Youth Instructional Design Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Overview: The Youth Instructional Design Specialist leads curriculum development, supports program design, and builds team capacity to support youth and adult educational success. They facilitate staff and volunteer training in strategies for engaging with limited-English youth as well as the implementation of ESL and Social Emotional Asset Development (SEAD) curriculum. The Youth Instructional Design Specialist draws existing knowledge, research and IRC provided tools and curriculum (Safe Healing and Learning Spaces) to produce academic programming for youth served by IRC. This position plays a lead role in training, coaching, mentoring, and advising IRC staff for a high level of instructional strategies, communication, workflow, and outcomes across multiple projects.

Major Responsibilities

• Assure that project outcomes and reporting meet external standards by funders (contractual compliance, deliverables are achieved timely, policies/procedures are implemented, and reports are completed and submitted in a timely manner) as well as internal IRC standards of professional project management, technical competence, and organizational policy
• Guide project staff as they implement Youth projects in a manner that is effective, innovative, and passionate about promoting client self-sufficiency
• Lead in the development and refinement of Social Emotional Asset Development curriculum in collaboration with program staff and IRC Technical Advisor
• Lead development of Youth program and intergenerational curriculum
• Train and mentor Youth program staff in classroom management and curriculum implementation
• Evaluate program efficiency and effectiveness and adapt the program curriculum or design as needed
• Collaborate successfully with the other IRC departments to ensure that clients are receiving the comprehensive services they need to achieve their goals
• Other related duties as assigned
  
  

Major Projects

• Newcomer Youth Summer Academy
• Youth Mentoring Activities
• Empower Tutoring Program
  
  

Job Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in a related field. Master’s degree in a related field such as Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or TESOL/ESL preferred.

Work Experience

• 3 years related experience required. 5+ years of teaching experience, ESL/TESOL background required
• Relevant professional experience in curriculum design and/or educational program development required
• Relevant professional experience working with English Language Learners, refugee and/or immigrant populations required
• Previous multi-cultural experience and consistent track record to communicate well with a diverse group of backgrounds strongly preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make presentations required
  
  

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and mentorship skills, ability to train and monitor staff, volunteers, and youth mentors.
• Demonstrated curriculum development skills and expertise in implementation of academic programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of social emotional asset development (SEAD) and ability to incorporate SEAD learning goals into program frameworks.
• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make presentations required.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by IRC’s clients is desired; including Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, and Kiswahili.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.
  
  

Working Environment

• Standard office environment
• May require occasional travel to off-site locations.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
  
  

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12 month time period.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.