Digital Learning and Innovation Specialist

NEW TECH ROLE: Digital Learning and Innovation Specialist

Reports to: Assistant Head of Academics

Start Date: August 1, 2025 with expectations for stipend planning work in July 2025.

WHO WE ARE:

At Forest Ridge, our intentional approach to excellence in education inspires students to explore intellectually, spiritually and personally as they embrace challenge, feed their curiosity, build their confidence and prepare for a lifelong pursuit of much more than just success, but success with true meaning – throughout their education, career and lifetime.

Our dynamic and challenging academic environment is filled with immersive, experiential learning opportunities, designed to help students discover their own sense of purpose. Our students learn to regard the world both intellectually and spiritually, blending faith with logic, combining thoughtful reflection with energetic debate, and focusing on both individual wellbeing and the good of the global community.

Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, an independent school for girls in grades 5-12, welcomes students, adults and families into an inclusive global learning environment which respects and strives for diversity, openness, understanding and acceptance of all human beings.

THE ROLE: Forest Ridge School seeks a visionary and dynamic Digital Learning and Innovation Specialist to lead the development and implementation of innovative technology programs for our students in grades 5 through 12. The Digital Learning and Innovation Specialist will design, oversee, and implement a cohesive, hands-on, educational technology curriculum that empowers students to develop critical digital literacy, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. This role will also foster opportunities for technology-focused extracurricular activities, ensuring that our students are equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The Digital Learning and Innovation Specialist will work closely with faculty, administrators, and students to create a vibrant, forward-thinking learning environment aligned with Forest Ridge’s commitment to academic excellence and leadership.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Program Development: Design and implement a comprehensive technology curriculum for grades 5-12, integrating emerging technologies and fostering creativity, critical thinking, and ethical technology use.
• Teaching and Coaching: Teach technology courses as needed and provide professional development for faculty to enhance technology integration across all subjects.
• Extracurricular Opportunities: Create and support extracurricular programs such as robotics teams, coding clubs, digital design workshops, and other technology-related initiatives.
• Leadership: Serve as a thought leader on the intersection of technology and education, advising on best practices and innovations in educational technology.
• Collaboration: Partner with faculty and administrators to ensure technology programs align with the school’s mission, goals, and academic standards.
• Resource Management: Collaborate with the technology team to oversee the selection and implementation of enrichment educational technology tools and platforms for students such as robots, 3D printers, vinyl cutters, etc., ensuring equitable access for all students. This excludes foundational technology items such as student laptops, the network, etc that fall under the purview of the Director of Technology. Oversee and maintain The Shop, the Forest Ridge maker space.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

A successful Digital Learning and Innovation Specialist candidate will demonstrate the following qualities, characteristics, skills and experiences:

• Proven experience in educational technology, curriculum design, and program leadership as a creative designer, strategic thinker, and master implementer.
• Strong teaching background with a focus on technology integration and student-centered learning.
• Commitment to building technology programs aligned with best practices in girls' education.
• Extensive experience working in middle school and upper school settings with deep knowledge of what is developmentally appropriate for students at this stage in their learning.
• Multicultural competence with experience working effectively in a diverse school setting.
• High levels of emotional intelligence, excellent listening skills and the ability to navigate the complexities and ambiguities of leading, while inspiring others in a deeply invested community.
• Superb communication skills, in writing, in front of groups, in relationships with others and as a team leader.
• A strong work ethic, with the capacity to invest full days, while also establishing, upholding and modeling appropriate boundaries and standards for others in the broader Forest Ridge community.
• A student-centered educator who finds energy and joy working with kids of all ages.
• Warmth, character, a strong ethical compass, a commitment to confidentiality and a sense of humor.
• An advanced degree in the field of education.
• At least 5 years of teaching or relevant experience.

SALARY/BENEFITS: Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding employees through competitive compensation. Salary range(s) based on education and experience:

• Full-time: $110,000-$135,000

Forest Ridge offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package to benefits-eligible employees. Benefits include: medical/dental/vision insurance (based on FTE); flexible spending account (FSA); employee assistance program (EAP); retirement savings plan with employer match after 1 year of employment; paid time off for sick, personal, bereavement, jury/witness duty; vacation time off for staff; family leave; life and disability insurance; professional development opportunities; 50% tuition remission.

CONTRACT: 11-month employee with expectations for stipend planning work in July 2025.

TO APPLY: Please email the following documents to careers@forestridge.org:

• Cover letter
• Statement of Leadership Philosophy
• Updated CV/Resume
• List of three professional references