Associate, Curriculum Design & Management, What Works Cities (WWC)

Organization: Results for America

Role: Associate, Curriculum Design & Management, What Works Cities (WWC)

Location: Flexible, within the United States

• Organization Overview
• Results for America (RFA) is the leading, national nonprofit organization helping policymakers at all levels of government harness the power of evidence and data to solve the world’s greatest challenges. Our mission is to make investing in what works the "new normal,” so that, one day, all government leaders use rigorous evidence and quality data to inform important policy and funding decisions. We believe that data-driven and evidence-based policy decisions should be used to increase the impact of the over $2 trillion that governments spend annually to open opportunities and advance economic mobility

• Team Overview
• At Results for America, one of our flagship local initiatives is What Works Cities (WWC), a Bloomberg Philanthropies-funded initiative that helps city governments across the country improve residents’ lives by using data and evidence effectively to tackle pressing challenges. To accomplish this, we work directly with city leaders and staff through coaching and implementation support, a range of online and in-person learning opportunities, and a growing professional network. This support is guided by What Works Cities Certification, the first-ever international standard of excellence for data-driven, well managed local government.

What Works Cities Certification assesses cities based on their data-driven decisionmaking practices, such as whether they are using data to set goals and track progress, allocate funding, evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and achieve desired outcomes from contracts with outside vendors. The program also measures whether cities are publicly and transparently communicating about their use of data and evidence. By aspiring toward Certification and implementing the best practices outlined in the program’s criteria, cities across the country are more effectively delivering results for residents. What Works Cities Certification also serves as an international recognition program, which celebrates and accelerates the use of data and evidence in local governments by rewarding achievements and providing a clear path to excellence. Since our launch in 2015, we have helped more than 300 cities make progress on their most pressing issues, from health and public safety to homelessness and blight.

Now in its 11th year, What Works Cities is entering an exciting new phase. The initiative will continue scaling across North, Central, and South America, surpassing the 100 Certified cities milestone while also exploring other regional markets. WWC is also developing innovative ways for cities to engage and build capacity from those just beginning their Certification journey to those deepening their work as Certified cities.

• Position Overview
• Results for America is seeking a creative, highly organized, and collaborative professional to join the What Works Cities Curriculum Design & Management team.

The Associate Curriculum Design & Management will support the development of high-quality virtual learning experiences and resources that help city leaders and staff strengthen their use of data and evidence. Working closely with the Associate Director, Curriculum Design & Management, the Associate will help translate research, technical expertise, city practices, and partner-developed content into practical and engaging curriculum for synchronous and asynchronous learning.

This role is designed for someone who enjoys creating clear, practical materials from research, ideas, and technical content and is interested in deepening their skills in curriculum development and adult learning. Under the direction of the Associate Director, the Associate will contribute to the development and improvement of curriculum, including learning modules, facilitator and participant materials, activities, tools, case studies, and other resources that support cities in applying the What Works Cities Standard of Excellence.

The Associate will also conduct research, identify relevant city examples and emerging practices, contribute to the continuous improvement of WWC learning experiences, and support curriculum projects across the WWC team.

Domestic and international travel up to 25% annually may be required to support learning opportunities, site visits, city engagements, and external convenings.

This is a full-time, exempt position based in a home office anywhere within the U.S.

Position Reporting Relationship

The Associate, Curriculum Design & Management, What Works Cities reports to the Associate Director, Curriculum Design & Management, What Works Cities.

Position Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Associate include, but are not limited to:

Curriculum Design and Development (55%)

Under the direction of the Associate Director, Curriculum Design & Management:

Support the development and refinement of curriculum and virtual learning products based on established priorities, learning objectives, source materials, and instructional direction.

Synthesize data-driven best practices, city examples, and partner-developed content into clear, accessible, and actionable learning materials based on provided direction.

Support the preparation of activities, application exercises, and learning pathway materials aligned with established learning objectives, structures, and instructional direction.

With direction from the Associate Director, adapt curriculum for different delivery formats, including online and self-paced learning, as well as different audiences, levels of experience, and city contexts.

Prepare facilitator materials for What Works Cities courses and learning opportunities, such as the National League of Cities University and Brazil’s National School of Public Administration based on established design and delivery guidance.

Research & Content Development (20%)

Conduct targeted desk research and review existing technical resources and subject-matter expert content to identify practices, tools, examples, and information relevant to established WWC curriculum priorities.

In close collaboration with the City Experience team, identify and synthesize city examples and relevant existing work that can be leveraged to support curriculum and learning experiences.

Support the development of city case studies and practice examples by organizing relevant examples, context, and source materials.

Support curriculum gap analysis by gathering and organizing information on potential needs for additional tools, examples, or curriculum supports as needed.

Learning Experience, Evaluation & Continuous Improvement (15%)

Assist with using adult learning principles to support the structure, sequencing, accessibility, and usability of WWC curriculum.

Support the development of learning objectives and draft activities, reflection questions, knowledge checks, and other mechanisms aligned with established learning goals.

Review learner feedback, evaluation findings, and relevant engagement data and summarize findings to support curriculum improvements.

Support lightweight testing and prototyping of new learning materials with city staff, internal staff, coaches, or other users and incorporate feedback into revisions.

Contribute to regular reviews of curriculum to help ensure content remains accurate, relevant, inclusive, accessible, and aligned with city needs.

Support adaptation of curriculum for international and multilingual audiences in collaboration with colleagues, facilitators, translators, and external partners.

Curriculum Program & Team Support (10%)

Provide administrative and logistical support for curriculum projects and learning opportunities, including preparing materials, coordinating project details, documenting follow-up items, and providing technology support for curriculum