Reports to: Director, Curriculum & Training

The Curriculum and Training Specialist works as a team member in the Curriculum and Training unit within the Curriculum Department ad reports to the Director of Curriculum and Training. In cooperation with other members of the unit, he Curriculum and Training specialist is responsible for the development, revision, and updating of the basic curriculum designs, lesson plans and associated curriculum resources for all Close Up programs; the design and implementation of all training plans for Close Up’s staff of program instructors; the ongoing in-field observation and coaching of the instructional staff; and the design and implementation of weekly in-service staff development sessions. This is a key position that requires working both in-field and at headquarters, the ability to accurately and effectively articulate Close Up’s pedagogy and educational mission to a variety of external and internal constituencies, and the capacity to continuously maintain a high level of educational expertise to contribute to various projects undertaken by Close Up. The position requires previous experience, with outstanding performance, as a Close Up Program Instructor.

Individually and in collaboration with the Curriculum team, the Curriculum and Training Specialist…

Plans, designs, implements and evaluates training functions including:

• Training of new and returning Program Instructors, including administrative staff assigned to work as PIs
• Professional development sessions and workshops
• Training and curriculum materials for various specialized programs and programs for specific constituencies
• Training and various development and customized programs, in collaboration with program managers in sales and development

Writes, updates, revises program and training materials including:

• The Handbook for Program Instructors
• The PI Lesson Plan Book and associated instructional materials
• The Washington Redbook
• The Student Notebook (High School, Middle School, Program for New Americans)
• Student Notebooks, instructional materials, content resources, and training guides for special programs and constituents
• Updated lesson plans and related resources for program activities
• Relevant program/promotional materials requested by other units of the organization as assigned by the Director of Curriculum

The Curriculum and Training Specialist provides coaching and professional development for instructional staff on an ongoing basis through:

• Formal observation and coaching using basic techniques of Clinical Supervision Method
• Informal observation and coaching
• Weekly staff development sessions prepared in cooperation with the Curriculum and Training unit and the Program Leaders

The Curriculum and Training Specialist maintains excellent training skills and up-to-date expertise in civic education and general pedagogical theory.

The Curriculum and Training Specialist executes special projects and assignments such as working with other departments within the Foundation to evaluate current programs, write proposals for new programs, and contribute to new projects and endeavors as directed and/or approved by the Director of Curriculum and Training.

If interested, please email your resume and cover letter to resumes@closeup.org. Reference "CTS" in the subject line.

Program Instructors deliver our exciting programs in Washington, D.C. by teaching and leading diverse groups of students from schools nationwide through our structured civic-education curriculum. Program Instructors instill students with an understanding that a healthy democracy is absolutely dependent on an informed and engaged citizenry. Instructors teach lessons focusing on central questions of democracy such as the proper size and role of government, as well as workshops on controversial public policy issues. Instructors utilize the city of Washington, D.C. as their classroom and educate students using the many famous sites in our nation’s capital. Instructors also facilitate large group activities such as a mock Congress, accompany students to meetings with elected representatives on Capitol Hill, and are constantly stimulating debate and civic dialogue. In addition to functioning as educators, Program Instructors help manage the total experience for students, many of whom are away from home for the first time.

The Program Instructor position is not a “typical” nine to five. The hours you work on any given week will mirror the program schedule you’re working, with the weekend (days off) usually consisting of Friday and Saturday.

All of the meals on program are provided. Program Instructors work a contract length of approximately 6 months. Some of the best Program Instructors are chosen to come back for another program season as returning or senior-level instructors. Others stay with Close Up and support the mission through different positions within the Foundation.

Qualifications: (1) Must have a bachelor’s degree (preferably in political science, history, education, social science or related field), (2) be adept at working with diverse students in grades 6-12, (3) be able to facilitate dialogue about public policy issues, and (4) have the flexibility and stamina to work long hours in a fast-paced environment. While not critical, it helps if you have some teaching or public speaking experience.

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to our Program Manager, Elisa Gunduz, at egunduz@closeup.org. RESUMES WITHOUT A COVER LETTER WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

The Transportation Coordinator is responsible for booking, scheduling and supervising all logistical aspects for our weekend airport operation. Other duties will include booking domestic and international airline group space for our Close Up participants.

Responsibilities include:

• Schedule buses, airport and office staff for all Close Up participants arriving and departing the D.C. and NYC metro airports.
• Create bus orders and staff packets for weekend operation.
• Accommodate all special requests for weekend ground transportation.
• Create departure schedules for weekday and weekend airline departures.
• Hire, train and manage all weekend meet & greet staff.
• Keep accurate account of all airport hours & schedules for weekend transportation team.
• Pay and proof all bus bills on a weekly basis.
• File and maintain an accurate filing system for all bus bills and communications.
• Book and deposit on airline group space.
• Work with varied departments on special programs for airfare and ground transportation.
• Office duties to include; sending of airline tickets, filing and answering the phone.
• On call MOD for weekday and weekend operations.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree or equivalent experience in the hospitality, convention or travel industry.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and consistently meet deadlines.
• Collegial working style/team player attitude.
• Computer experience (MS Office Suite/Outlook) as well as the adaptability to learn other database systems.
• Demonstrated record of professionalism and strong customer vendor relations skills.
• Reasoning and problem solving skills to develop and implement alternative plans.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

If interested, please email your resume and cover letter to resumes@closeup.org. Reference "TC" in the subject line.