The Headwaters Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (“Headwaters Hub”) invites proposals to provide technical assistance to the Hub consortium with its submission to the EDA’s Phase 2 Implementation Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). You can access our successful Phase 1 Designation submission here.

The Headwaters Hub intends to form a small expert project team working under the guidance of the Hub’s interim steering committee, and in collaboration with consortium members, to develop a compelling submission for Phase 2 implementation funding. The deadline for our Phase 2 submission is 4:59pm EST Feb 29, 2024. 

Accordingly, the Headwaters Hub is seeking consultants/contractors with relevant expertise and capacity to provide assistance in areas including, but not limited to, one or more of the following:

Outreach and engagement with a particular focus on tribal and rural communities, leaders, and entities (including tribal and local government, businesses, and nonprofit entities). The objectives of such outreach and engagement include:

1. Creating awareness of the Headwaters Hub and its potential activities and impacts.
2. Seeking input on Hub component project design.
3. Seeking input from businesses interested in participating in the Hub.
4. Identifying specific ways in which communities, leaders or organizations would actively participate in the Hubs implementation projects.
5. Seeking input on potential community concerns, needs, and opportunities related to the Hub, including, but not limited to access to training, housing, broadband, transportation, and childcare.

Technical Expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Research commercialization
2. Innovation management
3. Early stage venture programming and support
4. Capital access
5. Scaling of high tech enterprises including global sales & marketing capabilities, and operation
6. Workforce development
7. Technology sector ecosystem development
8. Infrastructure development - including but not limited to housing, broadband, transportation, and childcare
9. State and local policy development
10. Cyber Security
11. Intellectual property management and protection

Project Management/Administration and Grant Administration/Writing

1. Senior program management (i.e. the ability to oversee and coordinate multiple fast paced project design efforts and federal grant applications)
2. Project administration: capacity to assist with meeting/event coordination, general communications, document and task tracking
3. Experience with Federal Grant writing and/or administration

This will be an agile project requiring the identification, scoping, and detailed planning of 3-8 interrelated but separately submitted component projects coordinated via an overarching submission. Accordingly, we are seeking statements of capability and capacity from individuals or organizations interested in contracting with the Hub to provide technical assistance as part of the Phase 2 proposal development project team through to Feb 29. The precise scope of work will be agreed upon prior to commencement of work and include efficient mechanisms for change orders as appropriate.

Accelerate Montana is looking for independent contractor eLearning Developers. eLearning Specialists with a high level of eLearning experience in software systems and development to serve our workforce development programs, particularly for our Rapid Training Program. The Rapid Training Program seeks to connect Montana University System Partners, Employers, Training Partners, and Learners to improve cross-training opportunities and support innovative learning methods and delivery. We have a particular focus on stackable credentials, badging, and micro-credentials in the non-credit domain.  

We are seeking an individual with experience in eLearning authoring tools and software, specifically (Articulate Storyline 360, or similar) and SCORM, standards as well as experience would be an asset. This individual should highlight examples of learning experiences they have designed that provide learners opportunity to demonstrate their competency with the skill/knowledge being taught through interactive methods that go beyond the traditional quiz check. This contractor position requires a high level of project management and time management skills.
Interested individuals should supply a resume and cover letter that speak to their non-traditional methods for course design and support, as well as have a portfolio of projects.  

Responsibilities:    

• Design and create new and engaging eLearning material alongside subject matter experts.
• Design a variety of instructional materials for non-traditional courses with mix-cohorts and asynchronous modules.
• Develop materials for courses based on information provided by subject matter experts and instructors to create the best coursework possible.  
• Redesign courses for online presentation that are conducive to distance learning programs while still adhering to employer and workforce partner goals.  
• Review projects and recommend changes to the current learning material, including technology or instructional methods, to better adhere to delivery options for the course.  
• Keeping abreast of the latest instructional technologies and making recommendations on methodology, tools, and ideas to continuously improve our offering.  
• Preferred experience migrating existing content through multiple platforms (e.g. LMS - Canvas, Moodle, D2L)
• Development and manage gamification and online learning communities.  
• eLearning administration and project management tasks as it pertains to your projects.  

Desirable qualifications for a successful contractor would include many of the following: 

• Experience working with LMS platforms  
• Experience with Articulate Storyline 360 and SCORM software
• Ability to adapt to different systems and learn new programs
• Motivated to support curriculum design and development through online learning and how to support the learning journey  
• Proven working experience in instructional design and with instructional technology with examples of innovative design
• Excellent knowledge of eLearning theories and instructional design models.  
• Have experience with video, animation, screen recording, voiceover, and vector editing tools preferred.  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey technical information to non-technical colleagues.  
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple simultaneous deadlines.  
• High level of comfort working independently and managing time
• Ability to advocate for oneself, ask questions, and be curious.  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to engage with complex and unfamiliar subject matter.  
• BS, MS, or higher degree in instructional design, or related field.  

 Position Details:  We are seeking independent contractors interested in work on a project basis. Rates depend on project scope and work.