Cognitive Performance Curriculum Development Manager

Title:

Cognitive Performance Curriculum Development Manager

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Position Overview:

KBR is actively seeking a Cognitive Performance Curriculum Development Manager to join our team on an initial part-time basis providing subject matter expertise for Health and Human Performance (HHP) innovation, curriculum development, certification pathway planning, and business development targets. This position supports current execution and future pursuit of HHP contracts for KBR by advising HHP initiatives, contributing cognitive performance expertise, and helping translate evidence-based practices into practical training and program solutions. Additional responsibilities may include:

• Working collaboratively with a team of HHP personnel and capture managers supporting federal and Department of Defense (DoD) business growth in the HHP domain.
• Collaboration with KBR and industry experts for program initiatives, curriculum development, and education delivery to support existing HHP contracts or future contract offerings.

Duties may include:

• Design, develop, and implement a comprehensive certification program that applies Cognitive Performance principles to the performance enhancement of military personnel.
• Provide resource requirements and effort estimates.

• Conduct thorough research and literature reviews on the cognitive performance needs of military populations, including cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning, adaptive thinking, human engagements, and emotional control skills strategies.
• Develop educational materials, including manuals, online modules, and practical training exercises, ensuring content is evidence-based and aligned with current best practices.
• Develop and refine course outlines, learning objectives, instructional materials, assessment criteria, and certification pathways for cognitive performance training.
• Work closely with military health professionals, cognitive domain experts, and educational institutions to ensure the curriculum meets the highest standards and addresses the specific needs of military personnel.
• Develop, monitor, and recommend strategic plans to support contract requirements and emerging customer needs.
• Monitor Cognitive Performance innovations/improvements for success in contract execution.
• Support evaluation of curriculum effectiveness through feedback, performance measures, pilot implementation, and continuous improvement processes.
• Support capture and proposal activities by contributing technical content, solutioning approaches, staffing assumptions, and subject matter expertise related to cognitive performance and HHP programs.
• Interface with HHP team on a consistent basis to ensure that projects are meeting expectations; modify plan/processes to successfully meet contract requirements.
• Serve as an advisor to BD in matters related to cognitive performance and related mental skills strategies.
• Ensure curriculum and certification recommendations are aligned, where applicable, with recognized professional standards such as AASP Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), BCIA Heart Rate Variability biofeedback training, or other relevant cognitive performance, biofeedback, or human performance certification frameworks.
• Assist the HHP team in developing and updating criteria-based job descriptions and performance standards.
• Work closely with Program Managers and Human Resources on any issue of staff or resource allocation across HHP initiatives, including requests for re-direction of resources to facilitate execution of any task.
• Serve as a mentor for cognitive domain personnel seeking certification, providing guidance and support throughout the process.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience:

• Master’s degree in Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Cognitive Science, Cognitive Neuroscience, Sport Sciences, Performance Psychology, Psychology or mental health discipline with specialization in Performance Psychology required.  (Doctorate preferred).

• Certificate of formal HRV completion of training for heart rate variability (HRV) through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) or another recognized provider, a relevant certification through BCIA, or multiple years of demonstrated experience delivering HRV training in a high-performance settings.
• 10+ years of relevant cognitive performance, mental performance, human performance, performance psychology, or comparable high-performance experience with Military, collegiate, Olympic, or professional sports populations.
• Extensive experience in SOF environments and familiarity with DoD mental performance programs required.
• Thorough understanding of military mental performance environment, with a specific emphasis on cognitive enhancement.
• Minimum 3 years prior experience in a project management or task lead role.
• Strong background in curriculum development, excellent communication and organizational skills, ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Understanding of Cognitive/Human Performance trends in industry and academia, including relevant tools and theories of practice.
• Willingness to navigate curriculum development/validation and coordinate with nationally/internationally recognized certifying organizations.
• Experience supporting Federal contracts and/or DoD programs preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills; experience in team building, oral presentations, and organizational development.
• Knowledge and use of business concepts associated with project management, including the ability to forecast and maintain project timelines.
• Demonstrated passion for education and the delivery and development of educational products and services, including curriculum development.
• Cross-functional HHP experience and business leadership experience preferred.
• Strong and effective written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Cognitive Science, Cognitive Neuroscience, Sport Sciences, Performance Psychology, Psychology or mental health discipline with specialization in Performance Psychology.  
• Secret or Top Secret Clearance.

Standard Company Requirements:

• Must comply with Safety, Health, and Environmental plan, policies, and procedures.
• Must comply with the Quality Assurance plan, policies, and procedures.
• Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance.
• Responsible for completing all required training.
• Perform other assignments and duties, as required.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

KBR Benefits:

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development

Click here to learn more:  KBR Benefits New | KBR 

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.  These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company.  That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. 

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.