What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director of Learning Innovation position at StrongMind?
About the Role
StrongMind is entering a new era of educational innovation — one that redefines how learning happens for students, families, and schools across the country. We’re building the future of K–12 education through our Generative Learning System (GLS), Generative Learning Experience (GLE), Lexi AI Tutor, and a truly student-centered digital learning ecosystem.
To lead this next chapter, we’re seeking a transformational Executive Director of Learning Innovation — a visionary builder, strategist, and thought leader who understands learning science, embraces AI-driven possibilities, and is energized by creating what doesn’t yet exist.
This is not a maintenance role. This leader will architect the learning model of the future, pioneer new frameworks, and ensure the CEO’s vision is translated into reality across curriculum, platform, pedagogy, and AI-enabled experiences.
What You’ll Lead
The Executive Director of Learning Innovation heads the Learning Innovation Department (formerly Curriculum), unifying:
- Curriculum development and digital content strategy
- GLS/GLE evolution and implementation
- Lexi AI Tutor pedagogy, UDL integration, and learning science
- Learning research, pilots, and continuous improvement
- Innovation across StrongMind’s homeschool and district-facing models
This role serves as StrongMind’s center of excellence for learning science, independent from Product and Tech — ensuring learning integrity, pedagogical innovation, and educational expertise drive every decision.
Key Responsibilities:
- Vision & Strategy
- Serve as the architect of StrongMind’s learning model, translating the CEO’s vision into actionable strategy.
- Define new learning frameworks, success metrics, and KPIs — and build the roadmap to achieve them.
- Lead thought leadership in AI-enabled learning, UDL design, structured literacy, and virtual pedagogy.
- Position StrongMind as a national leader in next-gen learning innovation.
- Build the Generative Learning Ecosystem
- Lead the evolution and implementation of the Generative Learning Experience
- Ensure the GLE supports all learner pathways, including intervention, SPED, gifted, and neurodiverse students.
- Convert learning science into scalable frameworks that guide content design, platform decisions, and AI development.
- Guide Lexi AI Tutor Pedagogy
- Define the pedagogical blueprint behind Lexi’s AI tutoring experience.
- Embed UDL, structured literacy, and research-driven methods into Lexi’s learning architecture.
- Collaborate with Product and Tech to ensure learning integrity informs all technical development.
- Innovate Curriculum & Content
- Reimagine digital curriculum for homeschool and district markets using UDL, multimodal learning, and AI-assisted design.
- Lead new content strategy, pilots, and emerging instructional models.
- Ensure experiences meet academic standards and produce measurable learning outcomes.
- Research, Partnerships & Improvement
- Build strategic partnerships with universities, researchers, and leading innovation institutions.
- Lead research that validates learning efficacy and strengthens market position.
- Use data, assessments, and user insights to continually refine and improve the learning ecosystem.
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Act as the strategic bridge between Learning Innovation, Product, Tech, Customer Success, and Academic Operations.
- Advocate for learning integrity across all product and platform decisions.
- Ensure cohesive, learning-first alignment across both homeschool and district-facing experiences.
- People Leadership in a Remote Environment
- Lead a primarily remote Learning Innovation Team with clear communication, structured accountability, and strong team culture.
- Build systems that help remote employees stay aligned, connected, and empowered to do their best work.
- Model effective virtual leadership practices that ensure consistency, collaboration, and trust across distributed teams.
Why This Role Is Mission-Critical:
This role ensures StrongMind’s future is grounded in authentic learning science — not just technology. It brings balance, educational rigor, and vision to everything we build: AI tutoring, next-gen curriculum, personalized learning pathways, parent and teacher experience, and academic quality. By anchoring educational innovation to the CEO’s vision, this position strengthens our competitive edge and shapes how StrongMind leads the future of AI-powered K–12 learning.
What Success Looks Like:
Within 12–24 months, the Executive Director of Learning Innovation will:
- Establish a unified Learning Innovation Department with clear strategy and KPIs
- Launch the first version of GLS/GLE and produce measurable gains across learning outcomes
- Deliver the pedagogical foundation for Lexi AI tutor 2.0
- Introduce new digital learning experiences that transform homeschool and district engagement
- Create a national footprint through partnerships, research, and thought leadership
- Build trust across schools, leadership teams, and cross-functional partners
- Position StrongMind as a leader in authentic, AI-powered learning innovation
Qualifications:
- Ed.S., Ph.D., Ed.D., or advanced degree in education, learning science, instructional design, or related field
- Demonstrated expertise in structured literacy, UDL, intervention, or special populations
- Deep experience in EdTech, virtual learning design, and AI integration in education
- Proven success leading cross-functional teams and large-scale learning initiatives
- Experience interpreting data and assessment trends to drive learning improvement
- Strong record of strategic leadership across complex organizations
- National presentation experience, research engagement, or learning science thought leadership preferred
- Entrepreneurial or innovation-based leadership experience (ideal)
What It Takes to Win:
- Visionary leadership
- Learning science expertise
- AI and EdTech fluency
- Strategic planning & execution
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Innovative problem-solving
- Data-driven decision making
- Exceptional communication & storytelling
- Ability to build from scratch
- Ownership mindset
- Ability to integrate AI into their own workflow to accelerate thinking, decision-making, and innovation
Perks, Benefits & Culture You’ll Love:
Wellness, Your Way
From an on-site gym and yoga room to flexible work options (select roles), we believe your well-being fuels your brilliance.
Unplug for the Holidays
A fully paid holiday week off at Christmas—because rest isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.
Culture That Celebrates You
Champion spotlights, legendary milestone awards at 10, 15, and 20 years, and community service hours that let you give back with heart.
Open, Honest & Human
Quarterly Town Halls keep our communication transparent—and real.
Vibes & Good Times
Think team cookouts, fun treats, and social events that actually make you want to show up.
Solid Benefits, Real Support
At StrongMind, we offer a competitive total compensation package, informed by market data and aligned with our size, stage, industry, and location. Medical, dental, vision, Unlimited PTO, and voluntary benefits—we take care of the people who make the magic happen.
Your Voice Matters
We’re constantly evolving, and that includes how we support, celebrate, and invest in our people.
Additional Info:
We welcome all qualified candidates eligible to work in the United States. At this time, we are unable to sponsor visas.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide consideration to all applicants regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, marital status, or disability protected by law.
Environmental Conditions: Collaborative open environment, office environment