At Mather Institute, we're reimagining what's possible as we age. As the research and innovation arm of Mather, the Institute advances healthy aging, wellness, and quality of life through groundbreaking research, evidence-based programs, and thought leadership that influence the future of senior living. We are seeking a passionate and forward-thinking Wellness Curriculum Developer to transform research findings and best practices into engaging, practical, and meaningful educational experiences for older adults. In this role, you'll collaborate with researchers, content experts, and senior living professionals to design innovative wellness programs, facilitator guides, participant resources, presentations, and learning materials that support health, well-being, and lifelong growth. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree or higher in health promotion, adult education, instructional design, communications, gerontology, or a related field, along with exceptional written, verbal, facilitation, and presentation skills. Candidates should demonstrate experience developing educational content for adult learners, the ability to translate complex scientific information into clear and accessible resources, strong project management and relationship-building abilities, and a genuine passion for improving the lives of older adults. Experience working with older adults, wellness programming, health promotion, or the senior living industry is preferred.
This role is salaried, full-time, hybrid based out of Mather's HQ office in Evanston, Illinois and must be local to Chicagoland, with flexibility to travel regularly to Mather's wellness focused luxury senior living communities in Evanston/Wilmette, Illinois, Tucson, Arizona, and Tysons, Virginia.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Wellness Program Development :
Develop evidence-informed wellness programs and educational experiences for older adults.
Create facilitator guides, participant materials, and educational resources to support program delivery.
Design interactive experiences and activities that encourage participation and support well-being and behavior change.
Update and enhance existing programs to reflect emerging research, industry trends, and participant feedback.
Content Development and Education :
Research and synthesize information on a broad range of wellness topics including, but not limited to, physical activity, nutrition, social connection, stress management, and sleep hygiene.
Translate scientific and technical information into clear, consumer-friendly resources.
Write articles, reports, web content, newsletters, and educational materials for both professional and consumer audiences.
Develop presentations and training materials for senior living team members and residents.
Program Implementation Support :
Collaborate with senior living communities to support successful implementation of wellness programs.
Conduct trainings, workshops, webinars, and presentations for residents, staff, and external audiences.
Coach and support facilitators to ensure consistent program delivery across communities.
Gather feedback from participants and stakeholders to inform ongoing program improvements.
Travel to communities to observe programs, build relationships, and support program delivery.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Research Support and Knowledge Translation :
Support Mather Institute research projects through implementation support and dissemination efforts.
Collaborate with research staff to translate study findings into resources and recommendations.
Monitor trends and emerging research in aging, wellness, and senior living.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with residents, community team members, external partners, and other stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Required:
Master's degree or higher in health promotion, adult education, instructional design, communications, gerontology, or a related field.
Demonstrated ability to develop engaging educational content and programs for adult learners.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
Ability to quickly learn new subject matter and develop high-quality program content across diverse wellness topics.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish rapport and credibility with older adults and senior living professionals.
Highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Preferred:
Experience working with older adults.
Knowledge of behavior change or health promotion.
Familiarity with the senior living industry.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and virtual presentation platforms.
Ability and willingness to travel regularly.
The salary range provided is a good faith estimate of what Mather reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting. The actual salary rate offered will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant skills, certifications, years of experience, geographic location, and current market conditions. At Mather, we are committed to being inclusive, resilient, bold, and impactful—and that includes offering a total rewards experience designed to support our team members. This position may be eligible to participate in Mather’s benefit plan and Holiday Bonus, if applicable. Eligibility for benefits is dependent on employment status and hours worked per pay period. Participation in the Holiday Bonus is not guaranteed and may vary based on factors such as hire date and program eligibility requirements. All benefits are subject to change without notice. Salary Pay Range $82,500 — $88,000 USD Benefits
Mather offers a competitive benefits package.*
Team members are eligible for:
A generous paid time off (PTO) program including vacation days/personal days, sick days, and holidays. This is an “earn-as-you-go” plan that rolls over year to year, offering long- and short-term flexibility.
A 401(k) program with per pay-period employer match and annual employer contribution (available to those age 21 or better)
Convenient, subsidized parking (or public transportation for certain locations)
Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 available annually for Wellness related expenses such as gym memberships, financial planning, etc.
Benefits-eligible team members can take advantage of:
Medical, dental, and vision plans
Paid Parental Leave
Adoption Assistance Reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
Extended illness benefits
Employee wellness programs
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance is available to benefit eligible team members.
*Benefits are subject to change without notice. Benefits details dependent on employment status.
About Mather
Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to developing and implementing Ways to Age Well SM , we create programs, places, and residences for today’s young-at-heart older adults. Mather has received a national certification as a Great Place to Work ® , and has been selected as a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award recipient four years in a row.
Mather is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive workforce. Candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.