Director of Strategic Curriculum Initiatives

Apply Description OVERVIEW The Director of Strategic Curriculum Initiatives leads the development and delivery of high-priority instructional initiatives that extend beyond the scope of established curriculum portfolios. This role manages grant-funded, partner-supported, and emerging curriculum projects typically outside the established roadmap, translating strategic opportunities into clear plans, deliverables, timelines, and measurable outcomes. The Director collaborates across Internal and external partner teams to design innovative K-12 learning experiences aligned to workforce and market needs. Success in this role requires strong leadership, project management, and curriculum development expertise to guide complex, fast-moving initiatives from concept through implementation. Occasional travel required. RESPONSIBILITIES Lead assigned instructional projects from scope through delivery, including project plans, timelines, budgets, resource needs, risks, success metrics, stakeholder alignment, quality assurance, and final deliverables. Define and document project requirements in response to organizational priorities, partnership opportunities, grant commitments, workforce needs, pilot programs, or emerging curriculum opportunities identified by PLTW leadership and Product partners. Direct the design, development, review, revision, and implementation of instructional materials, assessments, teacher-facing resources, professional learning assets, and related program components across assigned initiatives. Manage external contributors as part of the project plan, including contractor or vendor selection support, onboarding, work plans, milestone tracking, feedback cycles, budget awareness, and delivery expectations. Coordinate pilot or field-testing activities when applicable, including implementation planning, educator or student feedback collection, issue resolution, and recommendations for scaling, revising, or transitioning work into a core product portfolio. Communicate progress, risks, dependencies, and decisions to Product Managers, Directors, senior leadership, and cross-functional partners to maintain alignment and support timely execution. Other duties as assigned. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in education or in a field related to the subject matter of PLTW programs (e.g., biomedical science, computer science, engineering). Pedagogical knowledge of project- and problem-based learning. Experience leading complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities. Experience managing contractors, consultants, vendors, or external development teams. Experience designing, developing, or implementing K–12 instructional materials. PROFESSIONAL SKILLS Customer-centric approach to all internal and external interactions. Seeks and embraces diversity of thought, culture, and experience. Takes pride in the work, celebrates success, and has fun. Approaches work with curiosity, flexibility, and experimentation. Maintains a learner's mindset with continuous curiosity about improving outcomes for students and educators. Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and shifting organizational priorities. Ability to work collaboratively across teams, departments, and external partners. Ability to work independently, resourcefully seek answers, and remove obstacles. Proven contractor and vendor management skills. Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills. Demonstrated ability to lead and influence teams without direct supervisory authority Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Sound judgment and ability to adapt to evolving priorities with efficiency and professionalism.