Temporary Program Developer, Online Master of Science, Industrial Organizational Psychology (Part-Time)

Brandeis University’s Rabb School of Continuing and Professional Studies is seeking a Part-Time Program Developer to lead the creation and submission of a comprehensive proposal for an Online Master of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology (IO Psychology). This role is central to designing a graduate program that prepares professionals to apply psychological principles to workplace challenges, drive organizational effectiveness, and lead data-informed talent strategies.

The ideal candidate will bring expertise in IO psychology, curriculum design, and market research, with a clear understanding of how behavioral science, analytics, and leadership development intersect in modern organizations. The program must be built to reflect real-world organizational scenarios, industry-aligned competencies, and emerging workforce needs, ensuring graduates are equipped to influence culture, performance, and strategic decision-making across sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

Market Research and Needs Assessment

• Conduct a comprehensive market analysis to assess demand for a graduate program in industrial organizational psychology, focusing on national and global workforce trends.
• Identify high-growth career pathways such as organizational development consultant, talent analytics specialist, leadership coach, and employee experience strategist.
• Evaluate competitor programs to define Brandeis’s unique positioning, emphasizing applied psychology, data fluency, and strategic impact.
• Translate market insights into curriculum priorities and learner outcomes.

Curriculum Design and Development

• Collaborate with faculty, IO psychologists, and instructional designers to build a curriculum that integrates psychological theory with practical organizational applications.
• Ensure courses incorporate case studies, simulation-based learning, and data-driven decision-making relevant to workplace settings.
• Align course objectives with professional standards and certifications (e.g., SHRM, SIOP, HRCI).
• Embed topics such as employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, change management, and psychometric assessment into the learning experience.

Program Proposal Development

• Lead the drafting and submission of a formal program proposal, including all documentation required for Brandeis University’s internal review and approval.
• Develop a clear implementation roadmap, with milestones for curriculum development, faculty onboarding, and program launch.
• Coordinate with academic and administrative stakeholders to ensure alignment with institutional goals and quality standards.
• Include a modular academic structure in the proposal that comprises:
• One master’s degree program designed to address high-demand workforce competencies.
• Two master’s certificates that draw from the degree curriculum and offer targeted, stackable credentials aligned with employer needs.
• Three micro-credentials focused on discrete, skill-based outcomes that reflect both the scope of the degree and specific workforce priorities.

Budget Development

• Prepare a comprehensive budget that supports program development, including instructional design, technology integration, marketing, and faculty recruitment.
• Identify potential funding sources, industry partnerships, or grant opportunities to support long-term program sustainability.

Advisory Council Formation

• Establish an advisory council of IO psychology practitioners, HR leaders, and organizational consultants to guide program relevance and innovation.
• Leverage the council’s insights to ensure the curriculum reflects current tools, methodologies, and employer expectations.
• Engage the council in shaping capstone experiences, mentorship opportunities, and external collaborations.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in Industrial Organizational Psychology, Organizational Behavior, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education program development, curriculum design, or instructional design—preferably in an online format.
• Deep understanding of IO psychology trends, workforce demands, and applied behavioral science across industries.
• Proven ability to conduct market research and translate findings into actionable program strategies.
• Strong communication, project management, and organizational skills.
• Experience managing budgets and working with advisory councils is a plus.

Employment Details

This is a part-time term position with flexible hours. The anticipated duration of this appointment is approximately one to one and a half months, commencing on the start date and concluding with the submission of the program proposal. Subject to the program’s development and institutional needs, continued engagement may be considered through a final potential end date of March 15, 2026.

Compensation will be hourly-based, and aligned with the scope of work required to meet the program development benchmarks by the expected deadlines:

• Market Research and Needs Assessment
• Curriculum Design and Development

• Program Proposal Submission

• Budget Planning

• Advisory Council Formation

Equal Opportunity Statement

Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class")