: Evolve the OBC Support Model and Empower Excellence. The ideal candidate will have a keen understanding of K-12 district environments, including instructional service implementation, alongside an entrepreneurial and can-do flair for getting things done, seeking innovative solutions, and overcoming obstacles.

Candidates interested in this position should have working knowledge of and passionate commitment to improving educational opportunities, particularly for K-12 students experiencing poverty. The ideal candidate is committed to the belief that education is the vehicle by which all students obtain fair chances to develop their talents and contribute to the common good.

Typical Duties And Responsibilities: 

Professional Development Design & Delivery

• Design, implement, facilitate, and evaluate professional development training.
• Facilitate workshops, webinars, and training sessions for various stakeholders.
• Assist in development and implementation of asynchronous learning modules.
• Support development of credentialing, badging, and certification programs.
• Design and facilitate professional development for high impact convenings.

Coaching & Support

• Coach and mentor OBC facilitators to ensure consistent project implementation.
• Develop tools and communication resources for districts and stakeholders.
• Provide support to participating districts in problem-solving.
• Foster collaborative relationships across the organization.
• Maintain effective communication with the Professional Development Manager.

Program Enhancement

• Identify opportunities to enhance capacity in outcomes based contracting.
• Assess effectiveness of professional development programs.
• Use data-driven insights to refine training materials and methods.
• Support large-scale learning events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience/Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, instructional design, curriculum development, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 3-5 years of experience in professional development design and facilitation.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of K-12 school systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational abilities.
• Ability to cultivate trusting relationships.
• Demonstrated project management capabilities.
• Adaptability when faced with challenges.
• Willingness to take calculated risks.
• Occasional travel is required.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing competency-based or micro-credentialing programs.
• Knowledge of educational technology products.
• Experience with learning management systems (LMS).

This is a full-time remote position working Monday – Friday. Compensation for this role is $75,000 – $85,000 and is commensurate with experience including a competitive benefits package. This is a philanthropic grant-funded position with funding in place.

The Southern Education Foundation is an Atlanta based organization with a national presence. For candidates based in Atlanta, employees are currently working a hybrid schedule including working remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business. For candidates based outside of Atlanta, this is a remote-only position with potential of travel to Atlanta and with approved company expenses paid for.

Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest; 2) a current resume; 3) the names and contact information of three references to (hr@southerneducation.org) ensuring Senior Specialist, Professional Learning is included in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until March 17, 2025.

The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

This is a remote position.

Compensation: $75,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year

Southern Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by partners and donors committed to advancing equitable education policies and practices that elevate learning for low-income students and students of color in the southern states. We develop and disseminate research-based solutions for policymakers and grow the capacity of education leaders and influencers to create systemic change.  

We believe education equity is essential to achieve quality and fairness in the public education system.

Equity exists when race and income are no longer the most reliable predictors of student success and systems work to ensure that each child receives what they need when they need it, to develop to their full academic and social potential. We envision a world where every student, regardless of background, enjoys an education that propels them toward the opportunity-rich life they deserve.

Our Mission 

Since 1867, the mission of Southern Education Foundation has been to advance equitable education practices and policies in the South through research, advocacy, and leadership development that will result in every student regardless of background attaining a high-quality education that propels them toward the opportunity-rich life they deserve.