Educational Consultant: Instructional Resource Development and Design - Term - Vanderbilt University

Please note: This is a full-time, term position.



Do you have a knack for explaining hard concepts or making complex information easier to understand? The IRIS Center is looking for an education expert to work with our tiny but mighty team of professionals to create meticulously designed online instructional materials. The IRIS Center, a federally funded project located within the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University, is an international leader in the development of free, open-access resources used for training and ongoing professional development of current and future teachers and other education professionals. The Educational Consultant for Resource Development must have a strong background in education and will be responsible for developing resources that meet the IRIS Center’s quality standards—resources that are accessed over 4 million times per year from its website.



The IRIS Center develops and disseminates free, engaging online resources about evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices to support the education of all students, particularly struggling learners, and those with disabilities. These resources, designed to bridge the research-to-practice gap, are intended for use in college teacher preparation programs, in professional development (PD) activities for practicing professionals, and by independent learners. The array of IRIS resources includes modules, case studies, information briefs, course/PD activities, a high-leverage practices alignment tool, and an online glossary of disability-related terms as well as supporting products to enhance their use in coursework and PD activities. All these resources are hosted for free on the center’s barrier-free website.



The Educational Consultant for Resource Development position involves work on a federally funded grant at the IRIS Center. The primary mission of the IRIS Center is to develop and disseminate engaging, interactive online resources about evidence-based practices to help teachers improve the education and behavior outcomes for all students, particularly struggling learners, and those with disabilities. In this position, you will work with national experts and in-house IRIS developers to research, write, and review content for instructional modules, case study units, and other resources on topics related to the center's mission. Additionally, you will conduct presentations and other dissemination activities at local, state, and national conferences. This position is a full-time, term position and can move from a term to a permanent position after one year.



This is a term position that can be performed primarily via an alternative work arrangement (i.e., remote work) during regular business hours. Applicants must be located within the USA and this grant funded position will not support anyone working via a VISA.



Please Note: Applicants will be asked to complete a writing assignment as part of the application and selection process.







NOTE: A Term position is a staff position that exists for a period longer than six months but is not expected to last beyond one year. Although a position may exist for a specified or indefinite period, staff who accept term positions are not guaranteed employment for the entire period; they are employed for indefinite periods within the limit of the appointment. There are no guarantees of continued employment, either within the term or when the term ends.







Duties and Responsibilities





+ Conduct research/literature reviews about identified evidence-based practices in education



+ Work with and/or interview content experts in key educational areas



+ Translate research findings and write content for instructional resources (e.g., IRIS Modules, Case Study Units, Activities, Information Briefs, Fundamental Skill Sheets). These resources are used by college and university faculty to provide instruction to college students and by educators in the field for professional development/independent learning.



+ Participate in the development and revision of IRIS products and resources



+ Participate in individual and team reviews of draft resources



+ Help coordinate and participate in training and dissemination activities (e.g., Webinars, virtual trainings, coffee chats)



+ Conduct presentations on behalf of the center (virtual, local, state, and national conferences). Travel will be required for many of the above presentations (as per VU health and safety guidelines).



+ Other clearly articulated responsibilities, duties, and performance expectations, as the role evolves









Supervisory Relationships



This position does not have supervisory responsibility and reports administratively and functionally to the administrative manager.







Qualifications





+ Successful completion of a Master’s degree in special education or a related field (e.g., elementary or secondary education) is necessary.



+ Preference will be given to those with training or certification in instructional design.



+ Strong writing skills, particularly the ability to explain complicated concepts clearly so that they make sense to novice learners



+ Excellent organizational and communication skills, including independent writing skills



+ Exceptionally high level of accuracy and attention to detail



+ Strong time management skills to efficiently manage multiple tasks with accuracy and complete within deadlines



+ Strong teamwork and collaboration skills



+ Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact fluidly with the diverse individuals and organizations connected with the center





Preferred experience



In addition to what is listed above, preference will be given to candidates who also possess the following:





+ Preference will be given to those with at least five years experience as a teacher or other education professional.









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Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.