Curriculum & LMS Specialist (Contract)

Position Type: Independent Contractor (1099) Term: 12-Month Initial Contract (with potential to continue the contract, based on funding) Compensation: $80,000 Professional Fee (paid in monthly installments pending ongoing completed milestones) Primary Location: Remote (Central or North Texas areas preferred) Travel: Low to Moderate. Occasional travel to training and stakeholder meetings. Required travel for TEMA annual conference support (travel expenses/stipends provided). Reports to: Chief Operating Officer, TEMA POSITION OVERVIEW The Energy Management Alliance (TEMA) is seeking a highly technical, detail-oriented Curriculum & LMS Specialist to serve as a critical architect of our educational pipeline. This contractor will be responsible for creating the digital backbone of our workforce development strategy, translating advanced energy theory and industry best practices into a structured, highly accessible learning path. The primary objective of this role is to design and launch the Accredited Energy Manager In-Training curriculum and the TEMA Standard Energy Audit Template for college students while developing specialized training modules for faculty of public entities to ensure long-term project sustainability. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES Milestone 1: Curriculum Architecture & Audit Standardization · AEM Update & Familiarization: Partner with the COO and Certification & Communications Specialist to finalize the update of the current professional-level Accredited Energy Manager (AEM) certification course and exam to ensure deep alignment with existing standards. · In-Training Curriculum Development: Write and finalize the AEM In-Training curriculum, adapting professional-level content to comprehensively cover Energy Audits and all 18 Core Responsibilities of an Energy Manager. · Energy Audit Template Standardization: Design and finalize the official TEMA Standard Energy Audit Template to guarantee uniform data collection, reporting, and accessibility across all pilot regions. · Regional Onboarding Alignment: Ensure curriculum modules integrate seamlessly with the unique geographic and socioeconomic profiles of Ellis, Haskell, Wilbarger, and Armstrong Counties for localized training impact. Milestone 2: Technical Module Creation & Faculty Track · Public Sector Interactive Training Modules: Build digital learning modules on TEMA LMS platforms focusing on the operational realities of public facilities, topics may include: o TEMA Energy Auditing Basics: Core methodology for performing standard walk-throughs, focusing on lighting, water, and building envelope diagnostics. o Energy Storage & Local Resilience: Training on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), micro-grids, and smart grid load management for critical public infrastructure. o Public Facility HVAC & Building Systems: Practical training on mechanical systems (boilers, chillers) with an emphasis on cataloging deferred maintenance and air-quality. o Utility Billing & Rate Analysis: Understanding public-sector commodity billing (electricity, water, gas), demand charges, and historical auditing to unlock savings. o AI-Assisted Analytics: Teaching predictive tools to anticipate peak demand strain on municipal grids. o Custom Regional Modules: Potential development of up to 4 additional modules based on specific challenges identified in the field. · Faculty & Staff Training Architecture: In partnership with the COO, design a specialized in-person educational track for rural public entity faculty and facility managers to interpret audit reports and prioritize maintenance. Milestone 3: Credentialing, Content, & Collaboration · Micro-Credentialing Framework: Oversee the technical integration of digital badging and micro-credentialing systems for student chapters, CTE students, and TEMA members. · Multi-Media Content Production: Coordinate the production of instructional videos, graphics, and simulation assets to support the developed education tracks. · Digital Collaboration Tools: Administer and manage virtual meeting tools, shared databases, and energy modeling software used by student capstone teams. QUALIFICATIONS Technical & Platform Expertise · LMS Mastery: Proven experience in designing, administering, and hosting technical courses within WordPress using LearnDash, or similar platforms. · Micro-Credentialing: Experience integrating digital badging and micro-credentialing systems (e.g., Sertifier, Credly, Open Badges) into an LMS environment. · Content Creation Tools: Proficiency in tools used to create instructional video, graphics, and interactive simulation assets (e.g., Camtasia, Adobe Creative Suite, Articulate Storyline). · Energy Analytics: Familiarity with energy modeling tools and shared database structures used for utility load forecasting. Industry Knowledge & Experience · Public Facility Operations: Deep understanding of the mechanical and operational systems of public infrastructure. · Energy Auditing Standards: Solid technical grasp of energy auditing methodologies specifically for existing public buildings. · Instructional Design: 3+ years of experience in instructional design or technical curriculum development, with a track record of translating complex engineering concepts into accessible trade training. · Grid Resilience: Knowledge of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), micro-grids, and smart grid load management. Skills & Abilities · Content Translation: Ability to convert the "18 Core Responsibilities of an Energy Manager" into actionable, engaging digital learning modules. · Project Management: Self-starter capable of meeting the aggressive Year One roadmap milestones (specifically the Q1 curriculum launch). · Analytical Thinking: Ability to design templates (TEMA Standard Energy Audit) that ensure high data integrity across diverse regional sites. · Collaboration: Strong ability to work as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) alongside university faculty and the Regional Impact Liaison, within the project scope, as well as the Chief Operating Officer and Certification & Curriculum Specialist of TEMA. Education & Certification · Preferred Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical), Architecture, Instructional Design, Technical Education, or a related field. Equivalent work experience will be considered. · Preferred Certifications: Accredited Energy Manager (AEM) or equivalent professional standing in the energy management industry. TEMA CONTRACTOR STANDARD REQUIREMENTS · Independent Status: Must operate as an independent contractor (1099) and provide proof of appropriate professional liability insurance. · Funding Context: This project is a foundational pilot sponsored by Google. Contractors must adhere to high standards of reporting, milestone verification, and data integrity as required by the sponsorship agreement. · The "Grid-to-Grit" Mindset: Contractors must possess the unique ability to translate complex, grid-level technical concepts (high-tech "Grid") into actionable, practical tasks for local trades and rural public operators (local "Grit"). · Ethics & Transparency: Strict adherence to TEMA governance is required. All contractors must maintain absolute transparency regarding project findings and the allocation of the $250,000 Infrastructure Fund, which will be at the discretion of Google representatives. · Regional Mobility: A high degree of mobility is expected. Contractors must be able to travel extensively throughout Ellis, Haskell, Wilbarger, and Armstrong Counties to ensure physical oversight of audits and stakeholder relations. Collaborative Ecosystem: Success in these roles requires working in a "pincer" model—balancing the technical needs of university researchers with the operational constraints of rural facility managers. Pay: Up to $80,000.00 per year Work Location: Remote Apply To This Job