Director of Instructional Design

Pansophic Learning • Full-time • Hybrid in Tysons Corner, Virginia, United States • 3w ago

Fast Facts

Pansophic Learning is hiring a Director of Instructional Design to lead the vision and execution of their K–12 online curriculum, focusing on creating equitable and impactful learning experiences.

Responsibilities: The role involves defining instructional vision, leading design strategy, mentoring instructional designers, overseeing curriculum quality, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Skills: Candidates should have proven leadership experience in instructional design, strong strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and familiarity with K–12 pedagogical practices.

Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree in Education, Instructional Design, or related field is required, with 8+ years in K–12 instructional design and at least 3 years in leadership roles preferred.

Location: The position is based in Tysons Corner, VA.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $120,000 - $160,000.

About Pansophic Learning

Pansophic Learning is a mission-driven, high-growth international education company dedicated to expanding access to high-quality learning for all students—regardless of geography, background, or circumstance. Through innovative digital curriculum and learning solutions, we partner with schools and educators to create meaningful educational experiences that empower learners to thrive academically and beyond. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to become who they aspire to be.

Position Overview

Pansophic Learning is seeking a Director of Instructional Design to lead the vision, strategy, and execution of our K–12 online curriculum portfolio. In this role, you will set instructional direction across programs, manage and develop leaders within the instructional design team, and collaborate with executive and cross-functional partners to ensure our digital learning experiences are rigorous, equitable, and scalable.

The ideal candidate is a strategic instructional leader with deep expertise in Digital Curriculum, a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams, and a strong commitment to educational equity and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Vision & Strategy

Define and lead the instructional design vision and long-term strategy for K–12 online and digital-first curricula
Ensure curriculum reflects research-based best practices, including constructivist, project-based, and inquiry-driven learning
Establish and evolve instructional frameworks, design standards, and quality benchmarks across the organization
Anticipate trends in K–12 digital learning and translate them into innovative instructional approaches

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, mentor, and develop senior and junior instructional designers
Build team capacity through hiring, professional development, and clear performance expectations
Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on quality, impact, and continuous improvement
Provide executive-level insight into instructional design capacity, resourcing, and organizational needs

Curriculum Oversight & Quality Assurance

Oversee the design and continuous improvement of online lessons, units, and full-course curricula
Ensure alignment with learning objectives and relevant state and/or national standards
Guide assessment strategy to support valid, meaningful measurement of student learning
Ensure instructional content meets expectations for rigor, accessibility, inclusivity, and learner experience

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence

Partner with product, technology, academics and operations teams to align instructional strategy with platform and business goals

Serve as a key instructional voice in organizational decision-making and long-term planning
Translate complex educational and pedagogical goals into scalable digital learning solutions
Support external partnerships as needed, representing Pansophic Learning’s instructional vision

Skills & Core Competencies

Proven leadership experience guiding instructional design teams and managers
Deep expertise in K–12 instructional design and online learning pedagogy
Strong strategic thinking and ability to align instructional work to organizational goals
Ability to manage budgets in all aspects of curriculum development
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong understanding of standards-based curriculum, assessment design, and quality assurance
Mission-driven leader with a demonstrated commitment to educational equity and access

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
8+ years of experience in K–12 instructional design or curriculum development
3+ years of experience leading instructional design teams or functions
Experience developing and scaling online, blended, or digital-first K–12 curricula
Familiarity with STEM, CTE, and/or career education content preferred

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is our policy to abide by all federal, state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination based solely on a person’s race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status, veteran status (including protected veterans), marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other protected status except where a reasonable, bonafide occupational qualification exists.

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