Academic Curriculum Developer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of education, the role of academic curriculum developers is more critical than ever.

As pedagogy advances and our understanding of effective learning deepens, the need for proficient minds who can design, enhance, and implement our educational blueprint becomes paramount.

But what is truly expected from an academic curriculum developer?

Whether you are:

• An aspirant looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager envisioning the perfect candidate,
• Or just fascinated by the intricacies of curriculum development,

You’ve landed on the right page.

Today, we present a customizable academic curriculum developer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Academic Curriculum Developer Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Curriculum Developers design, implement, and evaluate educational programs that align with the instructional goals of an institution.

They collaborate with educators to create effective and appropriate curriculums and often use research and data to decide what changes need to be made to existing programs.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing current curriculum and identifying areas for improvement
• Developing and implementing new curriculum programs in accordance with the school’s philosophy and mission
• Collaborating with teachers and administrators to ensure the curriculum aligns with state and national standards
• Conducting research on the latest teaching methods, educational resources, and industry trends
• Providing training and guidance for teachers about new curriculum changes and teaching methodologies
• Designing and implementing assessments to measure the effectiveness of curriculum and identify areas for improvement
• Maintaining and updating curriculum records and documentation
• Overseeing the adoption of new textbooks and educational materials
• Presenting reports on curriculum development initiatives to school boards and other stakeholders

 

Academic Curriculum Developer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a dedicated and experienced Academic Curriculum Developer to design and implement curricula that aligns with our educational standards and objectives.

The Academic Curriculum Developer’s responsibilities include determining the needs of a course, outlining the structure of the course, and creating engaging course content.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of pedagogical techniques, experience in curriculum development, and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs.

Ultimately, the role of the Academic Curriculum Developer is to create effective and stimulating learner-centered opportunities and materials to enhance student learning and achievement.

 

Responsibilities

• Work with educators to develop curricula that adhere to established standards
• Develop engaging and interactive instructional material and content
• Conduct ongoing assessment and revision of curriculum
• Collaborate with teachers to implement curriculum
• Evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum programs and provide necessary improvements
• Review and select textbooks and other educational materials
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in education
• Develop assessments to measure student progress and understanding
• Provide training and guidance to teachers on new curriculum implementation

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Academic Curriculum Developer or similar role
• Extensive knowledge of curriculum design and development techniques
• Experience in developing instructional material and content
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Strong knowledge of pedagogical theory and practices
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum programs
• Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum Development, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Academic Curriculum Developer
• Work Environment: This role primarily operates in a professional school or university setting. Some remote work may be available. Travel may be required for educational conferences and workshops.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $62,000 minimum to $95,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Academic Curriculum Developer Do?

Academic Curriculum Developers, also known as Instructional Coordinators, work in schools, universities, or for educational programs to design and implement teaching standards and instructional materials.

Their primary role is to create, review, and revise curriculum content for educators to ensure it meets both the school’s and state’s education standards.

They analyze student test data and work closely with teachers and principals to identify areas where improvement is needed.

They are responsible for selecting textbooks, software, and other educational materials to complement the curriculum.

They may also conduct workshops to train teachers on how to implement the new curriculum effectively.

In addition, Academic Curriculum Developers assess the effectiveness of the curriculum and teaching techniques established by teachers in the classroom, using student test scores and feedback.

They then use this information to improve the curriculum and suggest new teaching methods, technologies, and other classroom resources.

Their role is vital in shaping the education system and ensuring that students receive the highest quality of education that is up-to-date and relevant to their future careers.

 

Academic Curriculum Developer Qualifications and Skills

An effective Academic Curriculum Developer should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Strong understanding of curriculum development principles and models for effective instruction.
• Ability to analyze educational needs and convert them into learning objectives and outcomes, using analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex educational theories and ideas effectively to teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders.
• Experience in designing, developing, and implementing curriculum programs aligned with educational standards and regulations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with educators and administrators to implement and refine curriculum programs, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in utilizing technology to develop, assess and improve curriculum programs.
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation in curriculum design to engage a diverse range of learners.
• Strong project management skills to oversee the development and implementation of curriculum programs within time and budget constraints.
• Understanding of assessment methods and data analysis to evaluate curriculum effectiveness and student learning outcomes.

