Director Learning Design K-5 ELA

Position OverviewWe are seeking an innovative, highly strategic, and deeply knowledgeable science of reading curriculum expert to spearhead the creation, prototyping, and scaling of our next-generation K-5 foundational literacy products with a specialization in K-2.This is not a traditional, siloed content-writing role. We are looking for a dynamic educational architect who pairs world-class pedagogical expertise with a builder's mindset and client consultation.The ideal candidate possesses an authoritative understanding of evidence-based reading instruction (including Scarborough's Reading Rope and the Simple View of Reading) specifically mapped to the critical K-2 developmental years.As our subject matter expert, you will actively navigate complex client requirements, transform abstract pedagogy into interactive instructional models, act as a cross-functional thought partner, and rapidly prototype high-impact curriculum solutions.The ideal candidate is a thought partner, agile prototyper, a solution-oriented team leader.You confidently consult with client and internal stakeholders to co-construct instructional visions and strategic solutions.You enjoy getting hands-on, quickly sketching blueprints, mockups, and scope-and-sequences to test market and pedagogical efficacy.You thrive on constraints and actively transform complex client compliance roadblocks into creative, compliant product wins.Core Responsibilities1. Cross-Functional Thought LeadershipGuide clients through the presales through the delivery lifecycle.Advocate persuasively for the science of reading integrity while remaining flexible enough to satisfy specific, custom client structural constraints.Act as an internal consultant and educational lighthouse for engineering, design, marketing, and sales teams, translating cognitive science insights into accessible product principles.Mentor junior content and project management team members.Write research rationales supporting the commercial positioning of the K-2 portfolio.2. K-2 Product & Curriculum DevelopmentArchitect comprehensive, explicit, and systematic K-2 foundational literacy products, scope-and-sequences, and instructional materials strictly aligned with the Science of Reading.Deconstruct diverse state standards, local adoptions, and rigid compliance guidelines into clear, actionable engineering and content specifications.Design high-quality student and teacher-facing materials that prioritize phonemic awareness, systematic phonics, decoding, high-frequency word orthographic mapping, and language comprehension.Ensure all developed assets reflect cultural responsiveness, universal design for learning (UDL) frameworks, and highly engaging age-appropriate pedagogy.3. Rapid Prototyping & Continuous InnovationCollaborate with product managers, UX/UI designers, and software engineers to conceptualize, wireframe, and build functional prototypes of print and digital literacy tools.Iterate rapidly based on user testing, pilot feedback, and internal critique, pivoting content frameworks fluidly without losing sight of foundational research.Translate abstract pedagogical hypotheses into concrete, testable educational content models.Required Qualifications & ExperienceEducation: Master’s degree or higher in Reading/Literacy, Curriculum & Instruction, Cognitive Psychology, Early Childhood Education, or an equivalent educational field. Deep certification in structured literacy (e.g., LETRS, Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, CERI) is exceptionally highly valued.Pedagogical Expertise: Comprehensive, demonstrable expertise in the science of reading frameworks, cognitive models of reading acquisition, and the current state legislative landscape regarding literacy mandates.K-2 Domain Mastery: Minimum of 5 years of combined experience in K-2 classroom instruction, coaching, or specialized literacy product design, with a proven track record of driving measurable early literacy outcomes.Product Development Experience: Proven experience designing comprehensive curricular products, supplemental tools, or digital learning media from concept to market launch.Key Competencies & Soft SkillsSolution-Oriented Problem Solving & Creative ThinkingClient-Facing Advisory & Relationship ManagementDesign Thinking, Wireframing & Agile IterationComfort with Ambiguity & Fast-Paced EnvironmentsCross-Functional Collaboration & EmpathyExceptional Technical & Curricular Writing SkillsIf you are a curriculum architect who blends a passion for the science of reading with a builder’s mindset, we want to hear from you.LearningMate is an equal opportunity employer.