Careers - Curriculum Specialist

Overview

• This is a one-year term position, starting August 17, 2026 and ending August 15, 2027
• Rate: $50/hour
• Full-time (40 hours per week, 8 hours per day / Monday-Friday)
• 100% in-person presence required at the NFATC campus in Arlington, VA during core business hours
• This is a contractor position which may be renewed based on NFATC’s requirements and needs. Assignments are frequently extended beyond the initial end date.
• The position is eligible for benefits.

Responsibilities

• • With minimal direction and maximum coordination, lead groups in the development of language training materials or School of Language Studies (SLS)-relevant reference materials and/or in the development of SLS-relevant instructional research and development following the SLS model.
• • With minimal direction and maximum coordination, manage the development and implementation of new specialized language training programs for domestic and overseas use. Assist other language professionals in a mentoring role, by, among other things, developing models that reflect "best practices" as defined by the field of Instructed Second Language Acquisition. Actively encourage the wider use of innovative training models, e.g., distance learning, multimedia learning systems, guided self-study, coaching, exploiting a local language environment, and tutoring.
• • With minimal direction and maximum coordination, lead groups in the development of SLS-relevant staff training projects or undertake training development on own, including, but not limited to, design and execution of workshops for SLS staff. Training projects may involve coaching, mentoring or classroom observation as required.
• • With minimal direction and maximum coordination, collaborate with the Division of Curriculum, Student and Staff Development to draft all required documents in the curriculum development project approval process, and provide status updates on approved projects as directed.

Qualifications

• • A minimum of three (3) years of experience developing courses for adult learners of foreign languages.
• • BA/BS, MA/MS, or Ph.D., or foreign equivalent degree in a relevant language education fields such as Corpus Linguistics Training, Second Language Acquisition, Applied Linguistics, and/or Instructional Design with demonstrated expertise through experience or publications in instructional design and/or curriculum development methodologies in language education.
• • Knowledge of basic computer skills: e.g., email, Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with online meeting software (Zoom, Skype, MS Teams, Webex), etc.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will meet both the required and the desired qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience incorporating a range of educational technology in instructional materials preferred.
• Experience designing materials for proficiency-based instruction preferred.
• Experience designing task-based language learning materials valued.
• Experience designing vocabulary-based language learning materials valued.
• Experience designing courses utilizing blended learning models valued.