DREAM
Overview
Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit our website.
Managing Director of Academics (MDA) — Role Summary
The Managing Director of Academics provides instructional and content leadership for DREAM’s K–12 academic program, with emphasis on excellent curriculum implementation, leader and teacher development, and instructional quality. Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Learning, the MDA leads the 10-member Curriculum and Instruction Team (CIT) and oversees DREAM’s network-wide approach to curriculum, assessment, data responsiveness, professional learning, and instructional support. This role has evolved from an early phase of system-building into a deeply content-focused and implementation-driven position focused on driving strong curricular foundations and expanding high school curriculum development and implementation.
The ideal candidate is an exemplary instructional leader with a proven track record of developing teachers and academic leaders, a curious learner of new content who has experience selecting and adapting high-quality curriculum (especially at the high school level), and a strategic, analytical, data-driven leader who can craft organizational action plans and implement complex instructional initiatives such as project-based learning, integration of generative AI and edtech tools, and proactive and inclusive differentiation for diverse learners.
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 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:
Elevate the quality of Tier 1 curriculum implementation and strengthen data-responsive systems to achieve exceptional achievement across core content areas and gradespans. Project-Based Learning Implementation:
Oversee the phased, network-wide implementation of project-based learning with coherence and strong instructional execution. Inclusive Curriculum and Differentiation for Diverse Learners:
Partner with Student Supports teams to strengthen differentiation, accessibility, and special education alignment within Tier 1, and select and adapt Tier 2 and 3 Intervention programs.
Key Responsibilities Instructional Leadership & Vision Own and steward the network-wide instructional vision, aligning with DREAM’s 5-Year Curriculum Vision and Graduate Profile. Partner with the network Education Leadership Team and school leaders to ensure instructional coherence and fidelity of implementation. Set clear instructional priorities emphasizing rigor, culturally and historically responsive education, constructive 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 project-based learning strategy across grade levels. 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, 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 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 and content expertise. 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 data and implement multi-week 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 Institutes that drive coherence, content expertise, identity development, and a culture of belonging, collaboration, data reflection, and progress toward goals. Manage the CIT budget in partnership with Finance and network leadership, ensuring resources maximize instructional impact. Build and steward team systems, strategy, communications, and operations to support curriculum development, implementation, and professional learning. Invest in a joyful, inclusive team culture with high expectations, support, learning, psychological safety, and shared ownership of outcomes. Cross-Functional Collaboration and Organizational Leadership Collaborate with Talent, Operations, Finance, Advancement, Communications, Student Supports, Extended Learning, 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 2+ years of network or central office leadership experience Charter school experience preferred Experience teaching and leading multiple grade bands and content areas preferred Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and ability to set detailed vision across large, complex work Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with ambitious goals Strong relationship management and servant leadership Effective written and verbal communication with active listening Understanding of Common Core standards; Humanities and STEM pedagogies knowledge Self-motivation, entrepreneurial spirit, and team orientation Collaborative decision-making with diverse stakeholders Self-awareness and integrity Curriculum and assessment writing skills; ability to deliver impactful professional development Commitment to academic excellence and rigor; dedication to helping all students succeed Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, and hands-on attitude Working Expectations
The Managing Director of Academics role is part of the Curriculum Team, currently with in-office and remote work flexibility (subject to change). Ideal start date: April 1, 2026 Benefits and Paid Time Off
Comprehensive benefits including flexible medical plans; dental and vision; disability, life insurance; parental leave; pre-tax accounts; commuter benefits; fitness and entertainment discounts; EAP support; 403(b) with employer match; bonuses for performance and tenure; meal discounts; tuition reimbursement; professional development fund; approximately 48 days off per year for full-time staff. Benefits subject to change. Compensation
Salary range: $165,000 to $180,000 per year. New hires are positioned near the start of the range based on qualifications and budget. Regular raises and opportunities for performance- and tenure-based bonuses. Salary ranges are not capped. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission. DREAM is committed to building a team that reflects and empowers the diverse student body and practices equitable, welcoming, and productive work environments. We encourage all applications and provide accommodations as needed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and state/local laws.
If you are a current DREAM employee, please review our Internal Selection Process before applying.
