Title: Associate Director of Innovation

Reports to: Assistant Head of School

The Miami Valley School (MVS).  Our mission is to challenge young people of promise to become self-sustaining learners and compassionate global citizens.  For 60+ years, MVS has provided a unique learning option for families in the Dayton, Ohio, community. Here, faculty are educators who are ready to help refine a truly differentiated educational opportunity as MVS becomes a nationally-recognized leader in experience-based learning. Here, every member of the MVS community is committed to transformative immersive learning in the classroom and during our Immersion term. Equally important is our commitment to Social Emotional Learning (SEL), through which our students learn the skills and competencies necessary to navigate an ever-shifting world with confidence and curiosity. Here, we learn because we do.

The Role.  MVS seeks an Associate Director of Innovation who will cultivate an inclusive, welcoming environment that encourages participation from individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels. This inspiring, creative person, in collaboration with the Assistant Head of School, is responsible for developing and implementing a forward-thinking vision for the Reddy Student Union Innovation Labs, identifying emerging technologies, trends, and opportunities to assure the Innovation Lab’s capabilities and impact. Simultaneously, the Associate Director of Innovation oversees and leads the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Reddy Student Union Innovation Labs. This individual will teach one upper school elective each term in addition to supporting the training of faculty and students wanting to utilize the space and associated resources within it, assuring it serves as a hub for creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning across all divisions. 

The Opportunity.  All members of MVS’s vibrant employee cohort bring the school’s mission and vision to life each day for students and families in the Dayton community. Each day we live out our mission through our core values: integrity, celebration, grit, and kindness. As a part of our dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to:

• Expand Global Leadership.  MVS is known for its academic and extracurricular programming, and with you on our team, we will continue to grow with our students as leaders of Global Citizenship and stewards of civil discourse. 

• Enhance Cultural Experiences.  Through your multicultural lens and passion for experiences in which students can be empathetic, you will support students in cultivating a sense of courage to experience the world, explore passions, and dive deep into content.

• Develop Character and Wellness. To support the overall wellness of our vibrant community, you’ll have the opportunity to meaningfully connect and collaborate with students and families. As a learning support specialist, you will lead MVS in assuring social-emotional learning and student well-being is at the forefront of our work for all students.

• Innovate.  As we continue to develop the MVS Immersion Method™, you will be part of a team that is enhancing professional learning nationwide and becoming a thought leader for immersive learning experiences that stretch beyond the traditional school experience.

• Couple Academic Rigor with Increased Accessibility.  Through your intentional support and empowerment, our students will explore their unique learning needs, utilize critical thinking, and begin to think about and create solutions for today’s pressing challenges.

• Collaborate as part of a World-Class Team.  In your role at MVS, you will work alongside dedicated faculty who have taught and learned all over the world and in a variety of school contexts. Your colleagues are artists, researchers, entrepreneurs, published authors, professional musicians, armed services veterans, and thespians. Most importantly, they are compassionate and caring educators committed to lifelong learning.

• And of course, you will get to teach and make an impact! As the Associate Director of Innovation, you will get to join young people on their journey through discovering their sense of self, building healthy relationships, and growing both personally and socially. You will have the privilege of being a supportive resource and guidepost for students, families, faculty, and staff. 

Expectations: 

• Embrace the mission of The Miami Valley School;
• Utilize the MVS Immersion Method™, Mind Brain Education best practices, and the MVS Social Emotional Learning program in the classroom;
• Embrace Mastery Teaching at MVS and Mastery Performance.
• Demonstrate a commitment to culturally inclusive curricula and inclusive classroom practices;
• Demonstrate a lifelong appreciation for healthy and creative decision-making in their students;
• Demonstrate an ability to develop rapport with students;
• Build collaborative partnerships with students, caregivers, and colleagues;
• Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning and ongoing professional development;
• Communicate effectively with the MVS community about the Reddy Student Union Innovation Labs both verbally and in writing, including prospective and current parents and alumni;
• Demonstrate a strong knowledge of existing fabrication tool ranging from 3-D printers to woodworking equipment;
• Demonstrate a strong knowledge of emerging technologies, trends, and opportunities to assure the Innovation Lab’s capabilities and impact;
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends for events or workshops;
• Support the pursuit of grant opportunities as they arise.

