Curriculum Developer - Program Specialist 3

Are you a creative and detail-oriented curriculum developer who thrives on building engaging learning experiences? Do you have the skills to transform complex processes and evolving technology into clear, accessible trainings? Would you thrive in a role creating curriculum that boosts staff knowledge and confidence, enabling our agency to continue delivering outstanding service to our members - the public employees across Washington State who are planning to or are enjoying their hard-earned retirement benefits? If this sounds exciting to you, the role of Curriculum Developer (Program Specialist 3) at the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) could be your next great career move!

This recruitment will remain open until filled. Applicants who apply by 8:00 am (PST) on Monday, September 15, will get first consideration. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time during the recruitment process.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an innovative and highly skilled Curriculum Developer to support a culture of learning through the design, development, and implementation of learning and development programs that will positively impact the work of our Retirement Specialists (RS), who directly support more than 950,000 current and former members and their beneficiaries.

In this role, you will be an integral part of the project training team that will help lead our agency through a multi-year, multi-million-dollar pension system replacement set to go live in Fall 2027. You will re-build existing curriculum for our RS in-training cohorts, replacing legacy training content with updated curriculum aligned with the new system and ensuring both foundational pension knowledge and technical skills are effectively captured.

You will also support the success of our agency by contributing to ongoing learning and development needs, including unit-specific courses, refresher trainings, and updates required due to legislative changes. You will also facilitate the learning of other divisions within the agency in understanding the foundational work of an RS.

Some of what you'll do includes:

• Identifying appropriate training modalities (e.g., in-person classroom, virtual, e-learning, webinars, simulations or other forms of interactive learning) and determining the most effective teaching techniques to ensure positive learning outcomes.
• Creating comprehensive curriculum for our incoming RS in-training cohorts including replacing legacy content with updated curriculum aligned with the new system.
• Conducting research, needs assessments, and analysis to determine training requirements for division staff.
• Developing and maintaining curriculum designed to educate DRS team members on the foundational work performed by the MED/MOD teams and facilitating training delivery.
• Coordinating and conducting Train-the-Trainer sessions and publishing trainings in the Learning Management System.
• Partnering with the project training team to author a training solution that supports knowledge development and skill transfer for agency team members impacted by the pension system replacement project.
• Developing assessment tools, measuring training effectiveness, and refining programs based on feedback.
• Facilitating training delivery and creating an inclusive learning environment for diverse adult learners.
• Managing timelines, communicating progress to stakeholders, and ensuring deliverables stay on schedule.

NOTE: After successful completion of the review period and effectively demonstrating the ability to perform work independently, you may be eligible to telework up to three (3) days per week, at the discretion of the Appointing Authority and with a telework agreement in place. You must live within a reasonable commuting distance (less than 50 straight-line miles) to the DRS building in Tumwater, WA, and must be willing and able to adjust your telework schedule whenever necessary to complete work assignments, attend mandatory meetings, trainings, etc., at the DRS facility.

What we're looking for (required qualifications):

• Proven experience and proficiency in curriculum development, including creating lesson plans, professional instruction, learning management, and instructional design, utilizing Adult Learning Theory concepts.
• Proven experience and proficiency in an instructional design capacity, developing learning experiences that are effective, engaging, efficient and practical.
  
  The above experience is typically gained through at least two (2) years of full-time professional experience. Experience can be gained through various combinations of professional employment and volunteer/personal experience. Experience may be concurrent.
  
  
• Proven experience applying the ADDIE Model for Instructional Design or other models that support an effective instructional design practice.
• Demonstrated skill and experience developing Computer-Based Training (CBT), Instructor Led Training (ILT) and hybrid/blending learning.
• Demonstrated skill and proficiency with Articulate software or other similar training development software.
• Demonstrated skill and proficiency with Learning Management Systems/Learning Experience Platforms.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint (version 2016 or newer);
• Ability to demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively; and
• Demonstrated proficiency in the following competency areas:

Communication - Effectively conveys information in writing and through the spoken word, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience. Sees communication as a vital component of high performing teams.

