Director Of Education Jobs

Connecticut Invention Convention, Inc.

Director of Education (35hr/Week, Full Pay)

Are you ready to inspire young minds, ignite their creativity, and empower the next generation of inventors? Join us as the Director of Education at the Connecticut Invention Convention and lead the charge in fostering innovation and problem-solving skills among students across the state!

The Connecticut Invention Convention (CIC), a 40-year-old K-12 invention education program – the longest continuously operated program in the United States, seeks an experienced education professional to raise the program profile in the education space.

The CIC is responsible for managing a project-based, hands-on invention program for one-in-four students statewide annually to solve problems close to their hearts and minds. Many CIC young inventors take their inventions to patents, commercialization, or compete at national competitions. The Connecticut Invention Convention reaches an exceptionally diverse population of students, with more than a third of the class of 2023 identifying as inventors of color and nearly 60% identifying as female.

If you are passionate about helping the state’s young inventors on their problem-solving journeys by finding the resources needed to sustain and grow the program, this position will help you make a meaningful impact in the lives of many students. You will be empowered to guide the strategic direction of CIC’s programs and elevate the organization’s impact both in Connecticut and in its new targeted communities of expansion.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Connecticut Invention Convention’s Executive Director and in cooperation with the organization’s existing program managers, the Director of Education will be responsible for designing, overseeing, and scaling the CIC’s school, non-traditional, and remote programs. The Director of Education will directly manage the CIC’s three existing program managers and oversee these three respective programmatic verticals. The ideal candidate will have a passion for supporting the CIC’s vision to be a recognized force for preparing Connecticut’s workforce of tomorrow through innovative K-12 programming, as enabled through our funding and supporting partnerships.

The position is responsible for the strategic vision and tactical execution of K-12 programs currently reaching more than 11,000 students across Connecticut, including developing new programs and curricular resources to advance the CIC’s impact.

This position is offered on a 35-hour-a-week work schedule. The position is remote but will require in-person participation at schools and venues in the state and occasional out-of-state travel. All applicants must live in or be willing to relocate to Connecticut.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·Directly manage and oversee the CIC’s Invention Convention programming and its three program managers, including guidance and direct support as they seek to reach and achieve their respective targets and goals.

·Create, update, and distribute CIC curricular resources, including dedicated materials for the CIC’s various core audiences (educators, administrators, parents, etc.).

·Build enthusiasm and interest for the Invention Convention program within the K-12 community in Connecticut and beyond.

·Create, update, and distribute marketing materials in partnership with the CIC’s social media and marketing firm.

·Design, develop, and execute a three-year strategic plan to scale the Connecticut Invention Convention’s programs in the state and beyond. Support short and long-term planning by contributing knowledge of educational needs and opportunities.

·Develop a three-year strategic growth plan for CIC programs in partnership with Executive Director and CIC Strategy Committee.

·Conduct outreach and presentations with teachers, principals, science coordinators, out-of-school facilitators, and school district administrators to retain participating programs, increase participation grades, and ensure continuity and sustainability of the CIC program, particularly in low-income school districts.

·Create and lead presentations to advance the CIC’s brand at conferences, networking events, and other important educational venues.

·Design and conduct Professional Development (PD) workshops and one-on-one training where necessary in collaboration with existing Program Managers.

·Identify strategies to reach out to and create partnerships with new schools, districts, home-schooled groups, and other organizations serving students with STEM programs.

·Support the implementation of school/district-level Invention Conventions, CIC Events, and national follow-on competitions. For CIC Events, support includes judge and volunteer recruitment, school and student registration, and other tasks as needed.

·Work with the Executive Director, Grants Manager, and Program Managers to ensure the CIC meets all grant deliverables.

·Work with the Executive Director to provide required data for annual reports.

·Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field required. Teaching certification required. Master's degree or demonstrated professional development in curriculum writing, with emphasis on student centered/project based pedagogy is preferred. A combination of 5-7 years related experience in a setting that demonstrates the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to perform the above tasks; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Experience in working with a diverse group of local stakeholders is required. Extensive experience in working with K-12 students and in educational settings is required. Experience managing others and projects is preferred, including experience in an instructional and/or administrative function within the K-12 environment.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Ability to effectively utilize job-related software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, database, and internet development tools. Familiarity with social media and its uses is critical.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to write and interpret reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from staff, public officials, neighborhood residents, youth, adults, and the staff of various community-based organizations. Effective public speaking and public relations skills required. Must be able to represent CIC to all types of audiences.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL:

Physical:Sitting: 75%

Standing 25%

Lifting: Some boxes weighing between 10-20 lbs

Vision: Normal

Ability to climb stairs

Presenting

Driving

Work ethic: Drive to succeed; creativity and ability to communicateprofessionally in corporate setting; desire to continually improve performance; goal-achievement oriented; willing to work hard and occasionally put in long hours; able to self-manage and work independently and remotely, able to collaborate effectively; flexibility in approach to challenges and teamwork.

COMPENSATION AND CULTURE:

·Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000 (depending on qualifications)

·Expected hours: 35/week (flexible hours)

·401(k)-matching

·Healthcare and phone stipend

·Relaxed, passionate, and welcoming environment

All offers of employment are contingent upon background check.

Connecticut Invention Convention is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). Qualified applicants ae considered for employment without regards to age, race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.