All organization positions are expected to meet the organization standards for attendance, punctuality, positive interactions with others, effective work habits, knowledge, skills, judgment, ethics, and commitment to the DarkSky International mission.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Learning Program manager supports DarkSky International Programs by developing educational material and method(s) for facilitating global learning and certification. Tasks include the development of programmatic objectives to reach various constituencies, ranging from free online (website, social media, others) learning content to sponsored or fee-for-use content, creating innovative and engaging learning techniques, launching and managing DarkSky’s Learning Management system, and curating content for DarkSky events. Immediate objectives are to develop an online learning system for Responsible Outdoor Light at Night (ROLAN) that will lead to a DarkSky Qualified certificate demonstrating core competencies and knowledge in this field. This is a full-time remote position that requires approximately 10% travel. This position works under the direction of the Chief Program Officer.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Creative Genius; Practical Implementation
A. This position requires creativity to develop engaging online methods to educate international participants about nighttime lighting and light pollution. Methods must include interactive online experiences that teach scientific and artistic topics to reach a diverse global audience, including architects, designers, city officials, and researchers in lighting, vision, biology, ecology, and astronomy. The ability to artistically translate complex topics into simplified messaging using evidence-based research is essential.
B. The breadth of DarkSky topics ranges from an individual living in the desert concerned about a neighbor’s home miles away to people seeking international limits on satellites traveling in low earth orbit disrupting the natural sky view at night. The job requires a capacity to develop materials that inspire individuals on a personal level while simultaneously curating content necessary to define the highest-level learning programs essential to achieving DarkSky credentials.
C. The immediate tasks will be to work with the Chief Programs Officer to complete the Responsible Outdoor Light at Night (ROLAN) learning program and to launch a new Learning Management System. These are parallel paths; we are starting with a fresh platform that can be developed with this new learning program. Tasks include assessing existing high-level outline content, creating scripting for online educational presentations, determining potential pathways for implementation (videos, AR/VR, gaming, etc), developing interactive exercises that people can do from wherever they live, incorporating testing (content and technique), and putting together completed plans for implementing the program on the LMS.
D. Successful completion of the ROLAN education program requires test-taking and knowledge demonstration from the user, and is meant to lead to a ‘DarkSky Qualified’ certificate. The Learning Program Manager will be responsible for developing testing methods within the program and renewal requirements after achieving the Qualified status, as well as messaging that promotes the DarkSky Qualified benefits to various constituents.
E. The position includes identifying the need for outside expertise, soliciting pricing from vendors, and overseeing outside vendor work to completion while staying within budget.
F. The position requires working with DarkSky Team members to develop learning objectives of various DarkSky programs (International Dark Sky Places, DarkSky Approved Lodging, DarkSky Approved Luminaires, DarkSky Approved Outdoor Sports Lighting) to create and launch learning materials to support applicants of those programs.
G. The position will work with the Chief Program Officer and CEO to develop a financial model for long-term growth, expanding the scope and reach of DarkSky’s learning programs consistent with a five-year strategic plan.
H. The position will work with the DarkSky Development and Communications team to drive international use and adoption of DarkSky educational content.
I. The position will require developing relationships with, and partnering with lighting educators, professionals, and related organizations to keep abreast of new topics and/or methods for developing new educational content.
J. The position requires developing a plan for users to receive Continuing Education Units
(CEUs) for professional development.
Digital Communications and Data Management:
A. Must be fluent and current in audio-visual techniques, from simple to advanced learning presentations. This job requires a ‘hands-on’ approach to implementing programs.
B. Manage DarkSky’s Learning Management System, which includes adding course elements to the LMS, configuring course and enrollment rules, sending reminders to learners, and overseeing certification workflows.
C. Coordinate the LMS system with other DarkSky technologies, such as the CRM, DAM, and accounting programs, to ensure the systems are coordinated for proper accounting of participants, digital assets, copyright documentation, and fees.
D. Coordinate with DarkSky events, including Night Matters monthly webinar, International Dark Sky Week, and the annual conference, to assist with content creation when needed.
E. Utilize Google Docs and Google Drive capabilities for projects and coordinate/follow through on remote digital meetings using multiple platforms.
F. Maintain organized digital records of projects and all associated documents.
COMMUNICATION AND INTERFACE
● Engage in respectful and ongoing communication and problem-solving with others.
● Act as a positive and professional ambassador for the Organization internally and in the greater community.
● Customer success mindset and approach.
● Successfully complete tasks to meet deadlines.
● Be creative, innovative, and resourceful in developing new ideas or processes.
● Collaborate with others to encourage outside perspectives.
● Collaborate with the philanthropy and communications teams in developing and implementing strategies that enhance donor engagement, effectively communicate the organizations impact, and support overall fundraising efforts.
REQUIREMENTS
● Bachelor’s degree.
● Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience developing educational content and learning management system administration.
● Experience in launching a new LMS, including migrating learner data.
● Basic knowledge of Content Management Systems and using plug-ins.
● Familiarity with adult learning principles and digital learning and assessment best practices.
● Familiarity with and understanding of dark sky and light pollution issues. Understanding of lighting art and science is advantageous but not necessarily required.
● Proficiency with spreadsheets, word documents, and PowerPoint presentations.
● Project management experience is required.
● Strong written and verbal communication and public presentation skills.
● Highly organized and able to simultaneously manage multiple projects and meet varying deadlines as they arise.
● Flexible and able to maintain organization in a busy environment.
● Able to maintain timely records and produce clear written and oral reports.
WORK HOURS, SCHEDULE & FLEXIBILITY
This position works weekdays. However, some evening or weekend events may require attendance to support events or meet deadlines. Some flexibility in scheduling exists if organization needs are adequately addressed.
The Organization may need to revise or change the positions essential and supplemental responsibilities as needed. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $74,000.00 - $84,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience level:
Schedule:
Work Location: Remote