Job Description
Job Description
Company Overview │ Close Up is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, civic education organization that aims to inform, inspire, and empower young people to become active participants in our democracy. We believe a strong democracy requires engagement by all citizens. Therefore, we seek to reach youth from all communities and all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, gender, socioeconomic level, or academic standing. Since 1971, we have partnered with schools nationwide to serve more than one million students and educators through experiential programs in our nation’s capital and in local communities, professional development for educators, and curriculum and resource design.
Position Overview | The academic director is part of the Innovation and Programs Department at Close Up and serves as an academic leader for the organization, spearheading the strategic development, refinement, and implementation of innovative classroom curriculum and comprehensive educational resources. The person in this role works closely with senior leadership to drive innovation within our core student and teacher programs by collaborating with the curriculum and programs team. The academic director manages relationships with other civic education organizations, school and district leaders, partners, and funding organizations. The role requires exceptional public speaking and presentation skills to engage and inspire large audiences, as the academic director cultivates high-level partnerships with key leaders across civic education, democracy, and youth development sectors to expand our reach and influence.
Core Responsibilities
- Work with schools, districts, and other organizations to develop classroom curriculum and resources and consult on course design.
- Collaborate with members of the curriculum and programs team to innovate and provide guidance on Close Up’s core programs for middle and high school students.
- Deliver professional development workshops and ongoing instructional coaching to partner schools and districts.
- Deliver professional development workshops and site-based experiential workshops as part of the Close Up Teacher Program in Washington, D.C.
- Build connections with leaders in other civic education, democracy, and youth development organizations.
- Stay up to date with developments in the civic education and democracy nonprofit sector and trends in civics, government, and social studies education at the middle school, high school, and college levels.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, preferably in a related field such as history, political science, or education.
- At least 5-7 years of experience in classroom education, curriculum design, or youth program design (applicants will be asked to provide a sample portfolio of curriculum design work).
- Excellent writing skills, including the ability to write for a variety of audiences.
- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively across the organization.
- Passion for Close Up’s mission and civic education.
Compensation and Benefits | In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, Close Up provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes two robust medical insurance plans, dental insurance (over 90 percent of premiums are company-paid), and vision coverage. Close Up pays 100 percent of the premiums for life/AD&D insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance, and offers flexible spending and dependent care accounts, a 403(b) retirement savings program, paid vacation/sick days/holidays, paid parental leave, a Metro subsidy or free garage parking, free gym access, and a positive work environment.
To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter describing why this position is the right fit for your skills and experience.
Close Up Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
No phone calls or recruiters, please.