Application Guide
How to Apply for REDI Director
at Big Picture Learning
🏢 About Big Picture Learning
Big Picture Learning is a pioneer in student-centered, real-world learning, with nearly 30 years of experience transforming schools. Their commitment to knowing, trusting, and empowering young people makes them a mission-driven organization where your work directly impacts educational equity and innovation.
About This Role
As REDI Director, you will lead the organization's evidence strategy, building systems for data collection, evaluation, and research partnerships. This role is impactful because it translates data into actionable insights that shape program improvement and amplify Big Picture Learning's influence in the deeper learning movement.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start by reviewing a dashboard prototype with the tech team, then meet with a school partner to discuss data collection needs. Afternoon could involve analyzing qualitative feedback from a pilot program and drafting a brief for leadership on key findings, ending with a virtual workshop for network coordinators on using evidence for improvement.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Big Picture Learning Is Looking For
- Has 10+ years leading research and evaluation in K-12 education, with a focus on competency-based or student-centered learning.
- Thinks strategically about data systems, from designing dashboards to building knowledge management tools like research repositories.
- Translates complex evidence into clear, actionable insights for diverse stakeholders (educators, partners, funders).
- Thrives in a remote, collaborative nonprofit environment and is comfortable building systems from the ground up.
📝 Tips for Applying to Big Picture Learning
Tailor your resume to highlight leadership in evaluation frameworks and data systems, not just academic research.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to Big Picture Learning's mission of 'interest-driven, real-world learning'.
Mention any experience with competency-based or deeper learning models, as this is a key preference.
Include examples of how you've made research actionable for practitioners, not just published papers.
Demonstrate comfort with remote work by mentioning tools or practices for virtual collaboration.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for student-centered learning and how it aligns with Big Picture Learning's approach.", 'Specific examples of building data collection systems or evaluation frameworks that improved program outcomes.', 'Your ability to translate evidence into actionable insights for non-research audiences.', 'Your strategic vision for building an organizational evidence strategy from scratch.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Big Picture Learning's website thoroughly, especially their 'Design Principles' and 'Impact' pages.
- → Look up recent publications or blog posts by the organization to understand their current language and priorities.
- → Explore their network of schools and how they measure success beyond traditional metrics.
- → Research the REDI framework (Research, Evaluation, Data, and Impact) if they have public materials on it.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing too much on academic publishing rather than practical, actionable research for practitioners.
- Ignoring the nonprofit, mission-driven context—this is not a corporate data role.
- Failing to show how you'd work collaboratively with educators and partners who may be skeptical of data.
📅 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!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Big Picture Learning!