Content Development Specialist, DL

JOB TITLE: Distance Learning Content Development Specialist 

DEPARTMENT:  Distance Learning

REPORTING STRUCTURE 

Reports to: Distance Learning Product Development Manager 

Directly Supervises: N/A

Indirectly Supervises: External subject matter experts and consultant content developers

OBJECTIVE / PURPOSE 

The Distance Learning Content Development Specialist position owns the hands-on and print content pipeline, partners with the Distance Learning Product Development Manager to develop new product lines, and designs new lab investigations to win large opportunities. They write, edit, and review new hands-on, print and digital copy content to increase Distance Learning Content offerings. They review and update current content and ensure that Carolina’s distance learning lab courses are safe, clear, and reproducible in the home environment. The position supports the sales team by developing content from sales research, testing and reviewing content, and resolving customer content issues, but does not carry direct sales responsibilities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS

• Writes, edits, and reviews new hands-on and print content for college, high school, and dual enrollment distance learning science courses.
• Reviews and updates current content to ensure accuracy, quality, and alignment with customer needs.
• Develops new content and designs new lab investigations based on customer requests provided by the sales team.
• Manages the development of hands-on and print content and the copy and outlines of digital content, including the pipeline and schedule, SME network, review and release, and safety and reproducibility.
• Accountable for on-time content readiness at product launch.
• Recruits, contracts, and manages external subject matter experts and consultant content developers to develop and evaluate curriculum.
• Assigns work to external subject matter experts and consultant content developers, sets due dates, holds accountability for deadlines, and provides feedback to ensure adherence to Company standards.
• Provides testing, content review, and subject matter expertise to resolve customer content issues. 
• Runs the internal update and review process for new and existing materials.
• Confirms release readiness and WCAG 2.1 AA and other ADA and accessibility compliance for print and hands-on materials, and submits materials to the Product Development Manager for final approval before customer release.
• Ensures labs are safe, procedures are clear, and results are reproducible in the home environment across the portfolio.
• Partners with the Senior Manager, DL Operations and Product on bill of materials (BOM) development and kit testing for new courses.
• Partners with the Product Manager on course and kit definition and business cases.
• Performs other duties as required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Science Education, Curriculum and/or Instructional Design or a related science field is required. Master’s degree in Science, Science Education, Curriculum and/or Instructional Design or a related field is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of college-level science teaching experience and 3 years of lab content development experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Distance education or online teaching experience, science research experience, or instructional design experience is desirable. Experience writing or editing lab procedures for home or remote use is a plus.

Specialized Training/Skills:

• Strong science content knowledge across lab-based disciplines
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong editing and attention to detail, with the ability to write clear, reproducible procedures
• Knowledge of lab safety practices and the ability to evaluate hazards for home-use labs
• Knowledge of WCAG 2.1 AA and other ADA and accessibility requirements for print and hands-on materials, and the ability to use accessibility checking tools
• Strong project management, prioritization, and time management skills, including the ability to manage a content pipeline with competing deadlines
• Ability to recruit, direct, and give constructive feedback to external subject matter experts
• Ability to consult with faculty and administrators on online lab course design
• Ability to effectively plan, implement, and monitor self-directed and group projects
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, with working knowledge of Excel
• Smartsheet experience preferred
• Ability to work in a team environment and partner across functional areas
• High-energy, motivated, open-minded, and creative