Director of Educational Programs

JOB TITLE:

Director of Educational Programs

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:

Full-time with benefits 

REPORTS TO:

Executive Director

LOCATION:

In-Office in Webb City, Missouri with occasional travel required

JOB DESCRIPTION:  

The Director of Educational Programs at Kid Spark Education is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for overseeing program implementations and supporting educators in effectively implementing Kid Spark programs. This role plays a critical part in the development of curriculum and professional learning resources, contributing to the enhancement of educational offerings and ensuring high-quality learning experiences for both educators and students. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Educational Programs collaborates closely with internal teams to help support the strategic direction of educational programming. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Become an expert in Kid Spark programming, understanding its principles, methodologies, and applications thoroughly. 
• Manage Kid Spark program implementations, ensuring successful execution and alignment with educational objectives. 
• Support educators in the effective implementation of Kid Spark programs, providing guidance, resources, and professional development opportunities through web-based and in-person experiences. 
• Assist in the development of web-based professional learning resources, empowering educators to enhance their instructional practices. 
• Contribute to the development of captivating, standards-aligned STEM and literacy-based curriculum materials, leveraging expertise in educational methodologies and content. This includes facilitating the creation of lesson plans and activities grounded in both STEM and literacy, while also supporting research, design, and production efforts. 
• Act as Kid Spark Education's ambassador at events and presentations, showcasing programs, fostering partnerships, and communicating value to prospective clients and stakeholders. 
• Provide input and insights to contribute towards the strategic direction of educational initiatives, informed by experience and industry knowledge. 
• Ensure meticulous maintenance of client engagement records within the company CRM database, facilitating effective communication and support processes. 
• Stay connected to educational trends and best practices, researching and incorporating emerging pedagogies and technologies into program development. 
• Engage actively in Kid Spark's Research and Education Committee to contribute to advancing educational research initiatives. 
• Other duties as requested by the Executive Director

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelors degree in STEM Education, Technology and Engineering Education, Elementary Education, Teaching and Leadership.
• Expertise in curriculum design and development, particularly in Pre-K – 8th grade STEM and literacy. 
• Proficient in national educational standards including Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), International Standards for Technology in Education (ISTE), and Computer Science Teachers Association Standards (CSTA). Capable of cross-referencing and adapting standards to align with state-specific educational requirements. 
• Experienced in facilitating STEM learning in both formal and informal education settings, effectively engaging students and enhancing their understanding of STEM concepts.
• Comprehensive understanding and experience across various STEM topics, including proficiency in teaching robotics and coding, fostering computational thinking and problem-solving skills; skilled in computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing technologies, enabling students to bring their designs to life through hands-on projects; knowledgeable in mechanical and structural engineering principles, guiding students in understanding and constructing robust structures and mechanisms; experienced in teaching fundamental physics concepts, helping students grasp the principles that govern the physical world; and an advocate for hands-on, project-based learning approaches to make STEM subjects engaging and practical.
• Experience in facilitating both web-based and in-person professional development initiatives for educators. 
• Experience in project management, overseeing program implementations to ensure successful execution and alignment with educational objectives. This includes coordinating various tasks, timelines, and resources effectively to deliver high-quality educational programs. 
• Familiar with educational research methodologies, utilized to inform program and product development strategies. 
• Proficiency in basic computer application programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel. 
• Familiarity with Adobe applications such as Acrobat, InDesign, Photoshop, Premier (a plus but not required). 
• Experience using CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software such as HubSpot (a plus but not required). 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Passionate advocate for Kid Spark Education's mission to cultivate lifelong interest in STEM among children. 
• Collaborative team player with a calm and confident demeanor. 
• Curious and innovative mindset, embracing opportunities to contribute to organizational strategy. 
• Entrepreneurial spirit, thriving in dynamic and fast-paced environments. 
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to provide insights and recommendations for educational initiatives. 
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written. 
• Tactful and diplomatic approach, adept at navigating complex situations and conversations. 
• Self-motivated and resourceful, demonstrating initiative and sound decision-making abilities. 
• Values-driven individual committed to upholding organizational integrity and respect for others. 

COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

• Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications. 
• Benefits: 100% employee covered health and dental insurance. Option to add dependents at employee’s cost. New full-time employees will accrue 160 hours of vacation (20 days) annually. 

ABOUT KID SPARK EDUCATION:

Kid Spark Education is an educational nonprofit with a national reach. Our mission is to help every child prepare for work and life in the twenty-first century. We create STEM education solutions, share them with schools across the country, and support teachers as they mentor the next generation of inventors, leaders, and creative problem solvers.