THE ROLE
The Director of Innovative Education leads the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of all WeCode KC curricula — spanning youth ages 7–26 across web development, mobile app development, game design, robotics, AI literacy, and cybersecurity. This role oversees the development of WeCode KC's commercially licensable curriculum products, including the Code & Rhyme Lit+Tech curriculum, the Train the Trainer professional development program, and emerging AI education initiatives. This is a builder's role: you will create structure from ambition, build systems from vision, and maintain the standard of excellence that WeCode KC's students and partners have come to expect.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Curriculum Leadership: Scope, design, and maintain a comprehensive curriculum framework aligned with CSTA computer science standards, Missouri DESE requirements, and age-appropriate learning objectives across all WeCode KC program levels
- Product Development: Lead the development of WeCode KC's commercially licensable curriculum products — including Code & Rhyme, the Train the Trainer certification program, and the WeCode KC Instructor Manual — from concept through delivery-ready product
- Instructional Design: Develop complete lesson packages including slide decks, student workbooks, assessment rubrics, pacing guides, differentiation strategies, and project templates that instructors at any skill level can deliver with confidence
- Classroom Quality: Conduct regular classroom observations, provide coaching and feedback to instructors, and maintain the instructional quality standard across all WeCode KC program sites
- Technology Integration: Ensure curricula incorporate relevant, current technology tools — Scratch, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Python, AI tools — and lead the evaluation of new tools as the field evolves
- Team Leadership: Hire, manage, and develop curriculum writers, instructors, and content developers; build a team culture rooted in continuous improvement and shared commitment to equity
- Cross-Functional Partnership: Partner with program operations, the CEO, and external school partners to ensure curricula are aligned with program schedules, grant deliverables, and district requirements
- Research and Innovation: Stay current on advances in CS education, AI literacy, culturally responsive pedagogy, and ed-tech — bringing new thinking to WeCode KC's curriculum approach on an ongoing basis
WHAT YOU BRING
- Deep expertise in K–12 or youth computer science curriculum design — you have built curriculum that students have actually learned from, and you can show your work
- Technical fluency: strong working knowledge of JavaScript, Python, HTML/CSS, and at least one of Swift/Java; comfort with AI and machine learning concepts at a pedagogical level
- Experience teaching or instructing youth in a classroom, after-school, or community program setting — you understand what it's like to be in the room with students
- Strong instructional design and curriculum writing skills — you can take a learning objective and build a complete, engaging lesson around it
- Proven ability to manage projects and teams, balance competing priorities, and deliver high-quality work on deadline
- Portfolio of curriculum work, lesson plans, or instructional materials required
- BA/BS in Computer Science, Education, Engineering, or a related technical field; advanced degree a plus
PREFERRED
- Experience designing commercially licensable curriculum or educational products
- Familiarity with culturally responsive pedagogy and experience designing curriculum for underrepresented student populations
- Experience with the Train the Trainer model or professional development certification programs
- Knowledge of Missouri DESE computer science standards and CTE framework
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
WeCode KC offers a competitive nonprofit salary commensurate with experience. This is a senior leadership role with compensation reflecting its scope and strategic importance to the organization.
WeCode KC offers a comprehensive benefits package:
- Health, Dental & Vision Insurance: Employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision coverage available to all full-time employees
- Short-Term Disability Insurance: Employee-paid short-term disability coverage to protect your income when life happens
- Life Insurance: Employee-paid life insurance policy available to all full-time staff
- 403(b) Retirement Plan: Access to a 403(b) retirement savings plan — because your future matters. Employer match is not available at this time, but the plan is yours to grow
- Paid Time Off: Generous PTO policy to rest, recharge, and show up as your whole self
- 10 Paid Holidays: Ten paid company holidays per year so you can celebrate the moments that matter
- Innovative Culture: Join a small, mission-driven team that moves fast, thinks boldly, and genuinely believes that education changes everything — you will never be just a number here
WeCode KC is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive team. We strongly believe our organization is strengthened by the perspectives and talents of all backgrounds. Candidates from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.