UCAR Center for Science Education - Educational Designer III

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) • Boulder, CO

1d • $105,550 - $131,940 • Hybrid

About The Position

UCAR’s Center for Science Education (SciEd) is hiring an Educational Designer III to lead the educational design function for SciEd’s Content and Program team. The role leads the design, development, dissemination, and assessment of national-scale STEM education resources and educator professional development that foster understanding of atmospheric and related sciences relevant to UCAR research.

The position sets the strategic vision for high-quality preK–12 educational materials; leads design projects and team members, including supervising an Educational Designer II; and represents UCAR’s preK–12 capabilities in education and scientific communities to develop partnerships and funding. It also leads or supports grant proposals, administers grant budgets, oversees educator training and dissemination, and contributes to SciEd’s program management, strategic planning, and hiring decisions. The role includes authoring publications, presenting at national conferences, and contributing to outreach and promotional content.

The position is open to candidates seeking in-person or hybrid work. Hybrid staff are expected to work on site approximately three days per week. The role requires domestic travel up to six times per year and must be performed within the United States, excluding U.S. territories. The hiring range is $105,550–$131,940, with final compensation based on relevant education, experience, and skills.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant academic discipline, such as education, educational or instructional design, or a STEM field, and five years of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree and ten years of equivalent combined education and experience.
• Expert knowledge of inclusive and accessible preK–12 STEM educational materials design, development, and evaluation processes.
• Demonstrated experience designing web-based educational materials for diverse preK–12 audiences and advanced knowledge of teacher professional development best practices.
• Advanced knowledge of Earth system science or scientific disciplines relevant to UCAR research.
• Demonstrated experience creating educational resources or professional development for early childhood audiences (ages 4–8).
• Ability to coordinate team members, track project milestones, and manage project budgets on time and within scope.
• Knowledge of staff supervision principles, including setting performance goals and conducting performance evaluations.
• Successful track record writing, securing, administering, and closing federal and foundation grant proposals.
• Exceptional written, oral, and visual communication skills tailored to educators, students, scientists, and administrators.
• Ability to comply with U.S. export control regulations and work location requirements.

Nice To Haves

• A Ph.D. in education or a STEM field.
• Experience solving complex design and development problems in educational materials or related professional development projects.
• Ability to solve systemic problems affecting program or project procedures.

Responsibilities

• Envision innovative educational solutions and establish the long-range strategy for high-quality preK–12 STEM learning materials and educator professional development.
• Lead educational design projects and direct design team members, including supervising an Educational Designer II, to ensure resources meet quality, accessibility, and inclusivity standards.
• Determine and oversee educational design project production budget requirements within the team budget.
• Oversee educator training programs and manage national and international dissemination of SciEd learning materials.
• Identify funding opportunities and lead or support collaborative grant proposals to federal agencies and foundations as principal investigator or project lead.
• Collaborate with universities, scientists, and community partners to plan resources that support UCAR’s strategic goals and sponsor broader-impact requirements.
• Administer project grant budgets and maintain regular communication with program sponsors throughout the grant lifecycle.
• Participate in SciEd’s Project Leads and Supervisors teams and contribute to program management, strategic planning, and hiring decisions.
• Represent UCAR’s preK–12 capabilities to sponsors, educational organizations, teachers, and scientists to cultivate future formal education funding.
• Author publications, present at national conferences, and contribute to promotional materials, social media, and SciEd’s K-12 e-newsletter.

Benefits

• Health insurance, including medical, dental, vision, and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• UCAR retirement plan, with UCAR contributing 10% of base salary.
• At least 20 days of annual paid time off.
• 10 paid holidays.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• FAMLI leave.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer.
• Employee assistance programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior