FrameWorks Institute: Changing the Public Conversation about Social Problems

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Director of Learning


Job Description

The FrameWorks Institute -- a nonprofit think tank that designs, conducts, interprets and explains communications research to advance the resolution of social problems -- seeks a director of learning to contribute to the design and implementation of a multi- venue set of learning activities around a core curriculum for nonprofit communicators. This curriculum is built around the Institute's unique communications approach: Strategic Frame Analysis™ (SFA). The SFA approach stresses a critical combination of research methods (qualitative and quantitative) to support both descriptive and prescriptive investigations of the power of communications frames. As such, the Director of Learning will serve a critical translation function between a set of Ph.D.-level researchers and a field of practice that is diverse geographically and institutionally. The Institute is a virtual organization of senior staff and fellows located around the U.S.; this position is located in Washington, DC.

We are seeking an individual who is knowledgeable and experienced in the delivery of professional development programs for adults and who can function at a high level within this dynamic organization. Teaching experiences across a variety of learning platforms is required – workshops, webinars, blogs as well as classroom interaction. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to: research and identify content, develop exercises, create multi-media presentations, design new modules to existing programs based on evaluation data, work with a diverse array of staff, fellows and interns from divergent backgrounds. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team of senior professionals is imperative. While strong teaching is a prerequisite, those without management experience will not be considered. Candidates should have some familiarity with the scholarship on media effects, social movements, critical media studies, cultural models, the framing of social problems, and/or cognitive approaches to understanding how communications in general, and media in particular, influence public support for social programs and policies.

Required Skills:

  • Master's Degree required; Ph.D. preferred.
  • Previous work experience with learning community programs in higher education or adult learning programs
  • Experience in curriculum development/new course development and innovative high impact pedagogy
  • Familiarity with social science disciplines and methods
  • Strong project management
  • Experience using technology to implement a curriculum
  • Some experience with applied research
  • Professional, enthusiastic, hard-working and "can do" attitude
  • Capable of independently managing time and the tasks associated with a fast-paced organization
  • Demonstrable evidence of strong written and oral communications skills.
  • Excellent analytic, writing and organizational skills.
  • Willingness to travel (as much as 25% of time)
  • Creativity and intellectual curiosity
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment both independently and as part of a team.



DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Oversee the translation of the Institute's research findings for public learning through the development of learning tools in written, video, and oral form
  • Integrate those research findings into a wide variety of interpretive materials, working with collaborating staff
  • Read and assimilate all FrameWorks research and presentations explaining the SFA approach
  • Master the presentation of FrameWorks' communications perspective and research findings and participate in all learning activities
  • Present FrameWorks' approach to communities of learners, funders and other interested parties
  • Ensure the delivery of timely and high-quality products to inform multiple learning venues
  • Conceptualize, organize and schedule a full array of teaching engagements
  • Participate in regular and ongoing collaborative meetings
  • Contribute to ongoing process of developing innovative teaching methods and tools
  • Stay abreast of the scholarship in his/her field and contribute this information to the intellectual life and research initiatives of the Institute
  • Participate in regular and ongoing collaborative meetings
  • Other research tasks as assigned

This position reports to Chief Executive Officer, but must be collaborative and responsive to a wide array of staff and consultants around the country. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and personnel structure of the nonprofit FrameWorks Institute. Resume with complete employment history and education background plus a relevant writing sample or publication should be submitted on or before May 30, 2011 to Tia Remington-Bell, FrameWorks Institute, c/o 1776 Eye Street, NW 9th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20006. No solicitations please.