Director of NJ Academic Programming (STEM)
Position Summary:
The Director of NJ Academic Programming- STEM plays a vital role in enhancing high-quality instruction throughout the network. In this position, the Director will support rigorous, standards-aligned instruction, informed by the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). The Director will also work to create meaningful interdisciplinary connections, with a primary focus on science, supporting teachers and Assistant Principals in designing learning experiences that deepen conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and real-world applications.
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Academic Officer of NJ Programming, the Director plays a critical role in translating network academic priorities into clear instructional guidance and scalable systems within Camden that support teachers and school in delivering strong Tier 1 instruction that meets the needs of diverse learners. This includes leading data analysis sessions, coaching school leaders to navigate the instructional demands assessed on the NJSLA-A, and coaching teachers to see and reinforce meaningful interdisciplinary connections between Math and Science.
Additionally, the Director position requires strong influence and partnership across academic teams and the ability to collaborate closely with school leaders, teachers, and cross‑functional teams to provide targeted professional learning, coaching, and implementation support that accelerates student mastery in science, particularly for students in historically under‑resourced communities and multilingual learner populations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Monitor and support the effective implementation of Tier 1 and intervention/acceleration instruction across Camden schools, with a primary focus on science, a secondary emphasis on Math, and tertiary focus on Technology and Engineering.
- Drives system-wide success of the Science and Math curricula, instructional expectations, assessments, and professional learning to support consistent classroom implementation
- Monitor instruction so that it reflects research‑based best practices, including phenomena‑based learning, inquiry‑driven instruction, sense‑making, and equitable access to rigorous content in science.
- Drives coherent, interdisciplinary learning for students, families, and adults by connecting mathematics and science, while supporting instructional practices that enhance conceptual understanding, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
- Support implementation and continuous improvement of the network-wide science and math intervention strategy to align with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS).
- Collaborates with members of the Academic Team to create a unified vision of academic rigor, instructional excellence, and student success.
- Develop and lead coaching and professional development for teachers and Assistant Principals to strengthen standards-based instructional practices in Science and Math.
- Collaborate with Assistant Principals to analyze student data in order to drive data-based decisions within the NJTSS model in math and science courses.
- Supports schools in executing inclusive instructional practices, such as multilingual learners and students with individualized education plans (IEPs).
- Engages in ongoing professional learning and stays informed about state guidance, research, and best practices.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrate a consistent focus on achieving student learning outcomes through strategic planning and effective implementation.
- Have a deep belief in the Mastery Schools mission and values.
- Proven ability to design and promote interdisciplinary learning between mathematics and science.
- Experienced in coaching teachers and school leaders, including assistant principals, through professional development and instructional coaching.
- Possesses strong state assessment literacy in science and communicates the links between curricula, state assessments, and NJSLS standards.
- Familiar with the NJSLS and possesses exceptional content knowledge in science and mathematics.
- Capable of collaborating effectively across academic teams to ensure alignment among curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning.
- Committed to providing culturally and linguistically responsive instruction.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills for building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adept at managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high accountability environment.
- Strong analytical writing skills.
- Have a demonstrated record of measurable success working in historically under-resourced or equity-focused school communities.
- Adapt to shifting priorities and maintaining focus in a dynamic, goal-oriented environment.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
- Teacher and/or School Administrator certified in New Jersey
- Five (5)+ years of successful teaching experience, including experience teaching science and/or mathematics
- Prior instructional coaching or leadership experience required
Other Requirements:
- Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the role as outlined above, and to work in the environmental conditions required, such as traveling to network campuses, monitoring and interacting with students, in-person facilitation of trainings, etc.;
- This role may require frequent travel between multiple locations. Reliable transportation is essential to fulfill job
responsibilities
Bonus and Salary Information:
- External candidates hired for this role are eligible for a $5,000 signing bonus as well as up to $5,000 for relocation expenses!
- The Director of Academic Programming (STEM) at Mastery can expect a starting salary between $111,000 to $125,500, based on education and experience, with opportunities for growth as your career progresses. Each offer is made in alignment with Mastery’s compensation philosophy and commitment to pay equity, ensuring fairness and consistency across our team.