 

Academic Curriculum Developer Experience Requirements

Academic Curriculum Developers are typically required to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, or a related field, but many employers prefer candidates with a Master’s degree.

They usually need a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in curriculum development, instructional design, or an educational setting.

Entry-level Academic Curriculum Developers often gain experience through internships, teaching, or administrative roles within an educational institution.

They may have some exposure to curriculum development, but the bulk of their experience will be related to understanding the nuances of effective teaching and learning.

Mid-level Curriculum Developers should have a solid foundation in creating and revising curricula in accordance with educational standards and the needs of students.

They may have experience training educators on how to implement these curricula and assessing the effectiveness of instructional methods.

Senior Academic Curriculum Developers should have extensive experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating curricula.

They are often involved in educational policy and strategic planning and may have leadership experience guiding a team of curriculum developers or educators.

They may also have experience in specialized areas like special education, English as a Second Language (ESL), or specific subjects like Mathematics or Science.

 

Academic Curriculum Developer Education and Training Requirements

Academic Curriculum Developers typically require a master’s degree in education, curriculum development or a related field.

They should have a solid background in educational theory and practice, as well as in-depth knowledge of state and national curriculum standards.

Experience in teaching or educational administration can be beneficial to understanding the practical application and impact of curriculum changes.

In many cases, Curriculum Developers are also required to be licensed teachers.

This generally requires a bachelor’s degree in education, completion of a teacher preparation program, and passing state-specific exams.

Although not mandatory, certification from organizations such as the American Association for Curriculum and Development can showcase a candidate’s dedication to their profession and elevate their career opportunities.

In addition, a Ph.D. in curriculum development, while not a requirement for most positions, may be desirable for higher-level or university positions.

Continuing education and professional development are essential in this field to stay updated with educational trends, technological advancements in teaching, and changes in state and national education standards.

 

Academic Curriculum Developer Salary Expectations

An Academic Curriculum Developer can expect to earn an average salary of $62,443 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can vary greatly depending on factors such as level of education, years of experience in the field, and the location of the job.

Additionally, the type of institution or organization employing the Curriculum Developer may also impact the salary.

 

Academic Curriculum Developer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Academic Curriculum Developer need?

Academic Curriculum Developers should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with educators, administrators, and other stakeholders.

They should have an in-depth understanding of pedagogical theories and educational best practices.

Problem-solving skills are crucial to address the varying needs of students and teachers.

Familiarity with state education standards and a strong ability to incorporate these standards into curriculum development is vital.

 

Do Academic Curriculum Developers need a degree?

Yes, Academic Curriculum Developers usually require at least a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.

Most employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction or a similar discipline.

Experience in teaching or educational administration is often required.

 

What should you look for in an Academic Curriculum Developer’s resume?

A strong resume for an Academic Curriculum Developer should highlight experience in curriculum development or revision, familiarity with state and national education standards, and evidence of successful implementation of developed curricula.

You should also look for strong organizational, research, and analytical skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with a team.

 

What qualities make a good Academic Curriculum Developer?

A good Academic Curriculum Developer is innovative, able to think critically about the needs of students and teachers, and able to translate these needs into effective learning materials.

They should have excellent project management skills and be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

A commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest educational trends and research is also essential.

 

How do Academic Curriculum Developers interact with educators?

Academic Curriculum Developers often collaborate directly with educators to determine the needs of a specific grade level or subject area.

They may conduct surveys, run focus groups, or observe classroom instruction to get a clear understanding of the educational environment.

This interaction helps them create curriculum that is relevant, practical, and impactful.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being an academic curriculum developer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about designing curriculums.

It’s about shaping the future of education, one lesson plan at a time.

With our go-to academic curriculum developer job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take your next step.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson plan is a part of the larger educational framework.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

Reasons to Become an Academic Curriculum Developer (Fuel Educational Innovation)

How to Become an Academic Curriculum Developer (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being an Academic Curriculum Developer (Never-Ending Novelties!)

Economic Envy: The Jobs That Guarantee More Than Just a Good Salary!

Workplace Winners: The Most Popular Jobs in the Current Climate

High Esteem Careers: The Most Prestigious Jobs for the Go-Getters

The Unusual Job Journey: Exploring Unique Career Paths