The Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) started with one mission that was the most ambitious and audacious in U.S. history: to end intergenerational poverty in Central Harlem and lead the way for other long-distressed communities nationwide and around the world to do the same. HCZ breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty with on-the-ground, all-around programming that builds up opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life. From early childhood education and career programs to community outreach and wellness initiatives, HCZ opens pathways to mobility and prosperity. HCZ believes that the pathway to college begins when a child is born and doesn’t end until a student has graduated and has the tools to thrive in a fulfilling career. The organization aims to light that pathway, from cradle to college to career, with community-responsive and wraparound youth programs that support children and their families in every way and every year of a child’s development

About the Role

The Director of Humanities oversees the successful implementation of the Humanities curriculum and instructional pedagogy practices. This work encompasses the supervision and support of Language Arts/ Literacy, Foreign Languages, Social Studies, and Fine and Performing Arts curricula and programs. The Director also oversees a team of five Literacy Coaches that focus on teacher coaching and development across the Promise Academies. Working under the supervision of the Managing Director of Curriculum and Instruction, the Director will collaborate with principals to research, design, and oversee the implementation of effective Humanities programs and practices to meet the needs of Promise Scholars. The data collected from these tools will be used to drive mid-year and end-of-year teacher and principal evaluations. The Director will lead the Literacy team of coaches in leveraging data to identify potential curriculum and instruction gaps to deliver targeted feedback and coaching to improve educator effectiveness, including through school-based workshops. This team will also be responsible for conducting and implementing the findings from ongoing research and development related to best practices in literacy for Promise Academies.

REPORTS TO: Managing Director of Curriculum and Instruction

SUPERVISES: Literacy Coaches

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

● Lead support team in identifying and implementing opportunities to increase the quality of the district’s Humanities program and career pathways for students;

● Develop and implement policies, programs, curriculum, activities, and budgets in a manner that promotes the educational development of each student and the professional development of each team member within the Humanities department;

● Collaborate with coaches and other instructional staff to develop curriculum materials, instructional plans, and novel instructional practices that integrate core principles of high-quality teaching and learning;

● Determine appropriate assessments to provide data on student achievement, to include benchmark assessments and interventions;

● Stay informed about current trends and practices in Humanities and disseminating professional information and materials to staff;

● Coordinate the K-12 student intervention program in Humanities;

● Work in conjunction with other network departments to facilitate and support Humanities development and implementation across all departments;

● Provide regular reports, including learning outcomes, program review, equity planning, and other school assessment activities;

● Design and facilitate high-quality, impactful workshops and other learning experiences that result in the professional growth of educators and enhance school quality;

● Establish Humanities administrative flowcharts, Objective and Key Results (OKRs), expectations, timelines, and budgetary requirements; and

● Perform other duties as assigned by the MD of Curriculum and Instruction.