Research Assistant - ESL Curriculum Development (Part-Time)

Job Title:Research Assistant - ESL Curriculum Development (Part-Time)Reports To: Executive Director of Hispanic Church LeadershipLocation: FlexiblePay: $24.26

About Denver Seminary

Denver Seminary is a multidenominational graduate school committed to preparing men and women to engage the needs of the world with the redemptive power of the gospel and the life-changing truth of Scripture. Through rigorous educational programs and a mentoring-focused community, the Seminary challenges students to grow spiritually, intellectually, and professionally, equipping them to lead God's people in accomplishing His mission in the world.

This is a part-time position offering approximately 15-20 hours a week.

General Statement of Job Function

The Research Assistant - ESL Curriculum Development is a temporary, part-time, grant-funded position responsible for developing English-as-a-Second-Language modules that prepare Spanish-speaking students at SETECA, a Denver Seminary partner institution in Guatemala, for graduate-level theological study in English. Working under the project lead, the Research Assistant drafts curriculum, develops instructional materials and assessments, and aligns learning outcomes with the academic English expectations of master's-level coursework at Denver Seminary. The appointment is expected to continue through project completion, targeted for December 2026, for up to 15-20 hours per week.

Essential Functions

• Drafts and builds ESL instructional modules with defined learning outcomes, lesson sequences, and estimated seat time.
• Develops academic English materials specific to theological study, including scholarly reading comprehension, academic writing conventions, research vocabulary, note-taking, and oral presentation.
• Creates practice activities, formative assessments, rubrics, and answer keys for each module.
• Adapts existing materials and identifies appropriate open or licensed resources, documenting sources and permissions.
• Formats content for delivery in the project's learning platform and prepares files for upload.
• Pilot-tests materials with sample learners as needed and revises content based on feedback.
• Maintains module documentation, version control, and a progress log and participates in regular check-ins with the project lead.
• Supports alignment review with Denver Seminary program expectations and admissions English requirements.

Secondary Functions

• Collaborates with project lead and subject-matter reviewers to clarify content needs and incorporate feedback.
• Assists with bilingual terminology and glossary development as appropriate.
• Performs other temporary project-related duties consistent with the position's purpose and scope.

Education/Training

• Bachelor's degree required; coursework or a degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, English, education, or a related field preferred.
• Experience teaching ESL/EFL or developing ESL curriculum, preferably for adult learners.
• Familiarity with English for Academic Purposes and standardized English proficiency benchmarks, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or CEFR.

Qualifications

• A committed personal relationship with Jesus Christ is required, and a lifestyle consistent with the Seminary's Community Values and Behavioral Commitments.
• Agrees with Denver Seminary's Statement of Faith.
• Strong writing, editing, and organizational skills with the ability to produce clear, accurate, ready-to-use instructional materials.
• Working knowledge of adult education principles and learner-centered instructional design.
• Working proficiency in Spanish strongly preferred to support Spanish-speaking learners and bilingual glossary development.
• Familiarity with theological or biblical studies vocabulary is preferred.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office and willingness to learn the project's learning management system.
• Able to work independently, manage a defined project scope, meet deadlines, and communicate progress consistently.
• Approaches all work with professionalism, discretion, accuracy, and respect for intellectual property and licensing requirements.

Denver Seminary prepares men and women to engage the needs of the world with the redemptive power of the Gospel and the life-changing truth of Scripture. Through our educational programs and mentoring process, the Seminary challenges students to grow spiritually, intellectually, and professionally to lead God's people in the accomplishment of His mission in the world. The position of Research Assistant - ESL Curriculum Development supports this mission through the following outcomes:

Outcomes

• A coherent set of ESL modules aligned with defined learning outcomes and the academic English demands of graduate-level theological study.
• Complete, well-organized instructional materials that include practice activities, assessments, rubrics, answer keys, and properly documented sources.
• Content that is accurate, accessible to Spanish-speaking learners, and ready for delivery through the project's learning platform.
• Project milestones completed on schedule, with revisions incorporated in response to pilot testing and stakeholder feedback.

Typical Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Remote or hybrid work environment with regular and sustained computer use, virtual meetings, reading, writing, and document preparation. The position may require occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting or moving materials weighing up to 15 pounds. Work must be performed from an approved location with reliable internet access and the ability to meet project deadlines across applicable time zones.

Equal Opportunity & Faith Commitment

Denver Seminary is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence in all areas of ministry and operations. As a faith-based institution, Denver Seminary exercises its legal rights to prefer candidates who affirm and support our Statement of Faith and Community Values, consistent with applicable religious exemptions under federal law.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants who require accommodation during the application process should contact Human Resources.

Note: Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States and successful completion of a background check.

Application Process

Willingness to support Denver Seminary's vision, sign the National Association of Evangelicals Faith Statement, and abide by the Seminary's Community Values and Behavioral Commitments is required.

Please complete our online application form.

Please send your resume or CV to [email protected].