Primary 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 TMSA’s next decade of educational excellence and expansion. This role is responsible for building and executing TMSA’s innovation agenda—especially 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, 10,000 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 Insurance
• Paid time off
• Retention, Returning Employee, and Winter Bonuses

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Education, Innovation, Technology, Strategic Leadership, or related field; PhD’s preferred
• Minimum five (5) years of leadership experience in K–12, charter networks, EdTech, innovation, or academic program design
• Demonstrated experience leading innovation, digital transformation, or school/organization growth initiatives
• Knowledge of AI education, blended/virtual learning, or emerging instructional technologies
• Strong project management, systems design, and strategic planning abilities
• Experience in launching new programs, products, academies, or learning models 
• Familiarity with charter school-based expansion, curriculum pathways, or workforce/college readiness programs
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills

Skills:

• Visionary thinker with the ability to turn ideas into scalable systems
• Deep understanding of innovation in K–12 education, including AI-integrated learning, STEM/STEAM, and digital pathways
• Strong research, design-thinking, and strategic planning skills
• Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects across academics, operations, technology, and finance
• Excellent relationship-building skills with universities, industry partners, EdTech leaders, and community organizations
• High capacity to analyze trends, emerging technologies, and data to drive decision-making
• Expertise in navigating ambiguity and leading change in growing organizations
• Experience in Title I or diverse school communities preferred

Duties and Responsibilities:

INNOVATION LEADERSHIP & FUTURE-READY LEARNING

• Lead TMSA’s transformation into North Carolina’s 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 DEVELOPMENT

• Lead 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 & SCALABILITY

• Support the Superintendent and Board with long-term strategic growth planning, consistent with TMSA’s 2030 vision:
• Three regional ecosystems
• Scalable Academics Operations Leadership models
• Growing to 12 schools and 10,000 students by 2030
• Conduct 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 EXPANSION

• Strengthen and scale TMSA’s 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 TRANSFORMATION

• Lead implementation and optimization of tech systems aligned with TMSA’s 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 RELATIONS

• Build partnerships with EdTech companies, universities, global sister schools and industry leaders.
• Position TMSA as a statewide and national leader in K–12 innovation by securing pilot opportunities, grants, and research collaborations.
• Represent TMSA at conferences, innovation forums, and community engagement events.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & IMPLEMENTATION

• Develop 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 BUILDING

• Design PD for principals, teachers, and support staff on innovative instructional strategies, AI tools, blended learning, and emerging technologies.
• Support leadership development aligned with TMSA’s Talent & Leadership pipeline and Leadership Institute.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Maintain 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 TMSA’s 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.

Salary : $89,500 - $118,000