Managing Director of Academics (New York)
The Managing Director of Academics (MDA) provides instructional and content leadership for DREAM’s K–12 academic program, with a strong emphasis on excellent curriculum implementation, teacher development, and instructional quality. Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Learning, the MDA leads the 10-member Curriculum and Instruction Team and oversees DREAM’s network-wide approach to curriculum, assessment, data responsiveness, professional learning, and instructional support. Core Priorities of the Role Leader and Teacher Development: Build the instructional leadership skill set of Curriculum and Instruction Team Directors and Associate Directors as well as school Principals, Academic Deans, and teachers across the network through high-quality coaching, professional development, and modeling of exemplary practice. High School Curriculum Quality and Coherence: Lead the selection, adaptation, and implementation of rigorous, AP- and SAT-aligned, career-connected, and culturally responsive high school curricula across content areas. Acceleration of Academic Achievement Results: Consistently elevate the quality of Tier 1 curriculum implementation and strengthen data-responsive systems to achieve exceptional academic achievement results across all core content areas and gradespans. Project-Based Learning Implementation: Oversee the phased, network-wide implementation of project-based learning, ensuring coherence, feasibility, and strong instructional execution. Inclusive Curriculum and Differentiation for Diverse Learners: Partner with our Student Supports teams to strengthen differentiation, accessibility, and special education alignment within Tier 1 curriculum and select and adapt a research-based Tier 2 and 3 Intervention program. Key Responsibilities Instructional Leadership & Vision Own and steward the network-wide instructional vision, ensuring alignment with DREAM’s 5-Year Curriculum Vision and Graduate Profile. Partner closely with the network Education Leadership Team and school leaders to ensure strong instructional coherence and fidelity of implementation. Set clear instructional priorities that emphasize rigor, culturally and historically responsive education, constructivist learning, and joyful classrooms. Curriculum Vision Implementation (K–12) Provide executive oversight of curriculum selection, adaptation, and implementation across all grade levels and content areas. Lead the next phase of high school curriculum development, including ELA, math, science, social studies, and emerging disciplines (e.g., AI, computer science, design). Lead the instructional implementation of DREAM’s innovative, project-based learning strategy across grade levels. Partner with the Managing Director of Student Supports to proactively differentiate Tier 1 curriculum materials for diverse learners and select and adapt a research-based Tier 2 and 3 Intervention program. Ensure curriculum materials include clear guidance for teachers, embedded differentiation, performance-based assessments, and alignment to standards. Collaborate with the Network Director of Curriculum Strategy and Operations to ensure high-quality production, distribution, and continuous improvement of materials. Leader & Teacher Development Serve as the network’s lead instructional expert, modeling best practices in teaching, coaching, and adult learning. Design and lead (or oversee the design and facilitation of) high-impact professional development for principals, Academic Deans, and teachers. Coach and develop direct reports and skip-level leaders, with a focus on instructional leadership, content expertise, and effective coaching practices. Build systems that support consistent, high-quality instructional feedback and learning across schools. Data-Driven Instruction Partner with the Data and Assessment team to analyze student achievement data and instructional trends. Use data to refine curriculum, adjust professional learning priorities, and support schools with targeted action planning. Ensure assessment systems balance rigor with flexibility and multiple demonstrations of learning. Lead the Curriculum and Instruction Team to analyze network-wide, school, and class level data and craft and lead implementation of multi-week, network-wide action plans. Curriculum and Instruction Team Leadership Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership of the Curriculum and Instruction Team, ensuring clarity of vision, priorities, roles, and accountability across all workstreams. Plan, facilitate, and lead monthly Curriculum and Instruction Leadership Team and whole team meetings and annual Curriculum and Instruction Team Institutes that drive instructional coherence, content expertise, identity development, a culture of belonging, cross-team collaboration, data reflection, and progress toward annual goals. Manage the CIT budget in partnership with Finance and the Network Director of Curriculum Strategy and Operations, ensuring resources are strategically allocated to maximize instructional impact. Build, refine, and steward team systems, strategy, communications, and operations to support high-quality curriculum development, implementation, and professional learning. Invest in a joyful, inclusive team culture characterized by high expectations, high support, continuous learning, psychological safety, and shared ownership of outcomes. Cross-Functional Collaboration and Organizational Leadership Collaborate with the network Talent, Operations, Finance, Advancement, Communications, Student Supports, Extended Learning and Enrichment, and SEL and Mental Health teams, and external partners to support effective academic implementation. Provide thought partnership to senior leaders on network-wide academic strategy. Serve on the network's Learning Team, Educational Leadership Team, and Management Team to set organization-wide strategy. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or a related field, preferred. 7 years of school or network academic, curriculum and/or instructional leadership experience, required. 2 years of network or central office leadership experience, required. Charter school experience, highly preferred. Experience teaching and leading multiple grade bands and content areas, highly preferred. Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills; ability to set detailed vision and direction across large, complex sets of work. Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with a proven ability to meet and exceed ambitious goals. Exceptional relationship management and influence skills; a proven servant leader. Effective written and verbal communication, with strong active listening skills. A deep understanding of the Common Core standards. A deep understanding of Humanities and STEM pedagogies, programs, and effective practices. Exceptional self‑motivation, entrepreneurial spirit, and team orientation. Collaborative decision‑making style, with a proven track record of working effectively with diverse individuals to drive decision‑making and results. Self‑awareness and absolute integrity. Exemplary curriculum and assessment writing skills. Ability to deliver impactful professional development to leaders and teachers. Insistence on academic excellence and rigor. Dedication to doing whatever it takes to help all students achieve academic success. Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, and “roll‑up‑my‑sleeves” attitude. Working Expectations The Managing Director of Academics role is part of the Curriculum Team, which currently works 3 days in the office and up to 2 days remote, per week (subject to change). Ideal start date: April 1, 2026. Benefits and Paid Time Off Flexible Medical Health Plans, subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children. The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs. Dental and vision plans. Disability benefits. Life insurance. Up to 12 weeks fully paid parental leave. Flexible spending account options. Pre‑tax commuter benefits (parking and transit). Fitness and entertainment discounts. A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP). 403(b) retirement plan with employer match starting at 4% after one year, with increases tied to DREAM tenure. Referral, performance, and tenure milestones bonuses. Discounted school meals through our in‑house Scratch Food Program. Tuition reimbursement support. Access to a professional development fund. All full‑time Network Support Team employees are eligible for approximately 48 days off throughout the year including holidays, sick days, personal days and summer Fridays. Benefits are subject to change. Compensation DREAM offers a competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience. The incoming annual salary range for this position is $165,000 to $180,000 per year. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on qualifications,
