Curriculum Developer

The Curriculum Developer (Ed Prof 4-Instrctnl Des, 9704ID) is a 1.0 FTE employee at the Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare (MICW). The University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) established the MN Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA) in partnership with the MN Department of Children, Youth, and Family (DCYF), a new collaborative that focuses on creating impactful, inclusive, and accessible training opportunities to meet the needs of the many MN child welfare workers and agencies.

The Curriculum Developer serves as a critical member of the integrated teams of DCYF and MNCWTA. This position is responsible for executing the strategic direction of development, implementation and maintenance of evolving curriculum and measures of competency for the MNCWTA. The Curriculum Developer will liaise with subject matter experts and other MNCWTA staff on curriculum revision, design and development.

A hybrid work schedule is required (3 days on-site, 2 days remote), reports to the Curriculum Supervisor at the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (1711 West County Road B, Roseville, MN 55113), which is two miles north of the St. Paul Campus.

Please note that this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Job Responsibilities:
Background and Development (70%)

• Work with trainers, policy staff, and e-learning designers to create Child Welfare training curriculum that will incorporate newly adopted and updated policy, as well as emerging and evidence informed child welfare practices.
• Develop learning materials and instructional sessions based on sound instructional design principles for adult learners that foster students and learning.
• Incorporate the use of innovative learning and development strategies including simulation, online modules, virtual reality, coaching, flipped classrooms, problem-based learning pedagogies, etc.
• Utilize research and statewide practice competencies and framework (including best practices and evidence informed practice) to design/redesign of the learning experience for multiple course delivery formats.
• Ensure that all curriculum is competency based and that evaluation of competency attainment is articulated for each curriculum in collaboration with evaluation staff.
• Build and maintain significant knowledge of curricula offered by the MNCWTA.
• Responsivity in curriculum to communities overrepresented in child welfare across Minnesota in particular African American and American Indian communities.
• Maintain skill in changing innovative educational technologies and delivery methodologies aligned with best practices.
• Maintain standard procedures for the development of all training curriculum.
• Build and maintain significant knowledge of curricula offered by the MNCWTA.
• Develop and maintain proficiency in current child welfare practice, policy, research, and application.

Collaboration and Partnership (20%)

• Work in collaboration with the full MNCWTA team, including partners within the Child Safety and Permanency Division at the Department of Human Services.
• Work with e-learning designers to platform curriculum for virtual delivery, when appropriate.
• Collaborate with staff and community trainers delivering content to receive and incorporate training feedback in delivery of curriculum, etc.
• Work in collaboration with e-learning instructional designers, educational technology specialists and Learning Management System (LMS) staff to ensure curriculum is delivered in ways that best utilize technology and web-based applications.
• Collaborate effectively with subject matter experts in course design and development.

Measurement and Evaluation (5%)

• Work with the Evaluation and Certification team to inform measures of competency related to the developed curriculum.
• Incorporate evaluation tools into curriculum, as appropriate, and as prepared by the Evaluation and Certification team.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Participate in weekly supervision.
• Participate in other meetings and/or activities as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree with at least five years of related experience in curriculum instruction and design, organizational leadership and policy, education, or a related field; or master's degree plus at least three years of related experience
• Demonstrated relational skills, involving collaboration, teamwork, and consultation
• Consistent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Established commitment to diversity and cross-cultural communication
• Expertise relating to child welfare
• Technical writing skills
• Demonstrated experience with developing curriculum and instructional design for adult learners

Preferred Qualifications:

• Six years of relevant post degree experience in curriculum instruction and design, organizational leadership and policy, education, or related field
• Demonstrated experience in designing curriculum for a diverse audience of learners with an equity lens
• Understanding of state/tribal social services

Institute Overview:
The Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare (MICW) is a new organizing structure housing several dynamic research and training entities, including The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW), the Minnesota Linking Information for Kids (Minn-LInK) project, and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA). Each entity is grant-funded and self-sustaining. During an early phase of strategic planning for CASCW in 2024, the creation of the MICW emerged as an essential task to continue to support the growth and productivity of these entities while also continuing the mission of the School of Social Work and the College of Education and Human Development as it pertains to continued community service, growth, and innovation.

The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) is a research and training center located within the School of Social Work in the College of Education and Human Development on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. CASCW supports the education and training of public child welfare professionals; identifies and examines effective child welfare practice methods, informs the public and policy makers about various child welfare issues, and incorporates research and evaluation findings into the School of Social Work curriculum.

Minn-LInK, an incredibly rich resource within the University and across the state of Minnesota, is an interdisciplinary, integrated, administrative data project used for research and evaluation projects aimed at understanding the experiences and outcomes of children, youth, and families who are multi-system involved. Minn-LInK staff provide research services to internal and external partners through grants and agreements.

The MNCWTA is a partnership between the University's MICW and the MN Department of Children, Youth, and Family (DCYF). The MNCWTA is responsible for the training and professional development of Minnesota's county and tribal child welfare frontline staff and supervisors. The mission is to train, develop, and support the skills, expertise, and well-being of Minnesota's child welfare workforce while nurturing a commitment to equitable child welfare practice.

Department Overview:
Founded in 1917 on its Dakota homeland, the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is part of a public, research-intensive university and one of seven administrative units in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). The School offers several graduate and undergraduate educational programs including: a PhD in Social Work; a Master of Social Work; a Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership; a Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies, and undergraduate minors in Family Violence Prevention, Social Justice, and Youth Studies. Underlying all these multidisciplinary programs is a social justice value base and a commitment to the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in our society. The curricula of our educational programs, and faculty research and engagement, intentionally seek to emphasize and expand anti-racist perspectives, social, economic, and racial justice, and decolonization. The School is the home to a variety of labs and centers that actively involve our students, staff, faculty, and community partners.

College Overview:

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: $77,000 - $82,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

A cover letter and resume/CV must be submitted to be considered. A sample curriculum where you served as lead developer may be requested later on in the interview process.

Please apply by July 4, 2026. This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.