Program Officer, Curriculum Design

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent organization dedicated to providing high-quality programming for refugees resettling in the United States. Established with the mission to respond to the needs of refugees and promote their integration into society, the IRC has been a leader in this field for many years. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on innovative programs that leverage the unique strengths and needs of refugees. The IRC employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders to shape policies and practices that enhance refugee services.

Job Overview:
The Program Officer, Curriculum Design will play a crucial role within the IRC’s Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration department’s Learning team. This position is responsible for leading the development, refinement, and rollout of curricula across three distinct programs aimed at serving refugee populations: Services for Older Refugees (SOR), Refugee School Impact (RSI), and Youth Mentorship (YM). The Program Officer will conduct rapid needs assessments to ensure that all curricular products are culturally responsive and aligned with evidence-based practices. This role requires the production and maintenance of high-quality content through collaboration with subject matter experts and the design of effective learning resources. The Program Officer will ensure that all learning materials meet high standards of design, continuity, accuracy, and accessibility, thereby contributing to the overall mission of supporting refugees and newcomers effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The major responsibilities of the Program Officer include designing, adapting, and implementing culturally responsive and trauma-informed curricula for the SOR, RSI, and YM programs. The officer will lead and analyze rapid needs assessments, including a desk review of existing curricula to identify strengths and gaps. They will develop learning materials such as curriculum modules and facilitation guides that address critical areas like literacy, life skills, social-emotional learning, and school readiness. Additionally, the Program Officer will integrate best practices in adult learning and instructional design, collaborating with graphic designers to ensure that curricula are both accessible and visually appealing. They will also ensure that all curricula align with program goals, funder requirements, and community needs, while documenting and reporting on the curriculum development process. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position should possess a Bachelor’s degree in education, instructional design, curriculum design, social sciences, or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred. They should have 3 to 5 years of experience in curriculum development, instructional design, youth development, adult education, or related program areas. Proficiency with design tools such as Canva and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of accessible formatting practices, is essential. Applicants should provide relevant samples of their curricular design portfolio work and demonstrate experience in creating culturally relevant, trauma-informed, and learner-centered educational materials. Familiarity with refugee resettlement, immigrant communities, or cross-cultural education is also important, along with a strong understanding of social-emotional learning frameworks, particularly SEAD or similar models. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are mandatory, as is the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, accessible content. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter capable of working independently and collaboratively, with strong attention to detail, organization, and project management skills to manage multiple competing deadlines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as education, instructional design, curriculum design, social sciences, or a related area. A Master’s degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding in the field of curriculum development and instructional design.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in curriculum development, instructional design, youth development, adult education, or related program areas. This experience should demonstrate a strong capability in developing educational materials that are culturally relevant and trauma-informed, as well as a solid understanding of the needs of refugee populations.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the team and with external stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, additional language skills may be considered beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in the working environment. However, it does require 1-3 domestic travel trips annually. The compensation for this role ranges from $70,000 to $80,000 per year, with variations based on factors such as the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC is committed to equal opportunity employment and values diversity, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations throughout the application and interview process. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including sick days, paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program to support staff and their families.