Title: Director, Civic Education
Reports To: Executive Program Director, Content Strategy
Location: US Based Home Office (Hybrid)
Status: Full Time, Exempt
Start Date: Immediately

Facing History and Ourselves is a global education non-profit organization that challenges teachers and students to use lessons of history to stand up to bigotry and hate.

Who you are: A strong and capable public speaker, the Director of Civic Education is excited to lead Facing History’s efforts to maintain our voice and position as a leader in the field and will feel confident publicly representing Facing History and contributing to collaborative efforts as part of national coalitions.

Who We Are: For nearly 50 years, Facing History’s programs have inspired and shaped civic learning in middle and high school classrooms around the globe. Over the next 3 years, we will develop a next generation civic education program that incorporates our proven pedagogical approach, builds on our rich legacy of curriculum, and adds to our strong foundation of evaluation data that supports strong civics outcomes for students in Facing History classrooms.

Role Summary: The Director of Civic Education will play a critical leadership role in the development and execution of this initiative, acting as both a thought leader and creative lead on product development. They will funnel research and best practices from the field as they lead a cross-functional team to reimagine Facing History’s civic education program. The ideal candidate understands that current events are shaped by the historical legacies of the past and recognizes the critical role civic education plays in maintaining liberal democracy. They will bring a student-centered approach to the design and development of digital-first curriculum and understand how to leverage professional learning to support classroom implementation.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Leads a multiyear initiative to develop Facing History’s next generation civic education program
• In partnership with senior Program leadership and the civics working group, guides Facing History’s approach to civic education, ensuring that our curriculum, professional learning, and internal staff development are responsive to current best practices and aligned with our programmatic goals
• In partnership with the Editorial Director for Social Studies and the Product Development team, co-writes curriculum and contributes to the development of professional learning workshops and courses
• Develops and maintains external partnerships with leaders and organizations in the civic education field and speaks on behalf of Facing History at conferences, external events, and with media
• Keeps up to date on trends in research, theory, and practice and coordinates with Program leaders to ensure our approach and point of view are integrated across all aspects of Program: evaluation, content, delivery, and staff development
• Tracks and coordinates all activities related to civic education
• Writes regularly for Facing History’s Ideas This Week and Current Events platforms and seeks opportunities to publish externally

Essential Skills and Qualities:

Facing History understands that restrictive job requirements may exclude historically marginalized groups from applying to jobs for which they are qualified. We take an equitable and holistic screening approach. If you feel you have demonstrated experience and expertise relevant to perform this role, please don’t hesitate to apply!

• Experienced leader, skilled collaborator, and excellent communicator who knows how to leverage the ideas and expertise of team members in a cross-functional setting.
• Education professional with 7-10 years of experience developing curriculum and teaching civics in a public school setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the civic education landscape and the key frameworks that support civic learning, including AED, C3 and CASEL.
• Strong interest in research and practice with a vision for civic education that meets the needs of a diverse population of students and learners and supports the educators who serve them.
• Self-starter who can work independently and within teams.
• Strong interest and ability to write curriculum as well as position papers and articles that tie timely current events and news stories to Facing History’s pedagogical approach and offerings.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, confident public speaker and presenter.
• Previous leadership and supervisory experience a must.

Benefits Summary: In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, Facing History provides an excellent and competitive compensation and benefits package including medical with a health reimbursement account, dental, vision, life & AD&D, long-term & short-term disability insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with a discretionary organizational contribution, generous paid time off, an employee assistance program, travel assistance plan, pre-tax commuter spending accounts, flexible spending accounts, voluntary Colonial Life group plans, robust wellness programs through Welnys TV, aHealthyMe & weekly virtual yoga and meditation, WellCents 403(b) advisement, and a friendly hybrid work environment.

Facing History values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Facing History’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. At Facing History, we honor and value the uniqueness of each and every human being. Our strength as an organization that provides and distributes educational content and pedagogy to teachers across the globe is directly tied to our diversity of staff, leadership, educators, students, scholars, and volunteers. Our commitment is to treat individuals with dignity and to build and maintain a community of full participation, inclusive of the voices, needs, and contributions of all. As an organization, we are deeply aware of the legacies of injustices that persist in society and in the workplace, and we value and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their association with excellence.

Hybrid Work Model (For HQ): Facing History and Ourselves operates in a hybrid work model, allowing staff flexibility in both schedules and work locations. This particular position is home-based. Some travel is required.

Covid Protocol at Facing History: At Facing History and Ourselves, we require all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 including any boosters required to be “up-to-date” per current CDC guidelines. All new employees must provide proof of vaccination on their first day of employment. Requests for medical or religious exemptions should be directed to our Sr. Director, Human Resources.