Director of Education, K–12

Job Posting Organization:
The Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity on a global scale. Established with the mission that every individual, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the global populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions funded by the Foundation, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The Foundation is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Director of Education, K–12 position presents a unique opportunity to influence the future of education at a critical juncture. This role is designed for a visionary leader who will integrate various educational strategies to enhance learning outcomes, particularly in mathematics. The Director will spearhead an ambitious AI-enabled strategy aimed at significantly improving student performance, with the goal of achieving up to 1.6 years of learning within a single academic year through the provision of high-quality instructional materials, tutoring, and other supportive resources for teachers and students. The role requires a blend of research, product innovation, and practical implementation at scale, overseeing a dual-track portfolio that focuses on both scaling proven educational approaches and driving innovative, AI-driven solutions. The Director will be responsible for aligning these efforts with the Foundation's long-term goals for 2030 and 2045, ensuring that the strategies employed are equitable and effective in addressing the diverse needs of students.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director of Education, K–12 will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the Foundation’s K–12 math strategy, ensuring measurable progress towards the ambitious goals set for 2030 and 204
• Develop and refine a long-term vision for AI-enabled instructional materials and tutoring that is evidence-based and focused on equitable outcomes. Guide the strategic planning and investment strategy for the K–12 portfolio, adapting to changes in AI, data science, and education policy.
• Product & Portfolio Excellence: Advance a comprehensive AI-centered strategy that is grounded in clear use cases for teachers and students. Oversee a dual-track portfolio that balances the scaling of proven educational approaches with the advancement of innovative, product-driven solutions. Lead research and development initiatives from concept to large-scale adoption, ensuring user-centered design and continuous improvement.
• Partnership & Systems Influence: Build strong relationships with educators, researchers, technologists, and policymakers to foster innovation and adoption of new educational technologies. Serve as a credible external voice on the responsible use of technology in education, aligning with peer funders and leaders to explore next-generation delivery models.
• Team Leadership & Organizational Stewardship: Develop and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability. Translate strategic objectives into actionable priorities, providing coaching and feedback to support the growth of future leaders within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Director of Education, K–12 position must possess an advanced degree and have at least 15 years of senior leadership experience in K–12 education, postsecondary education, education technology, or related fields. They should have a proven track record in designing, scaling, or investing in digital or AI-enabled learning products or platforms. Experience in leading research and development or innovation pipelines from concept to scaled adoption is essential. A deep understanding of the K–12 ecosystem, including curriculum, instruction, assessment, and educator professional learning, is required. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to incorporate inclusive design and equitable impact considerations into product development and partnerships.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate for this position should hold an advanced degree in education, educational technology, or a related field. This educational background should be complemented by extensive knowledge of K–12 education systems and practices, particularly in relation to mathematics instruction and educational equity.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 15 years of senior leadership experience, particularly in K–12 education or related systems. They should have a strong background in managing complex portfolios and making informed investment decisions that balance risk, scale, sustainability, and equity. Experience in leading diverse teams in matrixed environments is also crucial.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in diverse educational settings.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and requires unrestricted work authorization in the United States, as the Foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. The salary range for this position is between $335,000 to $519,200 USD, with specific adjustments for high-wage markets like Seattle and Washington D.C., where the range is $368,500 to $571,100 USD. The Foundation aims to balance competitive pay with its mission-driven objectives, and new hires typically fall within the range minimum and midpoint based on their skills and experience. The hiring process includes a background check, and the Foundation is committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience, accommodating candidates with disabilities or medical conditions as needed.