Description

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Educator / Trainer & SEA Content Lead (Independent Contractor) International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP)

About ISSP
The International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) is the leading professional association for sustainability practitioners worldwide. ISSP advances the sustainability profession through education, credentialing, and community-building, including support for the Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) and Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) credentials.
ISSP is seeking proposals from qualified individuals to serve as an Educator / Trainer and SEA Content Lead to support SEA cohort delivery, webinars, and the continued development of SEA educational materials.

Engagement Overview
Contract Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
Estimated Time Commitment: 10–20 hours per week
Location: Remote
Anticipated Start Date: 4/6/2026
Contract Term: Initial term aligned with SEA cohort and content development cycle, with potential renewal

Role Summary
The selected contractor will serve in a lead instructional and content management role for ISSP’s SEA programs. This individual will deliver cohort-based education and webinars while acting as the primary point of contact and project manager for the SEA Body of Knowledge and Study Guide development.
This role combines teaching, facilitation, and content leadership and is ideal for an experienced sustainability professional with strong instructional and organizational skills.

Scope of Work
1. Education & Training Delivery
Facilitate live SEA cohort programs using ISSP-developed curriculum.
Deliver live and recorded webinars aligned with SEA learning objectives.
Apply adult learning best practices to support professional learners.
Respond to participant questions and provide instructional support.
Gather and summarize participant feedback to inform program improvements.

2. SEA Body of Knowledge & Study Guide Development
Serve as primary point of contact for SEA content development initiatives.
Manage updates to the SEA Study Guide to ensure alignment with current (2024–2025) sustainability standards and practices.
Coordinate subject matter experts and contributors.
Ensure consistency and alignment across:
SEA learning objectives
Study materials
Cohort curriculum
Assessment preparation tools
Track timelines, deliverables, and review cycles.

Project Phases & Anticipated Timeline
Final timelines will be confirmed collaboratively after contractor selection.

Phase 1: Content Audit & Guidebook Update
Timing: March-May Deliverable: Updated SEA Guidebook (target: September 30)

Phase 2: Reference Book & Training Materials Development
Timing: June-August Deliverables:
SEA Reference Book (target: November 30)
Updated slide decks, facilitator guides, worksheets, and study tools

Phase 3: Expert Engagement & Content Review
Timing: July – October (overlapping) Deliverables:
Finalized materials incorporating expert review
Confirmed roster of subject matter contributors

Phase 4: SEA Cohort & Webinar Delivery
Timing: November-TBD Deliverables:
Completed cohort sessions
Participant feedback summary and recommendations

Budget: Not to exceed $48,000 year

Required Qualifications
SEA or SEP credential (required)
Demonstrated experience in training, teaching, or facilitation
Experience working with adult or professional learners
Strong understanding of sustainability principles and professional practice
Experience developing or managing educational content
Excellent communication and project management skills

Preferred Qualifications
Experience leading cohort-based learning programs
Familiarity with professional certification or exam preparation programs
Experience coordinating subject matter experts
Comfort facilitating virtual learning environments

Proposal Submission Requirements
Interested candidates should submit a proposal that includes:
1. Overview of relevant experience and qualifications
2. Confirmation of SEA or SEP credential
3. Summary of teaching and facilitation experience
4. Experience with curriculum or content development
5. Proposed hourly rate or retainer structure
6. Availability and anticipated weekly capacity
7. Optional work samples or links

Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
Alignment with required qualifications
Instructional and facilitation experience
Content development and project management capability
Ability to meet timelines and deliverables
Overall fit with ISSP’s mission and values

Intellectual Property, Confidentiality & Legal Terms

Intellectual Property & Work for Hire

All materials, content, curriculum, documents, recordings, and deliverables created under this contract (“Work Product”) shall be considered work made for hire to the fullest extent permitted by law and shall be the exclusive property of ISSP.
To the extent any Work Product is not deemed a work made for hire, the contractor hereby irrevocably assigns all right, title, and interest in such Work Product to ISSP, including all intellectual property rights.
The contractor retains no ownership rights in the Work Product and may not reuse, distribute, or publish such materials without prior written consent from ISSP.

Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure

The contractor agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all non-public information obtained through this engagement, including but not limited to curriculum materials, business plans, member data, assessment content, and internal communications.

The contractor shall not disclose, share, or use confidential information for any purpose outside the scope of this engagement, both during and after the contract term.
Independent Contractor Status
The contractor is engaged as an independent contractor and is not an employee, partner, or agent of ISSP. The contractor is responsible for all applicable taxes, insurance, and legal obligations associated with 1099 status.

Submission Information
Submit proposals to: Elizabeth Dinschel, Executive Director, execdir@sustainabilityprofessionals.org
Submission Deadline: March 13, 2026

Requirements

Required Qualifications
SEA or SEP credential (required)
Demonstrated experience in training, teaching, or facilitation
Experience working with adult or professional learners
Strong understanding of sustainability principles and professional practice
Experience developing or managing educational content
Excellent communication and project management skills

Preferred Qualifications
Experience leading cohort-based learning programs
Familiarity with professional certification or exam preparation programs
Experience coordinating subject matter experts
Comfort facilitating virtual learning environments