Director of Education

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 Education is responsible for overseeing all LDS education operations, including designing, implementing and maintaining our delivery of service, programs, assessments and progress monitoring. This role is responsible for the management of all education staff (case managers, lead instructors, full and part time instructors) and the ongoing building and maintenance of our LDS RISE (research-informed individualized student education) standard practice, the baseline upon which we measure student success.

The Director of Education is a support for families and for our education team and provides advice and recommendations for advocacy. The Director of Education works closely with the 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 

Education Services Operations

The Director of Education manages LDS programs online, at our Learning Centres and mobile classroom, and at our in-school locations.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Oversight of program development and delivery, including ensuring the timely marketing, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of LDS’ various programs
• Identification and oversight of educational and programmatic partnerships and collaborations that advance our LDS mission, including those with academic institutions, technology firms, community groups, and schools
• Development and management of relationships with school principals and other education representatives
• Establishment and management of service provision contracts and oversight of scheduling logistics
• Oversight of existing and prospective student file review, including assessment documentation (e.g., psychoeducational, speech and language, and occupational therapy)
• Together with the education team, oversight of student information debrief with case managers and instructors and development of individualized instruction plans
• Consultation with families, professionals and teachers
• Oversight of students and learners at all LDS locations
• General duties involved with delivering LDS RISE programming to students

Education Team Management 

The Director of Education supervises and supports the management of all education team members including the identification and delivery of training and professional development.

Advocacy and Parent Support 

The Director of Education leads LDS education staff in providing support and advocacy for parents to foster knowledge, confidence and resources to improve student outcomes. This includes the delivery of parent advocacy workshops that help foster a better understanding of students unique learning needs and providing support with school-based teams and school programs.

Competencies 

• Outstanding leadership, presentation and management skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
• Thrives in a collaborative, supportive team environment
• Experience working with and leading neurodivergent team members (strongly preferred)
• Self-motivated and self-directed

Qualifications 

• Masters degree (or higher) in education or equivalent
• 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)
• Ideally, 5+ years of work experience within the BC education system in an administrative or management role

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 possible

Reports to: Executive Director

Hours 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.