Role: Food Education Technology Specialist (Contractor)
Job Summary:
Pilot Light seeks a highly skilled Food Education Technology Specialist contractor to evaluate current platforms, lead the project management and implementation of a new Learning Management System (LMS), and provide recommendations for system integration, including a new/existing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. This contractor will also play a critical role in improving the interface and user experience of the Food Education Center (FEC), Pilot Light’s digital resource hub, by collaborating with the web developer and curricula manager to update and implement changes.
The LMS project will include integrating with existing platforms, supporting downloadable offline resources, enabling continuing education courses, and ensuring a seamless user experience for educators and staff. The Food Education Center updates will focus on enhancing access to free digital resources and improving the navigation and overall experience for educators.
Location:
Must be authorized to work in the United States. This is a remote position with occasional in-person meetings at our Chicago office.
Position Type:
Contract, project-based, approximately 15-20 hours per week.
Start Date: March 2025
Duties of the Position:
Lead LMS Project Management and Implementation
- Oversee the new LMS’s design, development, and launch, ensuring it meets Pilot Light’s requirements and goals.
- Manage project timelines, milestones, and deliverables, ensuring the LMS is ready for beta testing by April 2025 and full launch by the 2025-2026 school year.
- Collaborate with internal teams to define user roles (e.g., educators, content creators, continuing education leaders).
- Ensure the LMS supports critical features, including:
- Integration with WordPress
- Downloadable courses for offline use (PDFs, videos, and podcast-style audio content)
- Real-time support tools (e.g., chatbot, FAQ)
- Continuing education tracking (course participation, completion rates, scores)
- User role management and differentiated access levels (e.g., educators, administrators, moderators)
Food Education Center Interface and User Experience
- Collaborate with the web developer and curricula manager to assess and improve the design, navigation, and overall user experience of the Food Education Center.
- Ensure that updates to the FEC align with Pilot Light’s mission and improve accessibility for educators seeking digital resources.
- Lead efforts to streamline access to key resources, including lessons, instructional materials, and educator support tools.
- Guide integrating the FEC with the LMS to offer a unified experience for users.
- Develop a phased plan for implementing changes to the FEC, ensuring minimal disruption to users.
- Lead efforts to develop interactive features to the FEC, such as a discussion board and the ability to leave comments on a lesson.
Technology Evaluation and Integration
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of existing platforms and systems, including data management and communication tools.
- Recommend a CRM system that integrates seamlessly with the LMS and other platforms and evaluate the current system (NeonCRM).
- Provide a detailed report with short-term and long-term technology recommendations, including LMS, FEC, and CRM integration strategies.
- Research and propose additional technology solutions to enhance program delivery and operations.
Documentation and Training
- Develop comprehensive documentation, including user guides, training materials, and FAQs for internal staff and external users.
- Lead training sessions for Pilot Light staff and partners on using the new LMS and CRM systems.
- Create a plan for ongoing support and maintenance of the LMS and FEC post-launch.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience in implementing and managing Learning Management Systems (LMS), preferably for educational or nonprofit organizations.
- Familiarity with user experience (UX) design principles and web-based platform enhancements.
- Experience with project management, particularly in technology-focused initiatives.
- Experience evaluating and integrating CRM systems with other platforms (e.g., LMS, digital hubs).
- Track record of working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including web developers, educators, and content creators.
Technical Expertise:
- Proficiency in WordPress and other web-based platforms.
- Knowledge of LMS features and functionalities.
- Understanding of CRM systems and integration strategies, particularly NeonCRM or similar platforms.
To apply: If interested, please submit your resume, cover letter, and hourly rate to info@pilotlightchefs.org with the subject line: “Application: Food Education Technology Specialist”
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pilot Light embraces a philosophy that recognizes, values, and actively seeks diversity among its team. We seek to attract, develop, retain, and promote a talented, diverse workforce in a culture where all employees can contribute to their fullest potential. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, status as an individual with disability, age, ancestry, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
About Pilot Light
Pilot Light is a Chicago-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with educators to integrate Food Education into classrooms, helping students develop the knowledge and skills needed to make informed food choices. Since its founding, Pilot Light has reached over 20,000 students nationwide, with programming rooted in its pioneering Food Education Standards. Through its innovative teacher-led model, Pilot Light provides educators with resources and support to bring Food Education to life in schools, fostering a healthier and more informed generation.