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Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit our website.
Managing Director of Academics (MDA) — Role Summary
The Managing Director of Academics provides instructional and content leadership for DREAM’s K–12 academic program, with emphasis on excellent curriculum implementation, leader and teacher development, and instructional quality. Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Learning, the MDA leads the 10-member Curriculum and Instruction Team (CIT) and oversees DREAM’s network-wide approach to curriculum, assessment, data responsiveness, professional learning, and instructional support. This role has evolved from an early phase of system-building into a deeply content-focused and implementation-driven position focused on driving strong curricular foundations and expanding high school curriculum development and implementation.
The ideal candidate is an exemplary instructional leader with a proven track record of developing teachers and academic leaders, a curious learner of new content who has experience selecting and adapting high-quality curriculum (especially at the high school level), and a strategic, analytical, data-driven leader who can craft organizational action plans and implement complex instructional initiatives such as project-based learning, integration of generative AI and edtech tools, and proactive and inclusive differentiation for diverse learners.
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 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:
Elevate the quality of Tier 1 curriculum implementation and strengthen data-responsive systems to achieve exceptional achievement across core content areas and gradespans. Project-Based Learning Implementation:
Oversee the phased, network-wide implementation of project-based learning with coherence and strong instructional execution. Inclusive Curriculum and Differentiation for Diverse Learners:
Partner with Student Supports teams to strengthen differentiation, accessibility, and special education alignment within Tier 1, and select and adapt Tier 2 and 3 Intervention programs.
Key Responsibilities Instructional Leadership & Vision Own and steward the network-wide instructional vision, aligning with DREAM’s 5-Year Curriculum Vision and Graduate Profile. Partner with the network Education Leadership Team and school leaders to ensure instructional coherence and fidelity of implementation. Set clear instructional priorities emphasizing rigor, culturally and historically responsive education, constructive 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 project-based learning strategy across grade levels. 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, 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 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 and content expertise. 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 data and implement multi-week 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 Institutes that drive coherence, content expertise, identity development, and a culture of belonging, collaboration, data reflection, and progress toward goals. Manage the CIT budget in partnership with Finance and network leadership, ensuring resources maximize instructional impact. Build and steward team systems, strategy, communications, and operations to support curriculum development, implementation, and professional learning. Invest in a joyful, inclusive team culture with high expectations, support, learning, psychological safety, and shared ownership of outcomes. Cross-Functional Collaboration and Organizational Leadership Collaborate with Talent, Operations, Finance, Advancement, Communications, Student Supports, Extended Learning, 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 2+ years of network or central office leadership experience Charter school experience preferred Experience teaching and leading multiple grade bands and content areas preferred Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and ability to set detailed vision across large, complex work Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with ambitious goals Strong relationship management and servant leadership Effective written and verbal communication with active listening Understanding of Common Core standards; Humanities and STEM pedagogies knowledge Self-motivation, entrepreneurial spirit, and team orientation Collaborative decision-making with diverse stakeholders Self-awareness and integrity Curriculum and assessment writing skills; ability to deliver impactful professional development Commitment to academic excellence and rigor; dedication to helping all students succeed Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, and hands-on attitude Working Expectations
The Managing Director of Academics role is part of the Curriculum Team, currently with in-office and remote work flexibility (subject to change). Ideal start date: April 1, 2026 Benefits and Paid Time Off
Comprehensive benefits including flexible medical plans; dental and vision; disability, life insurance; parental leave; pre-tax accounts; commuter benefits; fitness and entertainment discounts; EAP support; 403(b) with employer match; bonuses for performance and tenure; meal discounts; tuition reimbursement; professional development fund; approximately 48 days off per year for full-time staff. Benefits subject to change. Compensation
Salary range: $165,000 to $180,000 per year. New hires are positioned near the start of the range based on qualifications and budget. Regular raises and opportunities for performance- and tenure-based bonuses. Salary ranges are not capped. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission. DREAM is committed to building a team that reflects and empowers the diverse student body and practices equitable, welcoming, and productive work environments. We encourage all applications and provide accommodations as needed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and state/local laws.
If you are a current DREAM employee, please review our Internal Selection Process before applying.
#J-18808-Ljbffr