Curriculum and Assessment Specialist

29-Jul-2022

Harvard Graduate School of Education

59075BR

Job Summary

About the TLL

The Teaching and Learning Lab (TLL) supports and develops innovative and effective approaches to teaching and learning at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The successful candidate will be passionate about joining in our strategic commitment to contribute to high-quality learning experiences that help educators learn to change the world.

What We Offer 

• We have a team with diverse backgrounds and unique experiences that enables us to continuously learn from one another, iterate on our processes, and enhance our work.  
• We forge connections to colleagues and organizations within and beyond the university to understand where the field is heading and to expand our ways of thinking and working.
• Our team is creative, empathetic, caring, fun, connected, and always focused on creating and supporting high-quality, human-centered learning experiences. 
• While we currently work in a hybrid model we find ways to stay connected and build relationships, participating in virtual drawing games, sharing stories, and other events.  
• Among us there are knitters, woodworkers, marathon runners, bakers, artists, parents (of humans, cats, dogs, and plants), international travelers, and more.  

Position Description

The Teaching and Learning Lab (TLL) seeks a Curriculum and Assessment Specialist to assist with curriculum development and planning and with research for online, face-to-face, and/or blended courses and programs offered by HGSE. The associate is a creative thinker who is able to envision and document designs to achieve and curricular aims, and to design and implement assessments of student learning and program impact. The specialist is also skilled at discovery of frameworks, technologies, and methodologies to advance projects. The position involves excellent verbal and written communication skills, organization and multitasking, ability to envision and propose solutions to complex design or analytical puzzles, willingness to pitch in to move a project toward completion, and an ability to form and maintain collaborative relationships with members of the TLL as well as other internal and external stakeholders. The specialist works under the supervision of the Director of Curriculum Design and Assessment.

The responsibilities described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Responsibilities include:

Curriculum Development

• Under the general direction of the Director, lead the discovery, design, and execution of components of curriculum and content development, mapping, and analysis efforts for online, face-to-face, and blended learning environments.
• Manage a range of projects, processes, and other activities supporting the curriculum and assessment components of projects. Oversee identification and resolution of issues and communicate clear and timely updates to stakeholders.
• Develop a wide variety of written and visual material, including design and assessment plans, curriculum maps, assessments, and instructional materials.
• Represent the curriculum team and advance curricular aims when collaborating with learning designers, media producers, learning technologists, and instructional coaches on joint projects.  
• Determine curricular implications for facilitation, research, evaluation, and strategic plans as needed.
• Train and coordinate work of temporary and/or student workers, including assigning tasks and reviewing work.
• Other duties as necessary.

Research and Assessment

• Under the general direction of the Director, lead the design and execution of components of assessment and research efforts, including collecting, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data. Make recommendations for design and process improvements based on assessment and evaluation findings.
• Partner with Director, faculty, administrators, and TLL team members to develop curriculum and assessment strategies. Collaborate with these partners on the design of studies to assess student learning outcomes and student experiences; evaluate course or program designs; and analyze development processes.
• Adhere to and help advise TLL colleagues on best practices in instrument development, research involving human subjects, and data management practices.
• Contribute to reports on curriculum design and assessment projects for internal documentation and for dissemination to stakeholders.
• Stay current on peer reviewed literature related to curriculum design and program evaluation and share best practices with the TLL team.
• Other duties as assigned.

This is a two year term position with the possibility of extension.

Basic Qualifications

• BA/BS required plus 3 years of related experience. Advanced degree may count towards experience.
• Experience in designing and conducting research studies, preferably in the field of education, for example, user testing, program evaluation, and/or empirical research on learning.
• Experience designing surveys, focus groups, interview protocols, and/or other data collection tools.

Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in Education or related field.
• Excellent writing and research skills.
• Experience creating research reports, preferably including data visualizations.
• Familiarity with qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis software (e.g., Excel, Qualtrics, R, Nvivo, Dedoose).
• Education and/or work experience related to the learning and/or developmental sciences.
• Prior experience that demonstrates a capability to identify priorities, balance competing demands, and independently manage both short-term and long-term deadlines and tasks.
• A problem-solving attitude and ability to think strategically.
• Collaborative and team-oriented work ethic.
• Creativity and the ability to communicate clearly. 
• Demonstrated skill in building relationships and working on educational development with faculty members and administrators in higher education.

Working Conditions

• We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship.

• This position will be based in Cambridge.  All work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT).

• Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members who will have any on-campus presence. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ . 

Additional Information

HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms, and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions.  We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows each individual to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.
We do this by:

•    Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve;
•    Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged;
•    Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation;
•    Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion;
•    Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
•    Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment  

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu

Job Function

Information Technology

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

383056 IT Specialist

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.