STEM Director

STEM Director

Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders.

The STEM Director will serve as the network leader for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics instruction across all Distinctive Schools campuses. This role is responsible for setting a clear vision for high-quality, equitable STEM education and providing the leadership and expertise needed to ensure rigorous, innovative, and engaging STEM learning experiences for all students.

This individual will collaborate closely with school and network academic leaders to implement research-based instructional practices, support teacher development, and strengthen STEM pathways from K12. The ideal candidate brings deep content knowledge, instructional leadership, and a passion for advancing STEM access and excellence in underserved communities.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Champion and lead a bold, network-wide vision for STEM education that aligns with Distinctive Schools' mission, values, and academic priorities.
• Drive the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of STEM initiatives to ensure coherence, excellence, and alignment with academic standards and student success outcomes.
• Ensure vertical and horizontal alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment with Illinois Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and nationally recognized STEM frameworks.
• Collaborate closely with the Chief Academic Officer, Executive Director of Academics and school leaders to integrate cutting-edge instructional models that foster inquiry-based learning, real-world problem solving, and student innovation.

Program & Curriculum Development

Teacher & Leader Development

Data-Informed Practice

Partnerships & Innovation

Requirements (Minimum)

Education

Qualifications

Physical demands

Work is typically performed in an office setting with occasional extended periods of time at computer terminals. Occasional visits to off-site or campus locations are required. Generally, the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing.

Benefits

Job Description Disclaimer : Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

EEO : Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.