Job Description: Course Developer – Masterclasses, Certificate & Diploma courses
Position Course Developer
Employment type Contract
Location Shanghai or Remote
About the Institute for China Studies
The Institute for China Studies is an emerging knowledge hub dedicated to advancing understanding of China’s economic and business environment. We develop high-impact educational programs for global professionals engaging with China, offering masterclasses, certificate courses and diploma courses and executive coaching across key disciplines such as Sales & Business Development, Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, Investment and Entrepreneurship.
Role overview
We are seeking experienced Course developers to design and develop high-quality, practitioner-focused curricula across multiple program formats, including short-form Masterclasses, Certificate courses and Diploma courses. The ideal candidate is both pedagogically strong and professionally grounded, capable of translating complex China-related concepts into structured, outcomes-driven learning experiences for executives, mid-career professionals, and students.
Key responsibilities
- Curriculum design
- Develop course structures, module outlines, learning objectives, and assessment strategies for Masterclass, Certificate, and Diploma tracks.
- Ensure consistency of academic rigor and practical relevance across all courses.
- Content development
- Create engaging instructional materials such as presentations, case studies, reading lists, simulations, assignments, and reflection activities.
- Integrate China-specific data, policy frameworks, business practices, and real-world case studies.
- Instructional methodology
- Apply adult learning principles (experiential learning, scenario-based learning, problem-driven instruction).
- Recommend delivery formats (online live, self-paced, blended, or in-person workshops).
- Collaboration & stakeholder management
- Work with subject-matter experts, instructors, multimedia designers, and academic advisors.
- Coordinate with the Academic Director to align programs with institutional strategy and accreditation requirements.
- Quality assurance & improvement
- Design rubrics, evaluation tools, and learner feedback mechanisms.
- Continuously improving content based on participant outcomes and industry developments.
Required qualifications
- Master’s degree or higher in Business, Economics, Political Science, Education Technology, or related fields.
- Proven experience in curriculum or instructional design, preferably for professional or executive education.
- Demonstrated subject familiarity with at least one of the following:
- Sales & Business Development in an international or China context
- Corporate Finance, Trade, or Cross-Border Investment
- Political Economy, Governance, or China Regulatory Systems
- Strong command of learning taxonomy and assessment design (e.g., Bloom’s framework).
- Excellent writing, research, and content structuring abilities.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience designing stackable credential systems (microlearning → certificates → diplomas).
- Familiarity with LMS platforms (LearnDash, Moodle, Canvas, Thinkific, Kajabi).
- Knowledge of China’s economic policies, business culture, or regulatory environment.
- Ability to integrate multimedia formats (interactive tools, podcasts, video scripts, simulations).
What we offer
- Opportunity to shape premier international training programs on China.
- Collaborative and innovative working environment with China business experts.
- Flexible working arrangements and competitive compensation.
- Recognition as a core academic architect of the Institute’s educational portfolio.
How to apply
Please submit the following to dr.vanostende@china-studies.org:
- CV / Resume
- Portfolio or sample of previous course development work (syllabi, curriculum maps, instructional materials, and so on)
- Short cover letter outlining relevant experience and preferred teaching domains