The Ability Challenge Program Director Remote · Full time

The Ability Challenge (ABC) seeks a skilled and strategic Program Director to develop and deliver content, training, and strategic operations support during a time of tremendous growth for our organization.

Description

The Program Director plays a pivotal role in implementing ABC's special education school improvement model in partner districts and schools. Reporting to the Managing Director of Program, the Director is responsible for coaching educators and leaders, building and managing relationships with partners, facilitating training, and supporting program development. This role is a unique opportunity to make a profound impact on the educational landscape, driving positive change for students with disabilities and creating lasting improvements in school and district environments.


This remote position requires a 40-hour workweek commitment and offers a competitive salary range and benefits. Salaries will be determined using a structured rubric that considers various factors, including experience, skills, and knowledge.


Preference will be given to applicants in the Washington, DC area. This is a grant-funded opportunity for two years with the opportunity for ongoing employment upon completion of the grant.


Main Responsibilities:

We seek an individual who thrives while engaging in the following activities:

  • Coaching educators and leaders to manage change
  • Building and managing relationships with school and district partners
  • Facilitating training and development for partners
  • Supporting partners with the development of resources such as data tools and dashboards, high-quality IEPs, behavior plans, strategic whole school schedules, and more
  • Managing the full range of responsibilities related to partner engagements (e.g., partner onboarding, communication, developing deliverables, measuring impact, troubleshooting)
  • Developing program content, including curriculum, coaching plans, and other tools/ resources
  • Supervising staff as the organization grows


Knowledge and Experience:

Successful members of our Program team typically possess knowledge and experience in the following areas:

  • Special education systems leadership
  • Special education program delivery, learner variability, specially designed instruction, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
  • Curriculum, resource, and material design
  • Effective training facilitation practices, with a focus on differentiation and engaging adults
  • A commitment to equitable and sustainable school improvement
  • Proficiency in effective coaching strategies


ABC Orientations:

We are looking for someone who brings the following orientations to their work:


Humility Orientation: You need others.

Because at ABC: We assume that people are capable of making progress; We have faith in our partners and the work they do; We name, reflect and interrogate our biases; We value the input of others; We create space for people to weigh in or contribute


Empathy Orientation: You make others feel heard.

Because at ABC: We work hard to understand; We listen and ask clarifying questions; We empathize because we understand the system is not designed for everyone; We never make people feel like they are the problem; We frame feedback with supports; We separate the challenge from the individual; We work to make it safe for people to share their experiences with us


Courage Orientation: You say the thing.

Because at ABC: We ask questions and give challenging feedback; We are honest and direct; We have hard conversations, but we show care for people before, during and after those conversations


Learning Orientation: You are always growing.

Because at ABC: We seek to understand our impact and how we’re coming across; We get curious about why things are the way they are; We look at the data


Solutions Orientation: You are determined.

Because at ABC: We focus on the challenge; We get scrappy and find a path to the thing; We resist an unnecessary sense of urgency and seek solutions that meet the need without causing unnecessary harm


To Apply: 

To apply for the Program Director role at ABC, please submit a resume, cover letter, and answers to the following questions:


  1. In your view, what are the key principles and strategies for effectively supporting students with diverse learning needs? Please share your philosophy and approach.
  2. Describe your approach to creating and facilitating meaningful learning experiences for adults, particularly in the context of professional development or training. How do you ensure engagement and comprehension among adult learners?
  3. What specifically attracts you to the Program Director role at ABC? Please highlight your motivations, skills, and experiences that make you a strong fit for this position.


SUBMISSION NOTE: Please put your resume and cover letter into one PDF to upload to the site and answer questions as posted. For questions, please feel free to reach out to [email protected].

Salary

$85,400 - $104,500 per year