Associate Director of Innovation

Miami Valley School•Dayton, OH

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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
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