Specialist, Research and Development

DeKalb Health; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

ESC-20 Education Service Center is seeking a research-driven professional to conduct development for education products and tools, coordinating with subject matter experts and designers for timelines and specifications.

The role emphasizes publishing content across multiple formats, including print, web, and interactive media, with a focus on aligning with educational standards and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required from an accredited university.
• Three years of relevant experience required.
• Strong knowledge of research and best practices in education-related disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of design and development processes aligned with Quality Management Systems.
• Knowledge of advanced instructional design and delivery systems including national instructional design models.
• Proficiency with copyright requirements and APA formatting.
• Strong understanding of product development across print, web, and electronic platforms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and develop content for a wide variety of products related to grant deliverables.
• Research and develop cost-effective, research-based products within budget guidelines.
• Maintain internal protocols documenting status, details, and timelines across workgroups.
• Generate engaging content for social media including graphics, videos, and written content.
• Provide professional voice-overs for video content and promotional materials.
• Use data analysis tools to assess impact and generate KPI reports.

Skills

Research methods

Instructional design

Content development

APA formatting

Design & development processes

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

• Base Pay $5,859.00 - $6,591.00 / Month
• Relocation Expense Covered No
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree
• Manage Others No

Contact information

• Name Human Resource Services
• Phone [phone]
• Email [e-mail]

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Conduct research and development for identified products and resources, which aligns with scientifically based research and best practices. Serve as the primary contact in design and development of products, resources, and tools, including project details and timelines. Serve as the liaison between the subject matter expert and the designers to design product innovation, specifications, piloting, and market testing of education-related products and tools.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS/ABILTIES

Knowledge

• Bachelor's degree required from an accredited university.
• Three years of relevant experience required.
• Strong knowledge of research and best practices in various education-related disciplines and fields.
• Strong knowledge of design and development processes and procedures which align with Quality Management System(s).
• Knowledge of advanced instructional design and delivery systems, including national instructional design models.
• Proficiency with copyright requirements and the American Psychological Association (APA) formatting.
• Strong understanding of product development in various platforms, e.g., print, web-based, electronic, etc.

Exceptions to these requirements will be considered based on exemplary skills, training, and record of success.

PRODUCTS/OUTCOMES:

• Conduct research and develop content for a wide variety of products related to grant deliverables. Stay current with emerging technologies and their applications in education.
• Research and develop products which are cost effective, research-based and within budget guidelines.
• Ensure current versions of statutory and regulatory requirements are cited, as appropriate.
• Establish and maintain internal protocols for documenting the status of all projects, including details and timelines, within and across workgroups.
• Generate engaging and shareable content for social media platforms, including graphics, videos, and written content.
• Conduct regular reviews to ensure alignment with educational standards and requirements.
• Provide professional and compelling voice-overs for video content, commercials, and other promotional materials.
• Utilize data analysis tools to assess the impact and effectiveness of developed products. Generate reports on key performance indicators, providing insights for continuous improvement.
• Participate in conferences, workshops, and training to stay abreast of the latest trends in educational research and development.
• Collaborate with other staff to ensure quality completion of all products/projects.
• Build relationships with partners to promote development projects.
• Assist staff in developing projects in areas needing development/expansion.
• Consult with Center staff to align design with project goals.
• Work in collaborative instructional and technical teams to undertake multiple tasks concurrently.
• Provide project content and modules ready for projected online, interactive learning environments or print format products.

INITIATIVE

• Demonstrate initiative, persistence, and a proactive approach to assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrate the use of sound judgement and ingenuity in problem solving to meet the need of the Center and clients served.
• Seek, participate, and engage in job-related learning and development experiences that provide professional growth.
• Remain current with industry standards, developments, and applicable laws/regulations; implement accordingly.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to new situations and assignments.
• Set challenging goals and reach a high standard of performance despite barriers encountered.
• Perform duties with awareness of broader organizational impact, ensuring actions and decisions support department and organizational success.
• Promote and support continuous improvement and organizational change.
• Work under minimal supervision.

COMMUNICATION/HUMAN RELATIONS

• Model the Principles of Public Service (Policy AD LOCAL).
• Communicate in a timely and effective manner and interact professionally.
• Build professional relationships with colleagues and clients, maintaining regular interaction to meet shared outcomes.
• Demonstrate self-confidence, professionalism, and a high level of customer service skills (e.g., courtesy, patience, diplomacy, etc.) at all times and, in particular, when under stressful or unprecedented situations while working with colleagues and clients.
• Demonstrate professional-level written and oral communication skills.
• Work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Keep supervisors informed.
• Regularly handle and maintain confidentiality of sensitive communications and information at all times.

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

• Be aware of and follow Center guidelines of allowable costs when recommending use of public funds for expenditures for supplies, equipment, and facilities in area of assignment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer, peripherals, copy machine, phone, etc.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional standing, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional heavy lifting/carrying (15-50 pounds).
• Environment: This role primarily operates in an in-person, dynamic office setting, characterized by frequent verbal communication, movement, and collaboration among team members (small to large in-person gatherings/meetings); exposure to low or intense illumination; exposure to office equipment noise; may work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent travel; and, occasional remote work (after pre-determined length of employment).
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Champion and model the Center's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Service Standards.
• Function within the policies and procedures of ESC-20.
• Accept other responsibilities as assigned.
• Dress and groom appropriately for the ESC-20 work setting.
• Travel independently to fulfill responsibilities of the position.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance, majority in-person/onsite.
• Serve at the will of the Executive Director.

FUNDING

• This position is funded in whole or in part by a federal grant administered under the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and is subject to the cost principles outlined in 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E (Uniform Guidance). All costs associated with this position must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable under federal guidelines. The employee is expected to maintain time and effort documentation consistent with federal requirements.