Director of the Center of Innovation

The Bolles School, a Northeast Florida independent college preparatory day and boarding school founded in 1933, has long been known as one of the top educational institutions in the country. This prominence is rooted in an enduring All Things Possible™ mindset that encourages students to discover their strengths and excel in them throughout their Bolles experience. The Bolles School motto is ‘pursuing excellence through integrity, courage and compassion.’ Bolles proudly employs over 400 full time, part time and seasonal faculty, staff, coaches, and administrators. Serving over 1,700 students on our four campuses in Grades Pre-K through 12, Bolles has a rich history in tradition and achievement that extends to our hiring practices and the professionalism and respect garnered in the independent school community.

This position will commence Aug 2025 for the 25-26 Academic Year

The Bolles School searches worldwide for faculty & staff who demonstrate experience in their field of study.

Position Purpose: The Director of the Center for Innovation will lead the development and expansion of The Bolles School’s engineering and innovation programs, overseeing curriculum design and the management of the state-of-the-art fabrication lab. This role includes teaching three courses, primarily in engineering, while fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment that inspires students to explore STEM disciplines. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader in STEM education, passionate about hands-on learning, and committed to advancing innovation at Bolles.

The Center for Innovation, a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility that opened in August 2024, serves as a hub for creativity, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Director will play a pivotal role in shaping its impact on students and the school community. Part of this work with be promoting and organizing the use of the space for all.

Essential Functions:

Curriculum Development & Instruction

• Continue the development of the Innovation Institute Program as a future graduation distinction.
• Teach three courses aligned with best practices in STEM education.
• Design curriculum sequences that integrate innovation, technology, fabrication and real-world applications.
• Serve as a dynamic and engaging teacher, inspiring students to explore innovation and engineering with enthusiasm.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and engineering trends to continuously enhance program offerings.
• Support innovation and engineering programs on all campuses.
• Collaborate with content-area teachers to develop interdisciplinary projects that leverage the fabrication lab to support learning across STEM, arts, and other disciplines.
• Participate in Department Chair and Academic Council meetings.

Fabrication Lab Expansion & Management

• Manage the resources of the School’s fabrication lab to support a wide range of student and faculty projects.
• Oversee the Innovation budget according to best practices.
• Oversee the maintenance of the equipment in the fabrication lab.
• Provide professional development opportunities to enhance the use of the equipment available.
• Ensure the highest safety standards are upheld in the fabrication lab

Innovation & Program Leadership

• Serve as a thought leader in STEM education, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and problem-solving across all grade levels.
• Cochair the Innovation Committee in collaboration with the Advancement Office.
• Develop, plan, and execute Innovation Day at Bolles.
• Establish partnerships with industry leaders, universities, and community organizations to provide students with real-world learning experiences.
• Develop and oversee extracurricular programs, workshops, and competitions related to robotics, innovation, engineering, and entrepreneurship.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, STEM Education, or a related field required; master's degree preferred.
• Experience teaching engineering, CAD, or related STEM subjects at the secondary or collegiate level.
• Strong background in curriculum development and instructional design.
• Proven experience managing a fabrication lab or makerspace and the innovation team.
• Thorough knowledge of the use of 3D printing, CNC machines, laser cutting, robotics, and other fabrication tools.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Superior interpersonal and organizational skills, as well as excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Genuine enthusiasm for working with colleagues, sharing instructional techniques and strategies, and exploring innovative ways to enhance learning
• Ability to work with minimal levels of guidance and high levels of initiative
• Demonstrated leadership and classroom management skills
• Demonstrated ability to create an active learning environment in the classroom
• Demonstrated curious and inquisitive nature, particularly related to solving problems and discovering how things work

General:

• Demonstrates and enthusiastically supports the School’s Mission
• Performs in a manner that reflects positively on The Bolles School
• Work effectively with all school personnel and families, as well as with the larger business and educational community
• Perform other duties as requested