Director of Competency-Based Learning

Director of Competency-Based Learning (K–8)

About Matchbook Learning

Matchbook Learning is a non-profit charter management organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana. We operate two schools: Matchbook Learning at Wendell Phillips School 63, serving students in Kindergarten through 8th grade, and The Match High School and Career Center, which currently serves 9th and 10th grade students and will expand to include 11th grade students in the fall of 2026.

Our mission is to personalize learning, within a restorative community, fostering resilience and excellence while preparing students for real-world opportunities. As an innovative and inclusive organization, we are committed to ensuring that every child is known, loved, and flourishing.

We are currently seeking a candidate for the Director of Competency Based Learning to join our team at Matchbook Learning at Wendell Phillips School 63.

Position Overview

Matchbook Learning is seeking an experienced instructional leader to build and lead our K–8 Competency-Based Learning (CBL) model and to redesign our K–8 College and Career Readiness (CCR) experience. This role combines system design, teacher coaching, and daily instruction.

• The Director of CBL will:
• Lead the development and implementation of a K–8 competency-based model, and
• Revamp the K–8 College and Career Readiness course sequence so it becomes a core vehicle for exposing students to multiple pathways, helping them understand their strengths and interests, and building the skills needed for high school, college, and careers.
• This role includes teaching one daily section of a CCR course and shaping the broader K–8 CCR experience.
• The Director will work closely with the Head of School and the Director of Workforce Development to design a student-centered, mastery-oriented model that prepares students for their next steps.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a K–8 competency framework, including competencies, progressions, rubrics, and performance tasks
• Co-design exhibitions of learning, showcases, and portfolio structures across grade levels
• Coach teachers on competency-based and mastery-based instruction, student agency, and flexible pathways
• Conduct regular classroom walkthroughs and provide clear, actionable feedback to teachers
• Design and lead professional learning related to competency-based learning, performance assessments, student agency, and personalized pathways
• Support the implementation of student goal-setting, reflection, and voice/choice structures in classrooms
• Collaborate with teachers to design project-based and real-world learning experiences connected to competencies and soft skills

College and Career Readiness and Pathways

• Redesign the K–8 College and Career Readiness course sequence so that it:
• Introduces students to a variety of college, career, and technical pathways
• Builds core transferable skills (communication, collaboration, problem-solving, self-management)
• Strengthens student agency through goal-setting, planning, and reflection
• Align K–8 CCR experiences with high school pathways and workforce initiatives in partnership with the Director of Workforce Development and Head of School
• Integrate career exploration, interest surveys, guest speakers, community partners, and pathway-related projects into CCR
• Teach one daily section of CCR focused on student agency, soft skills, and pathway exploration

Data and Continuous Improvement

• Use student work, progress data, and feedback to refine the CBL model and the CCR experience
• Gather feedback from students, families, and staff and use it to continuously improve both the CBL model and the CCR experience
• Communicate the CBL and CCR vision clearly and consistently to staff, students, and families

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years combined K–12 experience in teaching, instructional coaching, and/or school-based instructional leadership
• Direct experience in competency-based learning or mastery-based learning (at the school, network, or program level)
• Experience coaching teachers or leading instructional improvement (e.g., instructional coach, department chair, grade-level lead, dean of instruction, assistant principal)
• Experience working in K–12 schools; candidates whose primary background is only adult or corporate training will not be considered
• Experience with at least one of the following: performance assessments, exhibitions, portfolio systems, project-based learning, PLTW, or structured student agency (goal-setting, conferences, voice/choice)
• Demonstrated record of improving student outcomes and/or instructional quality
• Experience working in diverse, high-need school communities
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or Educational Leadership preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience writing or implementing competencies, progressions, or mastery rubrics
• Experience with digital mastery dashboards or portfolio systems
• Familiarity with AI tools for instructional planning and differentiation
• Experience with College and Career Readiness, workforce skills, or SEL programming
• Experience designing or leading K–12 pathways, CTE-related programming, or college/career exposure initiatives

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be an instructional expert and systems thinker who is comfortable building new structures, coaching adults, and leading change. They should be organized, collaborative, and deeply committed to equity, mastery, student agency, and meaningful pathway exploration for all students.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their resume to

Matchbook Learning is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

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