NeighborWorks America: Working Together for Strong Communities
Purpose of Division:
The Training division supports the diverse community of organizations serving the public good—in our network and well beyond. We help these organizations thrive as they work toward achieving their missions by providing a comprehensive array of products and services, including organizational assessments, training, leadership and organizational development, tools and resources, and outcome assessment.
Position Summary:
The Senior Manager for online instructional and content design will oversee and provide consultation and hands-on support to curriculum managers and subject matter experts (SMEs) in the development and conversion of training courses to innovative online and other technology-assisted educational venues, utilizing cutting-edge technologies, creative design, and a variety of strategies for delivery. This individual will be responsible for consulting with curriculum managers and SMEs to create effective, engaging, and dynamic learning materials and environments in Moodle, NWSG's learning management system, utilizing appropriate instructional technologies. This will involve curating third-party resources, as well as creating interactive media and activities first-hand, using industry-standard eLearning authoring tools. The Senior Manager will also manage the division's review process for virtual training offerings, virtual convenings as well as other duties and projects.
Due to the current pandemic circumstances and our commitment to provide the highest care for our community, NeighborWorks America requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before being hired. Candidates should be prepared to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon hire or discuss accommodations in line with COVID-19 safety protocols.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
- Champion substance, quality, accessibility, and engaging design in all aspects of electronic course content.
- Proactively consult with curriculum managers and SMEs to identify learning objectives and write, produce and develop content, activities and media for online, hybrid and blended courses and webinars.
- Track and coordinate all assigned online/blended course development projects
- Work collaboratively with the Senior Manager, Online Logistics & Administration to promote innovation and effectiveness in instructional design
- Support the recommendations of virtual event program content by researching and recommending possible themes/topics. Researching and recommending potential speakers for virtual events. Working with key staff to plan each virtual event.
- Facilitating and moderating comments and questions during virtual events.
- Assist Training with pivot from traditional face to face events into online virtual formats while helping the organization clearly identify the best strategy to meet our needs.
- Promote and manage various virtual products, tools and services offered by Training
- Work with internal partners including Corporate Strategy & Impact, National Initiatives, Field, Public Relations, and other teams within Training to develop, refine, and promote products and services offered as part of virtual or in person special projects of Training.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of instructional technologies and best practices.
- Other job-related duties as assigned.
Nature of Work Contacts:
- NeighborWorks® America staff from various divisions
- The primary online training contractor as well as sub-contractors and other contractors and consultants
Required Minimum Qualifications:
a. Education:
- Bachelors in relevant field
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with expertise in visual communication and digital media
- Expertise developing innovative, engaging and accessible educational materials and experiences for electronic delivery; examples of work will be required
- Experience applying knowledge of instructional design theory and best practices
- Expertise with eLearning authoring tools, media production hardware and applications, and best practices in accessible course design
- Experience developing training courses within a learning management system
- Demonstrated aptitude for team-based project management
b. Licenses, Certifications: None
c. Competencies, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and proficiency developing and delivering presentations using online presentation programs such as PowerPoint, WebEx (or other meeting software);
- Knowledge of the housing and community development field.
- Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication and facilitation skills required.
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with a variety of persons of various socio-economic and ethnic compositions including professionals of corporations, foundations, nonprofit organizations and others.
- Ability to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple work activities in a fast-paced team environment and ability to work independently.
- Ability to predict and find solutions for potential issues before they arise, which leads to a higher chance of a successful project.
- Ability to communicate with many groups of people, including the project team, project sponsor, clients, and any other stakeholders, all while tailoring their communication style to speak appropriately with each group.
- Experienced negotiation skills that allow for invested time in understanding the team and client relationships and the motivations of their stakeholders’ interests.
- Experience managing external contractors/consultants, including payment.
- Ability to travel as required.
- Maintain regular and timely attendance.
d. Technology: Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint, Zoom (or other meeting software).
e. NeighborWorks America Staff are expected to demonstrate excellence in the following:
- Sensitivity to racial, gender, sexual orientation and cultural differences.
- Effective, respectful, and timely communications with internal and external stakeholders.
- Listening effectively, seeks and accepts feedback.
- Effective teamwork.
- Analytic, thoughtful and strategic thinking.
- Considering the mission, objectives, and goals of NeighborWorks and demonstrating an understanding of the impact of her/his/their decisions and behavior on the organization.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in relevant field
- Professional experience teaching online
- Experience assessing the quality of eLearning courses and/or instructional materials utilizing industry standards such as Quality Matters
Working Conditions:
- Travel: Work is performed in an office setting, requiring occasional travel and overnight absences from the employee’s place of residence - estimated at 10-15% of time.
- Physical/Sensory Demands: Fast-paced working environment, with extensive computer usage. Work is performed with an extensive degree of independent judgment and action under the direction of direct supervisor.
Special Provisions: Occasional work outside of normal business hours, such as weekends is required.
