Director of Emerging Technology

@ Digital Promise

About Digital Promise Global

Digital Promise Global is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for each learner. They collaborate with educators, researchers, technology leaders, and communities to design, investigate, and scale innovations that empower all learners, with a special focus on historically excluded groups.

About Powerful Learning

The Powerful Learning team drives consistent, powerful learning experiences by developing learner agency through focused purpose, curiosity, and real-world connections. They engage in research, solution design, strategic partnerships, and mentoring to foster environments where learners thrive in today’s complex technological world.

About The Position

The Director of Emerging Technology is responsible for developing and leading research initiatives that explore how emerging technologies, including generative AI, are applied in educational contexts. The role supports powerful learning by providing evidence-based recommendations, guiding internal and external partners, and influencing policies at various levels.

Responsibilities

• Research: Lead projects that explore emerging tech trends (AI, ML, quantum, data science) and codify best practices.
• Connect Research & Practice: Design research initiatives suited to educators' needs and scale pilot projects.
• Research Strategy: Use insights to inform practices, policies, and design of learning experiences.
• Monitor Innovations: Stay updated on generative AI advancements and engage with thought leaders.
• Equity Commitment: Eliminate opportunity gaps for historically and systematically excluded learners.

Development

• Oversee AI and emerging technology initiative strategy and secure funding.
• Form deep partnerships with funders and expand Digital Promise's contribution.
• Integrate opportunities to strengthen the sustainability of research initiatives.

Impact

• Build and share thought leadership through conferences and publications.
• Communicate project work to educators, policymakers, and partners.
• Support resource development for classroom and district implementation.
• Ensure internal alignment on AI initiatives across teams.

Team Oversight and People Management

• Lead and mentor the Emerging Technologies team with clear performance goals.
• Foster an inclusive culture and provide direction on project challenges.
• Oversee hiring, coaching, and performance management of team members.

Project Management

• Manage multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholder communications.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure timely deliverables.
• Contribute to digital equity projects and track progress on key goals.

Qualifications

Candidates should have a Ph.D. or Ed.D. in a relevant field and a minimum of 5 years leadership experience in emerging technologies and education. Experience with AI implementation, research design, managing multi-functional teams, and securing funding is essential. Background in K-12 education and familiarity with technology tools such as Asana, Microsoft & Google suites, Salesforce, and Qualtrics are preferred.

Working Conditions & Compensation

This is a full-time position offered within a hybrid work environment, primarily remote with periodic travel. Compensation is competitive and based on geographical regions with comprehensive benefits including health coverage, vacation, sick days, and 401k contributions.

Key skills/competency

• Emerging Technology
• Generative AI
• Research
• Leadership
• Project Management
• Digital Equity
• Data Analysis
• Educational Policy
• Strategic Partnerships
• Nonprofit