Associate, Curriculum Design & Management - What Works Cities

Organization: Results for America

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

Location: Flexible, within the United States

Organization OverviewResults 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 OverviewAt 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 OverviewResults 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-led meetings and sessions as needed.
• Assist with preparing posts and updating approved curriculum materials within the WWC Community Forum and other learning platforms. 
• Support cross-team coordination for assigned curriculum projects and related program needs.
• Maintain clear documentation of curriculum materials, sources, feedback, revisions, and final products.
• Contribute to special curriculum initiatives, pilots, courses, workshops, webinars, and other learning opportunities.

Experience, Competencies, and Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications, as well as an alignment with Results for America’s mission and organizational values:

Experience & Qualifications:

• 3–6 years of relevant professional experience and a college degree or equivalent practical work experience.
• Experience supporting program or project management activities across multiple workstreams, deliverables, stakeholders, and deadlines, including coordinating inputs, tracking progress, and helping keep assigned work moving toward completion.
• Experience contributing to the development of curriculum, instructional materials, professional learning, training, adult education, or other learning experiences.
• Experience drafting and refining learning products based on established concepts, source materials, or project direction.
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into clear, accessible, and actionable content for a range of audiences.
• Familiarity with adult learning principles and an interest in applying them to curriculum and learning materials.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, seek clarification when needed, incorporate feedback, and move assigned work toward completion in evolving or ambiguous environments.
• Experience working with local government, the public-sector, or nonprofit organizations is strongly preferred.
• Experience developing online or asynchronous learning content is preferred.
• Experience developing learning content for multilingual or international audiences is a plus.
• Familiarity with common productivity, project management, presentation, and digital learning tools.
• A commitment to Results for America’s mission and vision; 
• Respect for Results for America’s organizational values.

Competencies & Skills:

• Program and project coordination: Strong ability to organize and track multiple workstreams, coordinate inputs, maintain timelines and milestones, identify dependencies, and keep assigned work moving toward completion.
• Curriculum and content development: Ability to turn established direction, research, technical content, and learning goals into clear, practical, and engaging materials for city practitioners.
• Research and synthesis: Ability to quickly understand unfamiliar topics, identify relevant information and examples, and synthesize findings into useful content and summaries.
• Creative problem-solving: Ability to approach problems with curiosity, consider different ways of presenting or teaching a concept, and contribute practical solutions in evolving or ambiguous environments.
• Collaboration and coordination: Ability to work effectively with colleagues, subject-matter experts, facilitators, and external partners with clear communication and strong follow-through.
• User orientation: Ability to consider the needs of city practitioners when preparing and refining curriculum materials and learning experiences. 
• Attention to quality and detail: Strong attention to accuracy, organization, consistency, usability, and deadlines while maintaining awareness of broader project goals.
• Proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, or French is a plus. 
• Tech stack: Google Suite, MS Office, Asana, Slack, WhatsApp; Ramp; bill.com;  ChatGPT; Gemini; Claude

Salary and Benefits

Results for America offers a compensation package that includes:   

• A competitive base salary commensurate with relevant work experience; and
• A benefits package that includes choice in medical plans; dental/vision coverage; paid time off; a 403b retirement plan with employer contribution.  

The salary range for this position is $72,353 - $84,023.

New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role.   

How to Apply

• To apply for this position, please complete and submit all information in the application/application link. 
• RFA is an equal opportunity employer that values/celebrates diversity and that follows a policy of making all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, partnership status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual offenses or stalking, military status, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state or local law.
• Applicants for employment with RFA must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.