Attention to Detail - Plans and organizes time and resources efficiently. Follows processes and procedures in the completion of work. Carefully monitors the details and quality of work and double-checks work product to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Analysis - Studies and reviews documents and information closely; readily identifies information that is not pertinent and understands when additional or verifying data is needed. Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusion, and make recommendations/decisions.

Researching and Gathering Information - Effectively identifies, collects, organizes and documents relevant data and information in ways that make the information most useful for subsequent assessment, analysis and investigation.

Learning Agility - Uses challenges as opportunities to improve; turns mistakes into learning opportunities. Is a proactive learner and seeks opportunities to stretch skills and gain additional exposure and experience.

Adaptability/Flexibility - Maintains effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment. Adapts easily to changing business needs, adjusting effectively to work within new structures, processes, requirements or cultures to achieve successful solutions. Demonstrates openness to new and different ways of doing things.

Facilitating Others - Effectively organizes, coordinates and leads small groups and/or projects to accomplish specific goals. Manages changes by providing the needed structure and environment for interactions to be effective. Is an effective communications link and reliable source of information for others.

Managing Workloads - Effectively organizes and priorities multiple, sometimes complex assignments, often involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, and on-time. Transitions easily between tasks, is able to incorporate project work into established workload and meet deadlines.

Be sure to read this entire section - We promise, it'll be helpful!

How to Apply: Interested applicants who meet the qualifications and competencies in this announcement are encouraged to apply.

• To be considered for this position, please be sure to attach the following to your online application:
  (Applications without these required attachments will not be accepted).
  
  1. A cover letter clearly describing how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position.
     
     
  2. A writing sample of no more than 3-5 pages from a curriculum you have developed. This work must be your own; if it was a collaborative effort, please clearly identify and note the sections that you authored. Please include a short description of the intended audience and purpose of the curriculum. Your sample may be in Word, PowerPoint or PDF format. Please remove any confidential or proprietary information before submitting your sample.
     
     
• Be sure to complete all sections of the on-line application and answer all supplemental questions. The work history section of the on-line application should be completed fully. Application fields that say "see resume/attachment" will not be considered. Only those applicants whose background and experience most closely matches the desirable qualifications and competencies of this position will be considered for this opportunity.

References, Personnel File Review, and Background Checks

• If you are the preferred candidate for this position, a professional reference from your current or most recent supervisor will be required;
• If you are current or recent state employee, we will also review your personnel file as part of our selection process;
• A job offer is contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review.

Work Authorization

• Candidates who are offered a job with DRS must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future;
• DRS complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
• DRS does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visitwww.uscis.gov.
• Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Why Work for DRS? At DRS, we are one team. We administer eight public retirement systems, 15 retirement plans, and the Deferred Compensation Program, and we serve over 930,000 current and former public employees in Washington. Our customers include fire fighters, teachers and school employees, state and local government employees, and public safety and law enforcement officers.

Regardless of what our specific duties may be, we are all dedicated to one purpose: ensuring our members have the information, tools, expertise and services that ensure they receive the retirement benefits earned while in public service. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where team members are fully engaged and supported in meeting (and exceeding) our customers' expectations. All DRS leaders are focused on providing the coaching, mentoring, resources and support that team members need to be successful.

DRS offers a generous benefits package that includes membership in the Public Employees Retirement System; health, dental and vision coverage and participation in the Deferred Compensation Program. Also, as a public service employee you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness. (See the Benefits tab at the top of this post for more information).

Other perks include:

• Flexible work schedules
• Infants at Work Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Access to LinkedIn Learning
• Commitment to team member safety and wellness
• Community involvement and charitable giving opportunities
• Commute Trip Reduction Program
• Free Parking & and EV Chargers available