Contractor for Curriculum Development

Summary: As part of the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network (DBAN) project, a collaboration between RAFI and other organizations, the Contractor(s) for Curriculum Development will lead the development and coordinate the delivery of a comprehensive, tiered curriculum to be used in the training of individuals who will support farmers in financial crises. Curriculum development will involve incorporation of existing training materials and resources, and the creation of new ones.  This contractor will work collaboratively both with the internal RAFI team and with the multi-organization DBAN team.  This contracted work is currently funded for one year with an opportunity to be renewed for a second year.

Applicants who are applying as part of a contracting team should each submit an application, indicating clearly in their cover letter who their other team members are as well as the anticipated division of responsibilities.  Applicants who can cover only a portion of the scope of work will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum Development

• Drawing on the expertise of RAFI staff and partners, develop a comprehensive, living curriculum of training materials  to prepare individuals for farmer casework using previously existing trainings and resources and developing new content. 

• Review existing resources from RAFI and DBAN partners. Identify content areas still missing, and both a) work with partners to incorporate additional existing resources into the curriculum and b) work with the Farm Advocacy program staff to gain subject matter understanding to develop curriculum content.

• Collaborate with RAFI, DBAN partners and other subject matter experts (SMEs) to finalize a learning framework to guide curriculum development and establish learning objectives.

• Assemble and develop resource materials which can be shared with trainees, farmers, and others outside the context of the training to serve as a reference in their interactions with FSA and other USDA agencies.

Curriculum Implementation, Collaboration, and Evaluation 

• Work with the Southeast Cohort Manager, trainees, and subject matter experts to implement and deliver the developed curriculum (both in-person and online) and assessment instruments as phases of the curriculum are completed.

• Engage with and incorporate iterative feedback from the RAFI team, DBAN partners, and national network of experienced farm advocates into the curriculum and materials editing process.

• Collaborate with the DBAN Evaluation Committee to develop an evaluation plan and evaluation instruments for the curriculum.

Outreach

• Share curriculum content and training materials with organizations receiving DBAN sub-awards.

• Organize webinars, workshops, or conference presentations related to curriculum content in coordination with the RAFI project team or DBAN partners.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Proven experience in curriculum development or instructional design

• Understanding of best practices for adult learning including needs assessment and evaluation

• Creative thinking and adaptability in curriculum design

• Fast learner; ability to learn content rapidly and to organize it effectively for others

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Detail-oriented, organized/timely follow-up

• Works well within a team environment

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Experience delivering effective trainings

• Familiarity with agriculture, farm finances, and/or Farm Services Agency loans and programs

• Video editing experience

• Experience working with non profit organizations

Compensation and Status:

• Position is a contract position

• Compensation of $100,000 based on twelve months of work and an estimated 40 hours/week schedule.  Total compensation would be prorated or divided amongst contractors applying for a partial scope of work or as a team.

Location: This is a remote position. Overnight trips to project events will be required 3-5 times per year. 

About RAFI: Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI) challenges the root causes of unjust food systems, supporting and advocating for economically, racially, and ecologically just farm communities. We envision a thriving, sustainable, and equitable food system where farmers and farmworkers have dignity and agency; where they are supported by just agricultural policies; and where corporations and institutions are accountable to their community.

How to Apply: Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and professional references. We will accept applications until the contractor position(s) is(are) filled. In your cover letter, please state why you are interested in working for RAFI and share any skills or experiences you have that make you an ideal candidate for this position, especially agricultural advocacy experience, technical assistance service, or experience that demonstrates your curriculum development skills. Please no calls; we cannot guarantee a response to emails.

In your cover letter, please address the following questions:

1. Curriculum Development Experience:  Describe your experience developing training curricula for adult learners. How have you integrated existing resources and created new content to meet specific learning objectives and diverse participant needs?

2. Collaboration and Teamwork:  Can you share an example of working with stakeholders to create educational materials? How did you manage communication and feedback from multiple partners?

3. Adaptability and Problem Solving:  Can you describe a time when you adapted your work based on feedback or changing requirements? How do you ensure continuous improvement of your materials?

4. Assessing Competency: How would you design assessment instruments for competencies that need to include a broad knowledge base and both technical and soft skill sets working with farmers in financial crisis? 

5. Understanding of Agricultural Advocacy: If applicable, please describe any familiarity you have with agricultural finances, tools for borrowers in financial distress, and agencies like the Farm Service Agency.

Work Authorization: RAFI does not sponsor work visas; this position requires authorization to work in the United States.

Inclusive Workplace: RAFI-USA values an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are deeply committed to engaging the skills and leadership of people of color, LGBTQ persons, and other individuals from diverse backgrounds. Research shows that often women and people from underrepresented groups only apply to positions for which they meet 100% of the qualifications. RAFI-USA is interested in attracting a diverse pool of candidates who want to contribute as a part of a dedicated, hard-working, collaborative team, driven by equity. You need not check every box. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.