Primary Responsibilities:

As this is a new role, these are the things that need to be addressed in the near term. 

• Establish and ensure compliance with safety protocols, policies, and best practices for all equipment in the Innovation Lab;
• Develop and execute a forward-thinking vision for the Innovation Lab aligned with the School’s mission and goals;
• Responsibly managing Innovation Lab budget/expenses in accordance with Business Office guidelines;
• Collaborate with the Assistant Head of School to establish a continuity of curriculum and instruction from early childhood through 12th grade;
• Create and oversee the Innovation Lab Advisory Board by holding regular meetings to connect with the community, solicit feedback, and stay on top of recent trends in the field;

The following are the long-term goals that need to be addressed. 

Leadership and Management: 

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, electronics, woodworking equipment, and other fabrication tools;
• Manage the physical labor of maintaining the Innovation Labs and associated resources;
• Provide hands-on support and guidance to Innovation Lab users on equipment and project development;

Programming and Education: 

• Teach an upper school Innovation course in the fall and spring terms.

• Lead/Co-lead/Support a January immersion term program or January Immersion Term Programs based upon the needs of the School;
• Fulfill all other responsibilities that may occur outside the school day, including writing progress reports and planning, etc.
• Organize events, challenges, and exhibitions to promote a culture of innovation and showcase projects: 

Community Building and Outreach: 

• Participate in the life of the school, attending school-related functions, which include but are not limited to: Caregiver Information Nights (CIN), Graduation, the Maker Faire, etc.;
• Offer three or more week-long summer camps and after-school programs for students in the Innovation Lab;
• Partner with Admissions to provide STEAM opportunities for prospective students and their families, ex.) A STEAM night;
• Develop partnerships with external organizations, schools, businesses, and industry leaders to enhance resources and opportunities for Innovation Lab users;
• Partner with the Director of Communications to promote the Innovation Lab through marketing, social media, and community engagement initiatives;

Innovation and Strategic Growth: 

• Identify emerging technologies, trends, and opportunities to expand the Innovation Lab’s capabilities and impact;
• Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of Innovation Lab activities, gathering feedback to improve operations and the educational program. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, design, education, art, technology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with tools and technology commonly used in Innovation Labs;
• Experience managing and maintaining an Innovation Lab, fabrication lab, or similar environment, preferred
• Experience teaching engineering, CAD, or STEAM subjects at the secondary or collegiate level;
• Background in education, program development, or community engagement is highly desirable;
• Ability to foster collaboration across diverse groups and effectively manage multiple projects;
• Ability to work with minimal levels of guidance and high levels of initiative;
• Demonstrated a curious and inquisitive nature, particularly related to solving problems and discovering how things work. 

Benefits.  This is a full-time opportunity that provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, a matching 403(b) program, and 50% tuition remission for the children of employees.

Take the Next Step.  Share this opportunity with your network! Learn more about our school by clicking on the embedded links.  Interested and qualified applicants should submit a completed MVS employment application, cover letter, and resume, outlining your suitability for the position and interest in the mission of the school to lisa.garvic@mvschool.com.  Please do not call the school directly.  

Bring Your Whole Self.  MVS is committed to the Dayton community and to our mission and vision.  We are proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace and will not discriminate on any basis.  We seek qualified candidates from a myriad of backgrounds to join our dynamic team.

About The Miami Valley School

The Miami Valley School’s (MVS) mission is to challenge young people of promise to become self-sustaining learners and compassionate global citizens. For 60+ years, MVS has provided a unique learning option for families in the Dayton, Ohio community. Here, faculty are educators who are ready to help refine a truly differentiated educational opportunity as MVS becomes a nationally-recognized leader in experience-based learning.

Connections working at The Miami Valley School