Instructor/Facilitator SME - Character Formation for Spiritual Readiness

Position: Instructor/Facilitator - Subject Matter Expert - 3 positions

Engagement Type: Consultancy

Location: Fully Remote, with extensive travel

Deadline: Wednesday, 7 October 2026 @ 1700 EDT

McColm & Company (McColm) is a mission-driven and customer-focused professional services firm that equips change makers with the knowledge, skills, and insights they need to succeed in an increasingly complex world. McColm specializes in supporting U.S. federal customers with national security, human services, foreign affairs, and emergency response-focused portfolios by managing bespoke professional training programs, delivering effective capacity building solutions, and providing highly specialized technical assistance and analysis expertise to decision makers.

McColm’s Justice and Resilience Practice supports U.S. Government clients working to support the spiritual readiness of our Armed Forces. McColm seeks three Subject Matter Expert Instructor/Facilitators to deliver the U.S. Navy, Naval Chaplaincy School's annual Professional Development Training Course (PDTC). The FY2027 topic is Character Formation for Spiritual Readiness.

The position is fully remote and requires virtual meetings and briefings with government personnel and stakeholders, along with extensive travel. The average level of effort over the 9 month contract term is anticipated at 20%.

This position is classed as a 1099 Independent Contractor.

Duties

The Instructor/Facilitator will be part of the three (3) person team. Duties include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

Preparation (September – December 2026)

• Familiarize with curriculum and training materials
• Participate in client meetings
• Participate in Walk Thru and Validation events

Delivery (January – June 2027)

• Deliver the 3-day PDTC at assigned field sites at assigned locations - there are 12 total deliveries
• Arrive on site the day before each course and meet with NCS personnel and/or the host command chaplain to confirm readiness
• Capture participant and host-command feedback after each event
• Maintain professional appearance, conduct, and installation compliance standards throughout

Education

• PhD, DPhil, or thesis-based master’s degree (e.g., MA, STM, ThM) preferred
• Professional doctorates and non-thesis master’s degrees will be considered based on relevant expertise and experience in the course topic

Experience and skills

• Demonstrated ability to deliver engaging, high-impact presentations to large audiences (100+), sustaining attention across a full training day and driving clear course outcomes.
• Experience with, or strong understanding of, the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps, military chaplaincy, or Sea Services ministry is highly desirable
• Working knowledge of institutional ministry in a pluralistic environment; able to quickly gain proficiency in the curriculum and execute with minimal oversight
• Subject-matter depth in character formation, moral and spiritual development, virtue ethics, or a closely related field, and familiarity with current research on the topic
• Practical experience instructing in the specialty area and comfort with instructional presentation technologies
• Skilled facilitator of small-group activities, case studies, and scenario-based discussion, not only lecture

Eligibility and availability

• U.S. citizen or otherwise authorized to work in the United States; fluent in written and spoken English
• Valid U.S. passport with validity extending beyond July 2027
• Available for the full engagement period and field schedule.
• Willing and able to travel frequently, including long-haul international travel.
• Prior experience supporting U.S. Government clients a highly desirable.