To share with your chapter's members (and for you too!):
CSTA is looking for an experienced Project Manager who will guide the revision of the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards through a rigorous process involving extensive community involvement and research. Are you or someone you know interested in this role? Learn More and Apply by Aug. 6.
The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) is a membership organization that supports and promotes the teaching of computer science, providing opportunities for K-12 teachers and their students to better understand computer science and to more successfully prepare themselves to teach and learn.
CSTA is looking for an experienced Project Manager who will guide the revision of the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards through a rigorous process involving extensive community involvement and research. CSTA is beginning research now, in preparation for publication of the revised K-12 Standards in 2026. This research begins with a National Science Foundation-funded project called "Bridge to Postsecondary Computer Science."
The Project Manager will manage the design and implementation of this project, including coordinating project team, steering committee, and advisory board meetings; leading facilitation throughout the community convenings; and ensuring all project deliverables are met. We anticipate extending the term of this position to extend beyond this project through all research, writing, and implementation phases of the Standards revision process over the next four years.
Project Description
The purpose of the Bridge to Postsecondary CS project is to understand and provide recommendations to inform the future of foundational high school computer science, AP Computer Science, the introductory experience at institutions of higher education, and course pathways in high school. Timed to provide recommendations ahead of updates to the CSTA K-12 Standards and AP computer science course frameworks, the results of this project have the potential to influence content used by over 40 state departments of education, curriculum and professional development providers across the field, and high school courses taken by tens of thousands of students annually.
Across 18 months, CSTA will host convenings of the CS education community and produce a report outlining recommendations on the content of a high school computer science course to satisfy a graduation requirement, the alignment of such a course with AP computer science courses and introductory post-secondary courses, and model pathways for high school computer science beyond an introductory course for all students.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage the successful implementation of the Bridge to Postsecondary CS project, including the day-to-day operations of the project, ensuring that plans are in place and on track to reach key outcomes of the project
- Plan and facilitate three K-12 CS education community convenings to develop recommendations; coordinate with a contracted Event Planner and CSTA staff to support seamless logistics; develop and manage the selection process for participants
- Plan and facilitate regular meetings with a steering committee to make key decisions and guide project activities
- Synthesize project outcomes and recommendations and publish supporting materials in report(s), in close collaboration with a contracted Report Writer, a contracted Designer, the research team, and the steering committee
- Refine processes to research, write, and implement the revised CSTA K-12 CS Standards, by collecting feedback from a variety of stakeholders
- Develop and manage the recruitment and selection processes for CSTA K-12 CS Standards writing and advisory teams. Assemble teams in spring 2024
- Launch the standards writing process in early fall 2024
- Plan and facilitate external advisory board meetings, to provide critical review of the progress against grant objectives and outcomes, as well as the collaboration across the steering committee, and to provide ongoing feedback on the standards revision process
- Work closely with the PI, research team, and Grants Administrator to create and manage reporting to the sponsor(s), including annual progress reports, and ensuring financial compliance
- Work closely with the PI and research team to author scientific publications and additional grant submissions
- Present externally on the project across multiple audiences at regular intervals, and advocate for adoption of the Bridge to Postsecondary CS recommendations and revised CSTA K-12 CS Standards.
Experience & Qualifications
You will be successful in this role if you have:
- Demonstrated strong project management and organizational skills, including workflow management, coordinating a variety of tasks simultaneously, working with many internal and external stakeholders, and attention to detail
- Superior critical thinking skills and judgment, with an ability to maintain a professional, upbeat attitude and continuously improve methods and procedures
- A bachelors or masters degree in education, computer science, or related field, or equivalent practical experience
- Experience with K-12 CS education, and knowledge of the CSTA K-12 CS Standards and K-12 CS Framework
- Experience in planning and facilitating meetings with clear objectives, agendas, and collaborative structures
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially on virtual interfaces; comfort with speaking to groups and presenting information
- Comfort with working in a remote environment; proficiency in working with technology – including but not limited to Google Workspace, videoconferencing (e.g., Zoom), project management software (e.g., Asana), and electronic communications (e.g., Slack)
- A commitment to engaging in CSTA's efforts towards embracing diversity, being purposefully inclusive, and addressing anti-racism in CS education
- The ability to travel up to 15% of the time (all travel costs are covered by CSTA)
- The ability and willingness to shift work schedule to support or manage professional learning in afternoons, evenings, and weekends to accommodate teacher participants
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience teaching K-12 computer science
- Experience developing K-12 standards and curriculum
- Experience designing and facilitating educational research activities and synthesizing and presenting research findings
- Experience as a CSTA volunteer, committee member, chapter leader, or similar leadership role in an organization for K-12 teachers
Position Terms
This is an NSF grant-funded position for 18-months, with an expectation of renewal funding to extend the position to four or more years. Position extension is contingent on funding and approval by the Executive Director of CSTA. Hiring is contingent upon a pre-employment background check and eligibility to work in the United States.
Benefits
Benefits of working at CSTA include:
- Flexible, engaging remote working environment with a great team
- Paid time off: three weeks vacation annually, ten days sick leave, ten holidays, and one week office closures twice annually in July/August and at the end of December
- Paid parental leave of eight to twelve weeks
- Medical, dental and vision premiums paid at 100% for FT positions and subsidized dependent premiums
- Technology subsidy consistent with our Bring Your Own Device environment
- Option to participate in retirement savings plan with employer match after six months
Commitment to Equity
CSTA is committed to equity in our community and for the students our members serve. We strive to build diverse and inclusive communities at the local, national, and global level.
CSTA values building a diverse workplace and community. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need, and all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Applicants from historically underrepresented communities in computing, including but not limited to people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and women, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application deadline: August 6, 2023
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Jason W. Bohrer | Chapter Relations Lead
Computer Science Teachers Association | @csteachersorg
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