Work with Us

Company Overview: Close Up Foundation’s mission is to inform, inspire, and empower young people to exercise the rights and accept the responsibilities of citizens in a democracy. As a non-profit/non-partisan leader in civic education since 1971, we believe that a strong democracy requires active and informed participation by all citizens.

Position Overview: Program Instructors engage Middle and High School students from across the United States in controversial public policy discussions while using the nation’s capital as our classroom. They lead students through a life-changing educational experience which includes historic sites, iconic monuments and memorials, Smithsonian museums, meetings with elected officials and key public policy experts. Program Instructors facilitate multi-partisan issue-based debates for learning reinforcement.

Scheduled Hours: The Program Instructor schedule is not a standard nine-to-five work week.

• Each week mirrors the program schedule to which an Instructor is assigned, generally a 55-hour week.
• Program schedules typically run from 8am through 10pm most days, and programs usually start late afternoon on Sundays and run through Thursday night.
• Most programs are based in Washington, D.C. but there are opportunities to travel to New York City, Florida, Texas and other historic sites.

 
Contract Dates, Compensation & Benefits: Beyond the initial contract, there is room for growth at the Foundation.

• We are currently hiring for a contract period of January 2, 2020 – July 31, 2020.
• Benefits include medical, dental and life insurance with low cost premiums.
• Free parking and/or mass transit subsidy is available and all program meals are provided.
• 120 hours of paid pre-program training in our curriculum, methodology and programing followed by on-going professional development that sets up Program Instructors for success.
• The opportunity to earn a free graduate credit upon completion of the contract with an accompanying research paper is available.

 
Responsibilities: The Program Instructor prepares and leads daily program components. They will hop on and off buses throughout the day, coordinating the movement of a large group of students on all program activities in the Washington, D.C. area and other program locations.

Qualifications: Candidates will be asked to teach a short lesson as part of the interview process.

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in political science, history, education, social science or related field)
• Authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer
• Demonstrated passion for working with diverse students in grades 6-12
• Interest in current public policy issues, history, politics, government and experiential education

If you are excited about the prospect of becoming a Program Instructor, we welcome you to apply and explore how you can be part of an amazing network of Program Instructors who have led more than 900,000 students over 45 years through a once-in-a-lifetime Close Up experience.

To apply, submit an email to jobs@closeup.org explaining why you’d make a great Program Instructor and attach your résumé. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted. Employment offers are contingent upon receipt of proof of undergraduate degree and a favorable criminal background check.

Close Up Foundation’s mission is to inform, inspire, and empower young people to exercise the rights and accept the responsibilities of citizens in a democracy. As a non-profit/non-partisan leader in civic education since 1971, we believe that a strong democracy requires active and informed participation by all citizens.

Responsibilities

• Generate leads and develop new relationships with potential donors and partners across the country to achieve team quota.
• Prospect and identify prospective donors and partners through lead generation activities; including research, cold calls, list building, meetings etc.
• Position opportunities that extend the reach of Close Up’s mission to engage partner-specific experiences and stewardship.
• Effectively manage regular communication, including writing/editing stewardship materials and development-related marketing materials.
• Work closely with the Chief Development Officer to meet fundraising goals and develop partnerships that support Close Up’s mission and priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least four (4) years successful experience in fundraising, sales, project management, K-12 education, marketing communication, external outreach, or other relevant area
• Authorization to work in the U.S. for any employer

Preferred Qualifications

• Superior skill with written communications
• Demonstrated abilities in strategic thinking and creative problem solving
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, professionalism, and ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and as a team player, to take initiative, and to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability and willingness to travel locally and to work evenings and weekends on occasion

Submit résumé, business and/or academic writing sample, and letter of interest to Mia Charity, Chief Development Officer, at resumes@closeup.org. Selected candidate will be subject to a criminal background check.