Assistant to the Director of Learning and Associate
The FrameWorks Institute - a nonprofit think tank that designs, conducts, interprets and explains communications research to advance the resolution of social problems-seeks a highly organized, conceptually skilled and administratively experienced Ph.D. to coordinate and contribute to the design and implementation of curriculum and instruction on strategic communications.
This position will support the learning division in its charge to translate FrameWorks' research into powerful learning experiences for leaders in the nonprofit sector, preparing them to understand and apply communications recommendations from Strategic Frame AnalysisTM (SFA). The SFA approach stresses a critical combination of research methods(qualitative and quantitative) and findings from a range of disciplines in the cognitive and social sciences, including anthropology, communications, linguistics, psychology, and sociology. As such, the ideal candidate should possess a strong background in one or more of the relevant scholarly disciplines, be willing to read and study, to learn about and experiment with new methods of social science translation, and to bring conceptual,
analytic and organizational skills to tasks at hand. We are seeking individuals who are excited about engaging in a multidisciplinary approach to studying and solving applied communications issues.
FrameWorks' learning division translates research findings into experiences that enable advocates, experts, practitioners and scientists to use communications strategy to expand their constituency base, to build public will, and to further public understanding of specific social issues. FrameWorks' learners are nonprofit leaders who work on a range of pressing social problems, including addiction, child and youth development, climate
change, K12 education, and immigration. Pedagogical approaches include direct instruction, participatory workshops, project-based learning, and digitally mediated
learning (interactive games, online courses, video products, etc.). The ability to efficiently produce high quality curriculum and deliver outstanding instruction is essential for success in this position, as is the capacity to anticipate and meet the learning needs of sophisticated professionals.
The Assistant to the Director of Learning will:
• Contribute substantially to the instructional design of face-to-face and virtual learning experiences for diverse types of communicators, including scientists, informal science educators, and issue-based advocates and practitioners
• Assist with the creation of interpretive tools that help advocates grasp key implications of research for their communications practice
• Deliver presentations and facilitate learning experiences
• Engage other highly-skilled staff in effectively contributing to collaborative efforts in curriculum design and in continuously improving teaching knowledge and skills
• Schedule complex, multifaceted learning engagements and assist the Director of Learning in ensuring their timely progress
• Contribute to the division's efforts to improve and increase its capacity to deliver high-quality, innovative online learning in a variety of virtual venues
• Manage impact evaluation efforts - supervising and participating in collecting, analyzing, and writing up data in a variety of formats, including case studies and quantitative summaries
While the Institute is a virtual organization of staff and fellows located around the U.S., this position is based in Washington, DC. The position involves travel - up to 25% of time. This position will report to the Director of Learning but must be responsive to a wide array of staff, consultants, and clients around the country.
Key Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess a terminal degree in communications, public health, or a discipline within the social or cognitive sciences and have experience working in the nonprofit sector. Experience at the local, state or regional level on social policy issues/advocacy strongly preferred. Significant skill in curriculum development and
instructional design required; please specify accomplishments and strengths in this regard. Experience with developing and delivering online learning strongly desired. Superb writing, research, analytical and interpersonal communication skills required. Must be self-motivated, with a strong capacity for independent work, but also possess the skills and desire to work collaboratively with the FrameWorks team. Must possess outstanding organizational skills and the ability to juggle and prioritize many tasks and competing responsibilities, meeting expectations and deadlines consistently within a largely virtual workplace.
To Apply:
A resume with complete employment history and educational background, plus a relevant writing sample or publication, should be submitted to jsweetland@frameworksinstitute.org. No direct solicitations, please. Candidates of interest will be contacted for interviews after review of submitted documents.
FrameWorks Institute values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information about the FrameWorks Institute, please consult its website at
http://www.frameworksinstitute.org/.
