Learning Associate- Washington DC

Organization: FrameWorks Institute

Position Title: Learning Associate

Location: 1776 I St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20006, United States (30% travel)

Hours and Compensation: full time

Application Deadline: October 31, 2013

Start Date: December 2, 2013

Organization Overview

The FrameWorks Institute – a nonprofit think tank that designs, conducts, and interprets communications research to advance the resolution of social problems—seeks a highly organized, thoughtful, and experienced nonprofit communicator to contribute to the design and implementation of curriculum and instruction on strategic communications. We are seeking an individual who is excited about engaging in a multidisciplinary approach to studying and solving applied communications issues.

Description

This position will support the learning division in its charge to translate FrameWorks’ research into powerful learning experiences for leaders in the nonprofit sector. We prepare those leaders to understand and apply recommendations from Strategic Frame Analysis™ (SFA), a communications approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative research methods and findings from a range of disciplines in the cognitive and social sciences, including anthropology, communications, linguistics, psychology, and sociology. FrameWorks’ current projects apply this method to a wide range of social issues – including child and youth development, criminal justice, education, environmental issues, health, and immigration – to arrive at evidence-based recommendations for how scientists, policy experts and advocates can do a better job of engaging the public in solutions to these issues. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in advocating on one of these social issues, have some background in one or more of the scholarly disciplines that informs SFA, and be willing to learn new and different approaches to communications theory and practice. Success in this position will also require being able to produce high quality training curriculum, deliver outstanding instruction, and anticipate and meet the learning needs of sophisticated professionals.

While the Institute is a virtual organization of staff and fellows located around the U.S., this position is based in Washington, DC. The position involves travel – up to 30% of time. This position will report to the Director of Learning, but must be responsive to a wide array of staff, consultants, and clients around the country.

Responsibilities

• Contribute substantially to the instructional design of face-to-face and virtual learning experiences for diverse types of communicators, including scientists, informal science educators, and issue-based advocates and practitioners
• Assist with the creation of interpretive tools that help advocates grasp key implications of research for their communications practice
• Deliver presentations and facilitate a variety learning experiences
• Work with other highly-skilled staff to contribute to curriculum design
• Contribute to the division’s efforts to improve and increase its capacity to deliver high-quality, innovative online learning in a variety of virtual venues
• Support impact evaluation efforts – collecting, analyzing, and writing up data on learner outcomes

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree in a relevant field and have at least five years’ experience working in the nonprofit sector as an advocate or communicator on social policy issues. Significant skill in developing and delivering public presentations and/or trainings is required; please specify accomplishments and strengths in this regard. Must be self-motivated, with a strong capacity for independent work, but also possess the skills and desire to work collaboratively with the FrameWorks team. Must possess outstanding organizational skills and the ability to juggle and prioritize many tasks and competing responsibilities, meeting expectations and deadlines consistently within a largely virtual workplace. Superb writing, research, analytical and interpersonal communication skills are essential to success at FrameWorks.

How to Apply

A resume with complete employment history and educational background, a cover letter specifying the fit between the applicant’s experience and the position, and a relevant writing sample or publication should be submitted to [email protected]. No direct solicitations, please. Candidates of interest will be contacted for interviews after review of submitted documents.