Curriculum Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Possible Zone (TPZ), a nonprofit organization, seeks a Curriculum Manager to support high-quality student experiences by assisting in managing, designing, and revising TPZ’s high school curriculum for diverse learners.  The ideal candidate has a strong track record of engaging diverse groups of high schoolers in learning opportunities that are culturally responsive, project-based, and competency-based, and is someone who is passionate about closing the opportunity gap. This role reports to the Director of Curriculum. It is an in-person role based in our Boston Innovation Center with some travel to our scaling sites involved, with the expectation of working 4-5 days per week in our Boston office or at our sites in Lawrence, Brockton, and/or Lowell.

The Curriculum Manager will help to support high-quality student experiences by assisting in managing, designing, and revising TPZ’s high school curriculum for diverse learners. Using evidence-based strategies, the Curriculum Manager will assist members of the program team in building out coursework related to Careers of the Future, college and career pathways, STEAM education, work-based learning, and more. The Curriculum Manager will also serve as an educator in one class per year, with a focus on classes that are being offered for the first time or that have undergone significant revisions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and Observation (20%)

• Serve as an educator in at least one of TPZ’s high school classes each year, modeling lesson internalization and implementation and use of in-the-moment differentiation
• Observe and collect data on lessons identified as in need of curricular improvement across sites
• Assist in analyzing data and implementing changes based on classroom observations across sites

Partner-Curriculum Integration (20%)

• Collaborate with external partners to translate industry-aligned content into engaging student experiences, and adapt existing and/or design new curriculum aimed at preparing students for careers of the future and that meets needs of students with IEPs and English Language Learners
• Support educators in collaborating with external partners to modify and co-teach curriculum aimed at preparing students for careers of the future

Curriculum Design (30%)

• Collaborate with educators to design new curriculum that incorporates elements of project-based learning, STEAM education, and culturally responsive teaching
• Organize and format synchronous/asynchronous professional development series for program team to introduce new education research and protocols for teaching and ensure opportunities for application and transfer and for teaching students with IEPs and English Language Learners

Curriculum Management, Revision, and Refinement (30%)

• Revise existing curriculum to incorporate educator choice points and optional scaffolding
• Oversee the revision and documentation of curriculum for scaling sites, working alongside Boston- and other site-based staff to determine the appropriate modifications necessary for classes in Lawrence, Brockton, or Lowell
• Collaborate with directors of instruction to create and manage curriculum, activity, and instructional strategy repositories, i.e. running lists of energizers, scaffolds, etc. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional Experience: 5+ years working with high school students in either classrooms/schools or informal settings (i.e. youth development, camp counseling, etc.)
• Curriculum Development Experience: 5+ years developing curriculum for youth from under-resourced communities, youth with IEPs, and/or English Language Learners in ways that are culturally responsive, project-based, and competency-based, with attention to the whole-child, SEL, and identity development, and building a strong culture and community
• Content Knowledge: Experience implementing curriculum Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) is strongly preferred, in addition to experience in at least one of the following:
  • Project Based Learning
  • Competency Based Learning
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE)
  • Makerspace Curriculum
• English as a Second Language and/or Special Education Certification a strong plus
• Bilingual in Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole a plus
• Facility with Google Drive and Notion a plus
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, demonstrated by an ability to clearly articulate and translate complex curriculum concepts and pedagogical approaches to diverse audiences, including students, educators, and external stakeholders
• Commitment to the success of every learner; have a growth mindset and self-awareness 
• Creative spirit and collaborative nature
• Very high attention to detail
• Ability to pivot or innovate when necessary
• Alignment with our mission and demonstrated commitment to core competencies (Leadership, Creativity & Innovation, Collaboration, Communication, Problem Solving, Continuous Learning)
• A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all activities (see Statement below)

Compensation & Benefits:

TPZ offers performance-based compensation with merit and bonus potential. Our compensation philosophy is designed with checks and balances to ensure pay equity and to fairly recognize and reward employees' contributions.

TPZ provides full-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package, including, but not limited to:

• Company-subsidized Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (80% of the individual premium is paid by TPZ)
• Professional Development opportunities, including the use of state of the art STEAM Makerspace/FabLab
• Basic Life insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability at no cost to the employee
• Mental Health and Wellness resources through partnerships with Calm and Wellable 
• Commuting stipend for walking, biking, transit, or gas
• Retirement plan with employer contributions
• Up to 25 days of paid time off per year
• Approx. 20 paid holidays per year
• Paid parental leave

ABOUT THE POSSIBLE ZONE:

The Possible Zone delivers on the promise of education and opportunity, defying persistent systemic barriers by bringing dynamic learning experiences directly into communities to help level the playing field.

Our approach is innovative yet straightforward. In partnership with committed educational, industry, and community leaders, we deliver personalized, competency-based programming beyond traditional classroom walls. This experiential programming is challenging, impactful, and relevant to high school students, to industry, and to the region's economy.  

Our students grow and thrive, building in-demand durable skills and networks as they explore avenues to enduring careers. These young people re-envision their futures. They carve pathways as lifelong learners who will not only achieve economic mobility but will help contribute to the wellbeing of others in their communities.

This is the promise we aim to realize.

DEI Statement:

We believe every member of our team and student body deserves opportunities for growth, success and inclusion. We recognize that for many of our students, staff and communities, their life journeys run through oppressive structures and systems (e.g. classism, racism, sexism) — and that’s what makes our organizational culture and work so necessary and important.

We believe that diversity in perspective, backgrounds, ethnicities and lived experience is a strength, and from that strength, we can accomplish great things with the students we serve. Together as students, staff, organizations, communities, volunteers, and partners, we are intentional about creating safe spaces where all members can speak authentically and be themselves.

We are committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. As members of The Possible Zone community, our progression along this ongoing journey raises thoughtful questions, reveals biases, and opens conversations. We celebrate one another and are unified in our commitment to young people, excellence, and innovation. This work is our shared responsibility and our opportunity to welcome all members who share in our mission and strive to provide pathways that further prepare students in achieving their desired success.