Director of Innovation - Jobs in Vancouver

Job Description

Organization Overview LDS (Learning Disabilities Society) is an innovative, research-based, nonprofit charity serving children, youth and adults with learning differences. In collaboration with academic institutions, LDS offers individualized, evidence-based, technology-embracing programs that target student-specific learning needs. Our growing individual and small group programs and services operate from our Learning Centres in East Vancouver and North Vancouver, from multiple in-school locations, in our LDS Access mobile classroom throughout the Lower Mainland, and online throughout British Columbia. We provide sustainable, affordable and individualized programs to ensure that all children have an opportunity to realize their full potential.Through early intervention, we support students at a critical time in their life, leading to profound, positive change in student life outcomes. We continue to grow our organization and service provision with the ultimate goal to effect system change with material and wide-ranging societal benefits. We are a diverse group of inspired, dedicated, and caring professionals who are driven by the significant impacts we are able to facilitate in the lives of the learners, families and communities we serve. We are seeking new skills, energy, and talent to continue to grow our team, deepen our impact, and advance our mission. Purpose of Position The Director of Innovation is responsible for managing our ground-breaking LDS RISE (research-informed individualized student education) Next Generation program. The goal of this game changing LDS initiative is to develop and implement our next-generation LDS RISE platform that effectively incorporates artificial intelligence and advanced information systems capability to materially enhance our student experience and outcomes, our instructor teaching effectiveness and capacity, and LDS scaling to support significantly more students.This entrepreneurial role is responsible for the management of all LDS RISE Next Generation staff and contractors and for the planning, scoping, development, and delivery of each stage of our multi-phase project. The Director of Innovation will coordinate activities with our Director of Education and education staff.The Director of Innovation will work closely with our Executive Director and other team members to identify, build, and grow relationships and partnerships with academic institutions, education and community organizations, education technology providers and professionals, and other key stakeholders.Principal Roles and Responsibilities The Director of Innovation will manage all elements of our RISE Next Generation program. Specific responsibilities include:

• assessment of current LDS practices and identification of opportunities for effective utilization of advanced information systems
• identification of high-impact project development areas
• project planning, scoping, design, and budgeting
• identification of AI-based tools that can be effectively incorporated into LDS systems
• hiring of staff and/or contractors to develop RISE Next Generation modules
• project module development, testing, and delivery within prescribed timelines
• system implementation, integration, and training
• development and management of relationships with academic, education, and industry professionals

Competencies

• outstanding leadership, project management, and presentation skills
• exceptional entrepreneurial skills and innovation capabilities
• strong organizational and time management skills
• excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
• thrives in a collaborative, supportive team environment
• self-motivated and self-directed experience in an engineering or science discipline, ideally with knowledge relating to artificial intelligence, machine learning, software and hardware development, optoelectronics, and mechanical design
• experience leading research projects and demonstrated ability to iteratively adapt and evolve research methodology

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education or equivalent
• University undergraduate degree in engineering, computer science or related field
• BC Public School Certified Teacher or similar qualification
• 5+ years’ direct classroom and/or resource room experience
• 2+ years’ experience working with students with learning disabilities (literacy, numeracy and foundational skills)

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of the BC school system and curriculum
• Reliable personal vehicle
• Criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening
• Eligibility to work in Canada
• Recent ‘working with vulnerable populations’ training (can be provided)

Start date: As soon as possibleReports to: Executive DirectorHours of work: Typical offices are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm or 10am-6pm, with flexible start/end times and the occasional need for work outside of that time. One day a week working from home is typical for new team members at LDS.Remuneration: Salary range of $80,000 to $95,000 commensurate with education and experience, with attractive vacation and extended health and dental benefits. We would be pleased to discuss further details at an initial interview.Location: LDS East Vancouver Learning Centre, located at Rupert and East Broadway. Easily accessible by skytrain or bus. Occasional work from our North Vancouver Learning Centre is desirable. For new team members, one work from home day is typical.Job Type: Full time permanent, 40 working hours per week.Equity: LDS is committed to employment equity and believes that a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve strengthens our ability to achieve our mission. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, abilities, and with a range of life experiences to apply.Accessibility: Please note, LDS’s main office space is located on the ground floor of the building. How to apply: Please apply directly through our careers page https://ldsociety.ca/careers/ The position will be open until filled. Applications will be considered as received. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you.