Senior Director - Computer Science and STEM Enrichment

Telecommuting Eligibility: Pursuant to policies and administrative guidelines. Hybrid. Eligible for up to 20% telecommuting (i.e., up to 1 day per week remote work), subject to successful completion of probationary period(s). Thereafter, continued telecommuting will be allowed subject to positive performance reviews and applicable policies and administrative guidelines.

Position Summary:

The Senior Director is responsible for dramatically improving the academic experience and outcomes of all K-12 DPSCD students in Computer Science courses and STEM Enrichment programs. The Senior Director works with Senior Leaders across teams to provide leadership and direction for the Computer Science curriculum, STEM enrichment programs, data collection, program evaluation, and professional learning in the District. The Senior Director is responsible for developing systems of support to advance the District’s Vision of Excellent Instruction in all Computer Science classrooms as well as provide extended learning opportunities for students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math through academic enrichment programs. The Senior Director will manage TSCs to offer high quality and coordinated school support, including regular step backs on trends and needs across classrooms and enrichment programs and use these insights to design and implement relevant and impactful PD for teachers and coaches. As a team leader in the Office, they are accountable for building and leading an inclusive team that produces results for students.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must possess and provide evidence of a master’s degree or similar advanced degree
• It is preferred but not required that the candidate possesses a valid Michigan school and/or central office certificate and valid teaching certificate.

Experience:

We are looking for talented people who are passionate about transforming Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) and making a significant difference in the lives of public-school students, parents, principals, teachers, and central office employees. Expertise and experience working in an urban public-school district is preferred.

• A minimum of three years of experience in building or central office administration, with at least two years of experience in the public education sector preferred.
• A minimum of three years of successful teaching experience in math, science and/or computer science
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with adult learning and school systems
• Experience with leading computer science or STEM initiatives in a K-12 setting

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Ability to organize programs, personnel, and activities required for productive learning in the schools
• Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change
• Ability to research, design and execute relevant professional learning series for school teams based on research of best practices and feedback from key stakeholders.
• Ability to recommend, implement and evaluate instructional strategies and materials across the curriculum
• Evidence of strong project management, communication, collaboration, oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic, deadline-driven, fast-paced team environment.

Essential Functions:

1. Vision: Articulate, promote, and execute the districtwide shared vision for computer science and STEM enrichment programs. Partner with key stakeholders to design and implement this vision and ensure it is realized across DPSCD classrooms and after-school programs.
2. Strategy: Contribute to the development of and monitor progress toward student outcomes for Computer Science and STEM enrichment, establishing an instructional framework for CS and STEM enrichment guidance to establish clear guidelines for teachers and coaches, adjusting strategy and approach to achieve desired outcomes based on a data-driven approach
3. Curriculum Implementation: Provide leadership for and coordinate the adoption and implementation of instructional materials as well as monitor the implementation of instructional materials and learning platforms for Computer Science. Ensure appropriate curriculum guidance is developed for teachers and monitor for the effective use of curricular resources.

Program Evaluation and Coach Development: Develop systems for evaluation of current STEM enrichment programs to determine a plan for improvement and expansion. Support existing programs and partnerships in the district including, but not limited to: TEALS, FIRST Robotics, Lego League, Lego Education, MEZ, Lawrence University, Code.org, MiSTEM, Quicken Loans evaluating quality, efficacy, and accessibility for students. Create a robust program to develop coaches within the district as well as attract and retain effective coaches in the district to support enrichment programs and compete at local and national levels. Design a trajectory for students across grade bands and schools to continue enrichment opportunities as they develop in our system.

1. School Support: Coordinate implementation of on-site support strategies based on student achievement and engagement data; support Computer Science Training and Support Coordinator in providing professional learning and coaching support to teachers where needed modeling instructional practices for effectively teaching students CS standards and learning objectives.
2. Professional Development: Facilitate alignment of district Computer Science curriculum, instruction, professional development, technology, and assessment practices with state standards. Provide professional learning opportunities for computer science teachers and ongoing training for chess, Academic Games and robotics coaches across the district.
3. Whole Child Programming: Use student input to inform and implement programs that foster student interest and excitement in Computer Science and STEM programs, including enrichment opportunities that extend beyond the school day.
4. Stakeholder Engagement: Plan and lead constituent engagement, including students, families, community members, alumni, and educators to understand their motivations and needs, problem solve through challenging issues, and arrive at productive solutions. Work with community stakeholders to establish workforce development opportunities for students in computer science and STEM. Work with local colleges and/or universities to establish dual enrollment, grants, and other opportunities for computer science students.
5. Budget, Contracts and Partnerships: Support Senior Leaders to develop and monitor the departmental budget and contracts; sustain partnerships that advance the academic strategy and support student learning
6. Compliance and Reporting: Ensure district compliance with all state and federal reporting and grant requirements within area of responsibility
7. Team Management: Lead a diverse team to great results, creating an inclusive culture where all team members can thrive; develop equitable processes and policies and build strong relationships across lines of identity and power; use performance management and strong managerial competencies to ensure staff throughout the organizational structure champion our culture, contribute meaningful work, motivate others to achieve results, and operate as constant learners
8. Anti-Racism Commitment: Demonstrate a commitment to antiracism and the affirmation of student and staff identities, center racial equity and inclusion, and bring practical solutions to issues of equity and inclusion in classrooms, schools and on the team
9. Fulfill other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Security Clearance:

Internal Applicants

If you are a current Detroit Public Schools Community District employee, you do not have to submit to a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check.

External Applicants

In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire.

Method of Application:

Applicants must apply through the online application system. Only applications submitted through the online application system will be considered for any posted position and all applications require a resume to be considered.

Successful candidates are required to submit official transcript(s) at point of offer to hire. Teaching service outside of the Detroit Public Schools Community District must be verified by the applicant's prior employer(s) prior to hire. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation (including copies) as requested.

DPSCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, religion, height, weight, citizenship, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions.