Director of Education

We use hydroponic farming technology as a hands-on approach to learning and transform classrooms into 21st century labs where students grow food year round, from seed to harvest. We currently work with 250 schools in the 5 boroughs of New York, and we will be adding another 100 schools in the next year. Visit www.nysunworks.org to learn more.

Qualifications & Experience:

The successful candidate will be a cross-functional, systems thinker and culture champion, capable of managing multiple internal work streams simultaneously. Strong candidates for this role will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies:

Experience:

• Masters Degree in Education, Education Administration, Museum Education, or a related field
• 8+ years of working experience with  3-5+ years of experience with demonstrated achievements in an educational innovation environment. Preference for experience working with k-12 grades (students or educators)
• A deeply held enthusiasm for our organization’s mission and vision, passion for teaching science, sustainability and climate education in k-12 grades

Desired Competencies:

• Demonstrated track record of partnering with organizational leader(s) to design and implement innovative and inventive strategies that address both short-term needs and long-term goals/vision.
• Approachable, effective and inspirational with experience managing a broad array of functional areas and stakeholders both internally and externally.
• A highly competent, confident self-starter who is responsive, and proactive. 
• A growth-mindset with robust analysis and creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and receptivity to feedback.
• Excellent organizational, time, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, short-term needs, and long-term planning. Able to effectively set and manage priorities and deadlines and to coach others to do the same.
• Excellent relationship-building skills; able to work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong communicator, verbal and written.
• A proven commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and passion for sustainability science and climate education and the organization’s greater mission.

 Key responsibilities: 

• Work closely with the executive team to understand and further develop NY Sun Works’ unique curricular content and pedagogical approach through current and future programs.
• Manage and support an exceptional  Education Department team of 5 Curriculum Specialists and Teacher Trainers, guiding their development and praxis
• Oversee the distribution of schools assigned to each curriculum specialist and manage quality control of program deliveries 
• Identify and support the development and refinement of new and existing curriculum based on NYC, NYS, NGSS mandated science standards
• Work with the Director of Finance and Performance to track current KPI’s and develop new evaluation instruments pertaining to the success of the Education Department’s programs 
• Lead the effort on developing assessments of the larger impact of the program
• Effectively communicate with external partners such as Department of Education representatives, as well as higher education stakeholders

Seniority Level: Senior

Industry

• Non Profit 
• Education 

Employment Type: Full-time preferred, Part Time for the right candidate

Job Functions: Education