Director of Innovation & Strategic Growth Apex at TMSA Public Charter Schools

Job Title:Director of Innovation & Strategic GrowthReports To:Deputy Superintendent of OperationsContract Length:225 DaysPrimary Role:Under the general direction of the Deputy Superintendent of Operation the Director of Innovation & Strategic Growth serves as the architect and lead strategist behind TMSAs next decade of educational excellence and expansion. This role is responsible for building and executing TMSAs innovation agendaespecially in Artificial Intelligence integration Signature Academies expansion virtual/remote learning models digital transformation and strategic growth initiatives aligned with the TMSA 2030 Vision of 12 schools 10000 students and regional clusters supported by scalable systems.The Director will ensure TMSA continues to lead North Carolina in STEAM AI education and future-ready learning while also managing innovation pipelines partnerships and multi-year strategic growth plans. This position works cross-functionally with academics operations IT/EdTech regional leadership and external partners to bring high-impact mission-aligned ideas to life.Benefits:401k with a company match of 7%Medical Dental and Vision InsurancePaid time offRetention Returning Employee and Winter BonusesQualifications:Masters degree in Education Innovation Technology Strategic Leadership or related field; PhDs preferredMinimum five (5) years of leadership experience in K12 charter networks EdTech innovation or academic program designDemonstrated experience leading innovation digital transformation or school/organization growth initiativesKnowledge of AI education blended/virtual learning or emerging instructional technologiesStrong project management systems design and strategic planning abilitiesExperience in launching new programs products academies or learning modelsFamiliarity with charter school-based expansion curriculum pathways or workforce/college readiness programsExceptional communication and collaboration skillsSkills:Visionary thinker with the ability to turn ideas into scalable systemsDeep understanding of innovation in K12 education including AI-integrated learning STEM/STEAM and digital pathwaysStrong research design-thinking and strategic planning skillsAbility to manage complex multi-stakeholder projects across academics operations technology and financeExcellent relationship-building skills with universities industry partners EdTech leaders and community organizationsHigh capacity to analyze trends emerging technologies and data to drive decision-makingExpertise in navigating ambiguity and leading change in growing organizationsExperience in Title I or diverse school communities preferredDuties and Responsibilities:INNOVATION LEADERSHIP & FUTURE-READY LEARNINGLead TMSAs transformation into North Carolinas premier AI and STEAM innovation network aligned with the AI Vision outlined in the CSGF presentation.Oversee the design and rollout of AI-integrated curriculum AI Labs the TMSA AI Expo Signature Academy AI pathways and project-based learning initiatives.Develop and manage a multi-year Innovation Roadmap that includes digital tools AI-supported instruction personalized learning and technology-enabled student supports.Collaborate with the Deputy Superintendent of Academics to embed innovation into curriculum instruction assessment and classroom practice.Research and evaluate emerging technologies (AI platforms VR/AR robotics data systems) for instructional and operational use.REMOTE / VIRTUAL ACADEMY DEVELOPMENTLead the design planning and launch of the TMSA Virtual/Remote Academy aligned with state regulations and community demand.Build a model integrating high-quality digital curriculum teacher training live instruction student engagement systems and family support.Oversee staffing scheduling models platform selection student enrollment processes and program evaluation.STRATEGIC GROWTH & SCALABILITYSupport the Superintendent and Board with long-term strategic growth planning consistent with TMSAs 2030 vision:Three regional ecosystemsScalable Academics Operations Leadership modelsGrowing to 12 schools and 10000 students by 2030Conduct research on demographic demand competitive landscape program needs and innovative opportunities for new schools or new learning models.Collaborate with Academics Operations IT and Regional Directors to ensure future campuses implement innovation from day one.SIGNATURE ACADEMIES & CAREER PATHWAYS EXPANSIONStrengthen and scale TMSAs Signature Academies (Biomedical Engineering Computer Science Robotics Arts Finance AI Media).Develop new courses micro-credentials partnerships dual enrollment options and industry-aligned experiences.Build partnerships with universities businesses and research centers to create internships mentorships and early-college experiences.EDTECH & DIGITAL TRANSFORMATIONLead implementation and optimization of tech systems aligned with TMSAs growth (ERP dashboards instructional platforms).Coordinate with IT/EdTech to ensure staff training digital safety and innovation readiness across campuses.Develop districtwide frameworks for digital citizenship AI ethics and responsible technology use.STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & EXTERNAL RELATIONSBuild partnerships with EdTech companies universities global sister schools and industry leaders.Position TMSA as a statewide and national leader in K12 innovation by securing pilot opportunities grants and research collaborations.Represent TMSA at conferences innovation forums and community engagement events.PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & IMPLEMENTATIONDevelop detailed project plans for each innovation initiative including timelines budgets reporting and cross-functional coordination.Provide frequent updates to the Superintendent Board and Executive Leadership Team.Monitor student outcomes engagement data program utilization and operational readiness across innovative models.PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & CAPACITY BUILDINGDesign PD for principals teachers and support staff on innovative instructional strategies AI tools blended learning and emerging technologies.Support leadership development aligned with TMSAs Talent & Leadership pipeline and Leadership Institute.ADDITIONAL DUTIESMaintain strong communication and collaboration across departments and regions.Engage regularly in research site visits innovation conferences and field trend analyses.Perform additional duties assigned by the Superintendent to advance TMSAs strategic vision.This job description outlines the general nature and responsibilities of this role. It does not list every duty or task and may be updated as organizational priorities evolve.Required Experience:Director Key Skills Crisis Management,Marketing,Public Relations,Fundraising,Media Relations,Constant Contact,Strategic Planning,Social Media Management,Team Management,Public Speaking,Wordpress,Writing Skills Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1