Director of Democratic Education

University of Pittsburgh • Pittsburgh, PA

92d

About The Position

Falk Laboratory School, a coeducational K-8 school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, seeks a full-time Director of Democratic Education (DODE). This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary professional to shape strategy related to democratic education and justice work in a K-8 laboratory school. This is a 12-month position with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026.

Requirements

• Being an experienced and visionary practitioner in leading transformative, organizational change through a social justice lens.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in one or more of the following: Administrative and/or program management; classroom teaching; working with students in grades K-8.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Falk faculty in developing and implementing inclusive, social-justice-focused curricula and programs at all grade levels.
• Coordinate and teach social justice lessons for middle school students.
• Develop and implement a social justice curriculum for K-5 classrooms.
• Build a shared vision for school improvement with faculty and staff.
• Oversee the planning of activities and programs to ensure the attainment of the School’s progressive educational mission and philosophy surrounding justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Identify, analyze, and apply research findings to promote school improvement.
• Chair search committees to fill teaching vacancies within the middle school division.
• Communicate with the various constituencies that make up the School community.
• Establish goals for and plan professional development activities and weekly faculty meetings.
• Contribute to the school’s long-term faculty and staff recruitment and retention strategy.
• Develop effective and trusting working relationships with Falk students, faculty, staff, and families.
• Ensure student discipline is appropriate, equitable, and just.
• Conduct conferences about student and school issues with parents, students, and teachers.
• Build relationships with diversity coordinators and leaders at other schools.
• Build relationships with off-campus cultural resource organizations.
• Articulate and share the school’s progressive mission, vision, and values with the community.
• Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
• Assist with prospective family school tours during the admissions season.
• Attend admissions and/or advancement-related outreach events and activities.
• Continue developing and attaining the necessary professional skills appropriate to the senior leader position.
• Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior at all times.
• Serve as a role model/exemplar for all faculty and staff.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Excellent benefits offered by Falk Laboratory School.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees