Application Guide
How to Apply for Manager of Elementary Math Content
at MATHCOUNTS
🏢 About MATHCOUNTS
MATHCOUNTS is a premier non-profit that has inspired excellence in middle school mathematics for over four decades. Now expanding to serve grades 3-5 and 6-8, this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of elementary math education and make a lasting impact on students nationwide.
About This Role
As Manager of Elementary Math Content, you will create fun and challenging math competitions and practice materials for grades 3-5, ensuring alignment with elementary standards. Your work will directly inspire confidence and curiosity in young students, while managing partnerships with volunteers and organizations to scale impact.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing math problems submitted by volunteers, editing them for clarity and fun, and designing a worksheet for a 4th-grade competition. You'll also meet with partners to ensure deadlines are on track and brainstorm new video lesson ideas for teachers.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who MATHCOUNTS Is Looking For
- Passionate about elementary math and skilled at designing engaging, standards-aligned content for grades 3-5.
- Detail-oriented with a knack for editing, curating, and writing math problems that are both fun and challenging.
- Strong project manager who can coordinate volunteers and partners to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality materials.
- Creative and adaptable, comfortable with video lessons, worksheets, hands-on activities, and online resources.
📝 Tips for Applying to MATHCOUNTS
Highlight any experience creating elementary math competitions or practice materials, even if informal (e.g., math club, tutoring).
Showcase your ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, especially with volunteers or external contributors.
Demonstrate your understanding of elementary math standards (e.g., CCSS) and how you've aligned content to them.
Include examples of creative math content you've developed, such as puzzles, games, or interactive activities.
Emphasize your passion for MATHCOUNTS' mission and how your values align with inspiring excellence and curiosity.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express genuine enthusiasm for MATHCOUNTS' expansion into elementary grades and its mission to build confidence in math.", 'Detail specific experience writing or editing math problems for elementary students, with examples of alignment to standards.', 'Highlight project management skills, especially coordinating with volunteers or educators to produce content on time.', 'Mention any familiarity with MATHCOUNTS programs or similar non-profit math education initiatives.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore MATHCOUNTS' current middle school programs (e.g., Chapter, State, National competitions) to understand their style.
- → Review the Common Core State Standards for grades 3-5 math to ensure alignment in your examples.
- → Look up recent news or blog posts about MATHCOUNTS' expansion into elementary grades to understand their vision.
- → Familiarize yourself with the organization's history and impact metrics (e.g., number of students served annually).
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without mentioning elementary math or MATHCOUNTS specifically.
- Overlooking the volunteer/partner management aspect; this role requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Failing to provide concrete examples of math content creation or editing in your resume or cover letter.
- Ignoring the need for creativity; avoid dry or overly academic examples that don't engage young students.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!