Assistant Director of Learning Experiences Position

The Danielson Group

The Danielson Group (DG), is a non-profit organization founded by Charlotte Danielson to strengthen professional practice and promote educational policies that elevate teacher development and leadership in service of student learning. Our vision is that each educator and student experiences a learning environment that promotes joyful inquiry, efficacy, intellectual rigor, and reflection grounded in the Framework for Teaching (FFT). Danielson developed the FFT to promote clear and meaningful conversations about effective teaching practice. The DG advances the principles of the FFT by partnering with educators and policy leaders across the United States and abroad to enhance their practice and ultimately ensure that each student can acquire deep understanding of important, complex content.

About the Assistant Director of Learning Experiences Position

The Assistant Director of Learning Experiences (ADLE) will play a crucial part in driving the creation, modification, and delivery of cutting-edge learning solutions for our partners. As the primary lead of our flagship products, you will oversee the charge in updating and creating new versions of these offerings, while also customizing workshops and learning experiences tailored to the specific needs of schools and districts. Your expertise in educational coaching, resource development, and professional development of instructional leaders will contribute to our mission of empowering educators and transforming the landscape of professional learning.

Responsibilities:

Content Creation and Delivery (~ 50%):

• Modify, update, and create new versions of our products, including Common Vision, Growth-Focused Observations, and Calibrations
  • Create and deliver customized learning experiences ranging from brief (1.5 - 3hrs) workshops to multi-day sessions for instructional leaders
• Develop content anchored with the Framework for Teaching, incorporating new research and engaging activities
• Seek and employ strong research skills and adult facilitation expertise to enhance the effectiveness of learning experiences
  • Lead the content development process, ensuring products are updated yearly, and work towards establishing an annual release cycle

Resource Development (~30%):

• Create and curate a wide range of resource materials to support our suite of products and learning offerings, catering to various learning modalities
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop new courses that complement the existing suite of offerings, aligning with the strategic plan
• Contribute to the development and improvement of processes related to knowledge sharing, documentation, and dissemination of best practices
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues from various departments to support and contribute to professional learning opportunities through grants and state–level proposals

Contract/Proposal Liaison with Partners (~20%):

• Collaborate with business development leads to provide valuable insights on how content can be developed to meet the needs of schools, districts, and networks
• Engage with current partners to encourage repeat business by offering new and updated content that aligns with their evolving needs in their professional learning systems
• Support the fulfilling of proposal requests, ensuring timely and well-crafted responses to partners
• Cultivate strong relationships with partners and stakeholders to identify organic opportunities for collaboration and growth

Qualifications

Required:

• 8-10+ years of professional experience, with significant experience in adult coaching with school leaders and instructional leaders
• Demonstrated engagement in coursework around coaching and developing adult learners, displaying a strong orientation towards outcomes and skills
• A keen awareness and understanding of current learning contexts, with a demonstrated commitment to equity and a growth mindset
• Familiarity with professional learning systems in educational settings (e.g., schools, districts) and responsibility for their implementation and success
• Excellent research skills, with the ability to filter relevant and timely information and incorporate findings into practice
• Experience leading groups and designing engaging activities
• Highly relational and able to instinctively identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration and growth

Preferred:

• Previous experience in change management within schools or as a consultant is highly desirable
• While prior familiarity with The Danielson Framework is beneficial, it is not a strict requirement. Orientation towards outcomes and skills is more critical

Competencies:

The Assistant Director must be able to demonstrate proficiency in each of the following competencies:

• Champion of equity and excellence – Demonstrates a deep commitment to The Danielson Group's charitable purposes, reflecting the organization's vision, mission, core beliefs, and emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Innovative designer – Proven track record of fostering new thinking and learning opportunities for educators, with a particular focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all initiatives
• Experienced instructional leader - Exhibits leadership in developing and implementing school-based professional learning systems and initiatives, such as professional learning communities, instructional coaching, and teacher leadership programs
• Skilled communicator -Possesses exceptional oral and written communication skills, effectively conveying ideas and information to diverse audiences with clarity and impact
• Thought partner and strategic thinker - Collaborative and action-oriented problem-solver, actively engaging as a thought partner and strategic thinker to drive innovative solutions and improvements
• Exhibit a deep understanding of pedagogical principles and the ability to define learning strategies that prioritize the needs and best interests of students, ensuring their holistic growth and development
• Expert facilitator - Strong facilitation skills aligned with research-based practices for adult learning and successful change efforts, capable of leading teams of leaders to achieve desired outcomes
• Deliverer – Displays the ability to independently and efficiently complete tasks with little guidance and support, while meeting tight timelines and ensuring successful outcomes
• Active learner - Possesses a continuous learning mindset, actively seeking out innovations and priorities in the field and remaining reflective, responsive to feedback
• Relationship builder - Skillfully builds and nurtures strong relationships with multiple team members and partners, fostering collaboration and achieving collective goals

Location and Travel

The Danielson Group is a remote company. This position will be expected to travel frequently, up to 40% of their time. Location near a major airport is preferred.

Compensation

This is a full time position and the salary range is $125,000 - 140,000, plus health benefits and 401K contribution.

Hiring process

The successful candidate will agree to submit to a criminal background check and verification of employment process. References must include direct supervisors.

Job location

The Danielson Group is based in Chicago, but this position can be performed remotely.

Position type

Full-time

Languages required

English

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit one email with resume and cover letter to contact_us@danielsongroup.org with the following Subject Line: ROLE - YOUR NAME - APPLICATION

The Danielson Group is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks persons of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQIA+ applicants for this position. We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. The DG’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.