Macroeconomics Course Author / Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Job Title: Date: Position:

Macroeconomics Course Author/ 10/12/26 Contract - Temporary

Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Reports to: Department: Travel:

Vice President of Academic Affairs Academics No

Status: Compensation: Remote:

Exempt - Professional Stipend Yes

Our Mission

The mission of Portage Learning is to transform lives and communities by providing learning opportunities for all who aspire to thrive. We do this not only through superior online instruction but with a deep commitment to expanding access to education. We believe service is the thread that binds our community and our team together. To that end, we choose to …

• Believe the best in our employees
• Invest in our people
• Collaborate with humility, respect, and appreciation
• Cultivate curiosity and encourage creativity

A Place Where Creativity and Curiosity Matter

Portage Learning is developing a new 100-level, fully online, asynchronous Macroeconomics course for undergraduate-level college students seeking courses in the areas of introductory economics, business, or general education social sciences. We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert to author comprehensive module content, create aligned assessments, and collaborate with our Instructional Design team to build an engaging, standards-aligned course.

The SME will develop 8 modules that provide students with an introduction to the principles and applications of macroeconomics, examining how economies function at the national and global levels. Major areas of study will include economic measurement and performance; economic growth and fluctuations; money, banking, and financial systems; monetary and fiscal policy; and international trade and finance. Students will use economic models and real-world data to explore issues such as inflation, unemployment, economic growth, interest rates, government spending and taxation, and changes in the global economy.

The SME may also have the opportunity to be contracted for teaching the course through on camera delivery.

What You’ll Invest In:

The Macroeconomics Course Author will:

Course Writing & Content Development

• Curate and/or write full lesson content for 8 asynchronous modules aligned to course learning objectives.
• Ensure each module includes clear explanations, examples, and learner-appropriate practice opportunities.
• Integrate or adapt open educational resources (OERs) where appropriate, following Portage guidelines.

Assessments & Academic Integrity

Create for each module:

• 1 problem set (20 – 25 questions)
• 1 module exam
• Any additional assessments: lab exams/notebooks, speaking assessments, case studies
• Develop question banks with 6 alternate versions per question
• Align all assessments to CLOs and provide rationale/notes for Academic Data review.

Slides & Multimedia Collaboration

• Draft lecture slides for each module following Portage production standards.
• Identify 2–3 “high-value” concepts per module for H5P/interactive reinforcement.
• Collaborate with Instructional Design, Production, Accessibility, and Editorial teams through iterative review cycles.

Deliverables

• Final written module scripts/content (per Portage template)
• Lecture slide decks per module
• Problem sets, exams, and exam banks
• Notes for interactive/H5P opportunities
• Revisions based on internal review feedback

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s).

We Believe the Best:

Portage Learning is seeking a candidate who exemplifies our mission, vision, philosophy, and goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in economics, business administration or related field required.
• Demonstrated experience teaching economics at the introductory/novice level (college or adult learners strongly preferred).
• Strong academic writing skills in English; ability to write engaging, student-friendly asynchronous lessons.
• Experience creating assessments aligned to learning outcomes.
• Comfort working with OER and/or adapting existing texts responsibly.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Online course authoring experience (asynchronous or continuous-enrollment formats).
• Experience with multimedia teaching (recorded lectures, short instructional videos).
• Comfort collaborating in Google Workspace or similar tools.

Our inclusive culture drives our mission to transform lives and communities by providing learning opportunities for all who aspire to thrive. For those with a disability, we offer accommodation during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview and onboarding.

Collaborating with a Team that Values Humility, Respect, and Appreciation

This is a part-time/contract position. Days and hours of work are based on needs associated with the project. SMEs are expected to meet all deadlines as outlined in the contract.

Portage Learning is an equal-opportunity employer, extending opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, ancestry, place of birth, disability, handicap, age, genetic information, use of a guide or support animal, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and accompanies the institution’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory, harassing, and retaliatory practices.

Travel:

The job may require occasional travel – less than 10%. Must be able to travel to the office located in Chippewa Township, PA and/or other suitable venues.

Other Duties Disclaimer:

This is not an all-inclusive document. Additional duties, expectations, or demands may be added or changed to this document on an as-needed basis in order to meet organizational goals.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.