Fast Facts

InnovateEDU is looking for a motivated Project Unicorn Program Manager to lead the Project Unicorn initiative, focusing on improving data interoperability within the K-12 education sector.

Responsibilities: Manage and oversee the development and implementation of the Project Unicorn program, including strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, communication development, and grant management.

Skills: Exceptional organizational, project management, and public speaking skills; proficiency in project management tools like Asana; strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fields; desirable experience with K12 education and data standards.

Location: Remote position, expected availability during Eastern Standard Time office hours.

Compensation: $68000 - $85000 / Annually

InnovateEDU seeks a highly motivated and detail-oriented Project Unicorn Program Manager to report directly to our CEO and join our dynamic team. The role will be crucial in supporting the development and implementation of the Project Unicorn program.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about making a tangible impact through edtech practice, interoperability, and supporting schools and districts. 

About Innovate EDU

InnovateEDU catalyzes education transformation by bridging gaps in data, policy, practice, and research to center the field's needs and accelerate innovation toward an equitable, inclusive, and radically different future for all learners. We envision a radically transformed learning ecosystem in which every learner accesses educational opportunities and resources that prepare them to contribute to and succeed in a global society and economy.

About Project Unicorn:

Project Unicorn, an initiative of InnovateEdu, aims to improve data interoperability within the K-12 education ecosystem. We believe that seamless data sharing between educational tools and systems can unlock powerful insights, personalize learning experiences, and ultimately improve student outcomes. Project Unicorn convenes a diverse community of stakeholders, including educators, EdTech companies, researchers, and policymakers, to develop and promote data interoperability standards and best practices.

Responsibilities:

Your primary professional responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Serve as an external spokesperson and internal subject matter expert for Project Unicorn; maintain a robust and up-to-date knowledge of sector trends, best practices, key players, etc.
• Support the development of the project strategy alongside the CEO; recommend opportunities to increase project impact through internal collaborations, external partnerships, thought leadership, communications, etc.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for the Project Unicorn Data Interoperability Project, aligning with InnovateEdu's overall mission and goals.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends and developments in data interoperability and the EdTech landscape.
• Manage grant deliverable completion for the project, including creating and executing timely deliverable plans via Asana with support from Project Associates
• Track project progress, identify and mitigate risks, and proactively address challenges.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among project team members and stakeholders.
• Lead the development of the communications plans for the project, including thought leadership, conference, webinar, podcast, and stakeholder messaging to elevate the project’s brand and visibility continuallyOversee the development of resources, tools, and guidance materials related to data interoperability for various audiences.
• Contribute to creating reports, presentations, and other communication materials to disseminate project findings and progress.
• Manage the Project Unicorn website and other communication channels.
• Lead the development of at least eight conference proposals a year
• Develop at least four written thought leadership pieces per year to be published externally via LinkedIn, media outlets, or partner communication channels
• Contribute to developing grant proposals and other fundraising efforts to support Project Unicorn initiatives.
• Lead project meeting and event planning to meet or exceed the expectations of the project grant deliverables
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Who You Are

You are a mission-driven individual and believe in working to close the educational opportunity gap. 

You are an optimistic problem-solver who believes that together, we can create real solutions that help the entire sector move forward. You are keen to understand the different moving pieces of a complex project and willing to use your skills to organize the work for seamless implementation. You like a fast pace, manage many workstreams, and are highly responsive.

You are open to feedback, bring your best every day, and are ready to grow in all areas of your work. You want to join a team of folks who share your vision for mission-driven work at the intersection of education, policy, and civil rights. Finally, you know that sharing often is key to this work, and you are ready to document everything you do so that schools everywhere and the whole sector can benefit.

Skills & Experience

• EducationBachelor's or Master's in data science, computer programming, information technology, or related fields. 
• ExperienceDesirable: Experience within K12 education. 
• Desirable: Experience with K12 education data standards (from A4L, CEDS, Ed-Fi, and/or IMS)
• SkillsExceptional organizational and project management skills to manage and successfully prioritize competing priorities
• Strong public speaking skills, adept at speaking to funders, corporate leaders, policymakers, and the press;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools, including Asana.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proactive approach with a strong sense of initiative and creativity
• Writing proficiency with experience composing and editing copy for professional external audiences.
• KnowledgeFamiliarity with the current landscape in the K12 Edtech ecosystem
• In-depth understanding of data interoperability

Compensation

All candidates are paid on a pay scale by an independent third-party service or application, which calculates the market rate for the applicant based on skills and qualifications, job duties, market conditions within the applicant's location, education, and experience. This position’s compensation range is $68,000 to $85,000 annually. InnovateEDU full-time employees receive paid vacation and sick leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, retirement, and other benefits.

This is a full-time position that requires the ability to work remotely. Since March 2020, most InnovateEDU staff have worked virtually, and team members are expected to be available during typical office hours in Eastern Standard Time, with some flexibility available.