Curriculum Designer - Pursuits (Contractor)

Primer
San Francisco, CA
RemoteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Geared toward educators or curriculum developers comfortable with interdisciplinary project-based learning, working remotely in a contractor role with a focus on mission-driven K–8 education.

Best fit for

  • Educators with experience designing blended-age, hands-on learning experiences for K–8 students
    — “develop immersive, interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences for blended-age classrooms in grades K-2, 3-5, and/or 6-8”
  • Candidates who thrive in independent contractor roles with clear project deliverables and timelines
    — “This is a project-based independent contractor role.”
  • Individuals who can align their work with a mission-first company's core values and avoid unrelated activism
    — “we keep work centered on mission execution and avoid social or political activism at work that’s unrelated to the mission”

Things to consider

  • Compensation is tied to project completion, not hourly or ongoing work
    — “Compensation is $4,000 per project, payable upon completion of both Pursuits.”
  • The role requires collaboration with a Pursuits Lead and regular check-ins for feedback
    — “Participate in regular check-ins with the Pursuits Lead, incorporate feedback, and refine materials”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with cross-curricular lesson planning and real-world application design
    — “immersive, interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences”
  • Emphasize your ability to create polished instructional materials and supply lists
    — “Create polished slide decks, student resources, and supporting materials, including supply lists”
  • Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to varying project scopes and collaboration schedules
    — “Specific deliverables, timelines, and collaboration schedules may vary by Pursuit”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • developed immersive, interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences
  • engaged students in hands-on investigations
Typical background
educationcurriculum design

Skills & requirements

Required

Project-based Learning ExperienceCurriculum DesignInterdisciplinary Teaching

Preferred

K-8 EducationBlended-age Classroom Management

About the role

Original posting from Primer via Ashby

ABOUT PRIMER

Primer is a growing network of K–8 schools restoring the timeless foundations of American education. Inspired by the original teaching primers that shaped a nation of readers, thinkers, and builders, our schools begin with what has always worked, and build for what lies ahead. Close-knit learning environments. Skilled educators. A culture that takes kids seriously as learners and leaders.

Primers shaped the first 200 years of American children. Primer will ready them for the next.

This is a Project-Based Contract Role

Overview

Pursuit Designers develop immersive, interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences for blended-age classrooms in grades K-2, 3-5, and/or 6-8. Each Pursuit typically spans 6-7 weeks and engages students in hands-on investigations, real-world applications, and meaningful demonstrations of learning. Pursuits often integrate science, social studies, and civics, though content areas may vary. The focus, direction, and specific expectations for each Pursuit are established in collaboration with the Pursuits Lead before work begins.

Project Structure & Compensation

  • This is a project-based independent contractor role.
  • One project consists of two completed Pursuits.
  • Compensation is $4,000 per project, payable upon completion of both Pursuits.

Scope of Work

The Pursuit Designer is responsible for developing complete, implementation-ready learning experiences, including:

  • Pursuit Planning: Establish the overall learning sequence, daily objectives, and key milestones.
  • Activity Plans: Develop clear, step-by-step lesson plans with facilitation instructions.
  • Instructional Materials: Create polished slide decks, student resources, and supporting materials, including supply lists.
  • Collaboration & Revisions: Participate in regular check-ins with the Pursuits Lead, incorporate feedback, and refine materials to meet project expectations.

Specific deliverables, timelines, and collaboration schedules may vary by Pursuit and will be established before work begins.

Primer is a mission-first company. We believe our mission is the highest-leverage way we can create positive change. In service of that, we keep work centered on mission execution and avoid social or political activism at work that’s unrelated to the mission. If that energizes you, we’d love to see you apply.

Source: Primer careers (Ashby)

Similar roles

More roles at Primer