Database Administrator

The non-profit MIND Research Institute is dedicated to research on learning and the brain, and the application of this research to the development of effective K-12 math education programs. MIND's unique math education process engages the learner's spatial temporal reasoning abilities to explain, understand, and solve multi-step problems. Over 1,000 schools and 320,000 students (and growing) across the nation use our multi-award-winning ST Math software (ST stands for "Spatial Temporal").

We are currently looking for a Database Administrator to join our team. The Database Administrator will be reporting to the Chief Information Officer and working with different departments within the organization to carry out duties described below.

Job Descriptions:

  • Deploy scripts routinely for reporting purposes
  • Create custom scripts to extract specific information in the database as requested
  • Perform mid/high level troubleshooting for database related issues
  • Provide technical support to clients when needed
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related technical discipline
  • At least 2 years of experience with MySQL
  • Solid knowledge of database structures, theories, principles, and practices

Additional Qualifications:

  • MySQL certification a plus
  • Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented work ethic
  • Strong troubleshooting and optimization skills
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks in a high-pressure environment
  • Ability to adhere to time-sensitive deadlines
  • Ability to work independently and proactively
  • Focused and motivated
  • Good interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills

We offer an excellent benefits package, including health, dental and life insurance, 401(K) retirement plan, and paid vacation time and holidays. Starting salary is commensurate with education, experience, and skills. This is a permanent, full-time, in-house position; no telecommuting or contract work.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobsengineering@mindresearch.net. Be sure to indicate why you believe your skills are well-suited for this position.

Annual Fund Director

The MIND Research Institute seeks an experienced and dynamic Annual Fund Director to strengthen, expand, improve and manage a comprehensive Annual Fund robust in the application of technology and national in scope.

Candidates should five years of fundraising experience plus strong knowledge or practical experience in Annual Fund or Annual Campaign which includes a solid understanding of donor cultivation, volunteer management, fundraising events and the ability to comprehend and work effectively with complex fundraising issues.

The MIND Research Institute (MIND) develops and deploys unique visual math instructional software and systems for teachers and students. Based in Santa Ana, California, MIND also conducts basic neuroscientific, mathematics, and education research to improve math education and advance scientific understanding of how young people learn.

Since its founding in 1998, the MIND Research Institute has successfully transferred more than 30 years of breakthrough academic research from the University of California, Irvine, into proven education programs for K–12 students. MIND applies its distinctive visual approach to illustrating math concepts and building problem-solving skills as the basis for innovative, research-proven math education programs for elementary and secondary schools. These programs have consistently demonstrated significant and repeatable increases on standardized math tests, enriched the lives of hundreds of thousands of students and have helped educators address many of the significant challenges they face in educating our youth, such as language barriers and learning disabilities.

MIND’s unique approach accesses the brain’s innate “spatial temporal” reasoning ability. This ability allows the brain to hold visual representations in short-term memory and to evolve them both in space and time, thinking multiple steps ahead. MIND’s approach consists of language-independent, animated representations of math concepts delivered via computer software games. MIND’s programs are self-paced, self-motivating and provide students with immediate, animated instructive feedback. The visual representations of the underlying mathematics deepen problem-solving and reasoning skills. The language barrier to learning math is eliminated, and the program has proven uniquely engaging and effective with students at every level of math and language proficiency.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Development the Annual Fund Director works closely with the fundraising staff at headquarters and in remote locations. The Director will also interact with staff and executive leadership of Marketing, Information Technology, Sales, Research, Education and Finance Departments. This position manages the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of Annual Fund donors, individuals and smaller corporations and foundations representing annual giving levels below $25,000. The Annual Fund currently includes the annual Awards Dinner and the School Assistance Fund, as well as general operating donations. In pursuit of the Annual Fund goal ($1.5M in 2010) the Director will regularly consider and incorporate new features and capability to the Fund such as membership clubs, groups or societies. Once organized these groups can be tracked and managed to identify prospects capable of higher levels of giving.

The Director will contribute original, novel strategies to recruit new supporters to the cause of MIND while establishing a robust system of semi-automatic and periodic outreach to an ever expanding donor prospect base.

To Apply:
The MIND Research Institute has engaged m/Oppenheim Associates for this search. Please send a cover letter and resume to Dave Santore or Mark Oppenheim at info@moppenheim.com

About m/Oppenheim Associates:
m/Oppenheim Associates is a national retained search firm that helps strengthen nonprofits programmatically, organizationally and financially by recruiting great leaders for great organizations. For more information please visit www.moppenheim.com.

Graphic Designer

The non-profit MIND Research Institute is dedicated to research on learning and the brain, and the application of this research to the development of effective K-12 math education programs. MIND's unique math education process engages the learner's spatial temporal reasoning abilities to explain, understand, and solve multi-step problems. Over 1,000 schools and 320,000 students (and growing) across the nation use our multi-award-winning ST Math software (ST stands for "Spatial Temporal").

The Graphic Designer will be working with a team of highly-talented artists, engineers, and researchers to create the next generation of interactive math games and instructional materials. Job Descriptions:

As a Graphic Designer working under the Art Director, you will be responsible for creating high-quality game mockups, user interfaces, instructional materials, and interactive demos using Adobe Flash CS5 (and other elements of the Adobe Creative Suite).

Qualifications:

We are looking for hard-working, problem-solving, enthusiastic designers who meet the following qualifications:

  • A clean, modern design aesthetic with an emphasis on simplicity and usability
  • Pays close attention to minute details and pixel-perfect precision
  • Strong illustration and mockup skills using Flash and Illustrator as the primary tools
  • Excellent math and problem-solving skills (you will be tested!)
  • Expertise in timeline-based animation in Flash CS3 and above
  • Solid understanding of object physics and perspective
  • Works efficiently, knows how to manage and prioritize tasks and handle multiple projects simultaneously
  • Focused, determined, and well-organized
  • Basic knowledge of ActionScript 3 coding and experience with 3D modeling and texturing is a plus, but not required.

We offer an excellent benefits package, including health, dental and life insurance, 401(K) retirement plan, and paid vacation time and holidays. Starting salary is commensurate with education, experience, and skills. This is a permanent, full-time, in-house position; no telecommuting or contract work.

To apply, please send a message to jobsengineering@mindresearch.net. Indicate why you believe your skills are well-suited for this position and include sample swfs and PDFs, or a link to an online portfolio. Resumes don't tell the entire story, so be creative in showcasing your abilities! And be sure to explore our website to learn more about the company.

Education Assessment Specialist

The non-profit MIND Research Institute is dedicated to research on learning and the brain, and the application of this research to the development of effective K-12 math education programs. Over 1,000 schools and 320,000 students (and growing) across the nation use our multi-award-winning ST Math software.

MIND is currently seeking an Education Assessment Specialist to join our team to design and develop innovative computer-based adaptive assessments. The Education Assessment Specialist will conduct analyses of existing computer-based assessments, guide the design and development of new assessments including computer adaptive tests, and provide educational measurement expertise to inform future development of our award-winning ST Math software.

Job Descriptions:

  • Lead the design, development and review of assessments within our existing product portfolio
  • Provide guidance for the design and development of innovative computer-based assessments to measure student understanding and learning outcomes
  • Perform item analyses and analyze student learning data utilizing the latest advances in educational measurement or developing new methods for e-Learning products
  • Contribute to the development of methods and techniques to deliver tailored learning content based on assessment results and student learning data
  • Perform other related duties as assigned including but not limited to item development and distracter analysis

Minimum Requirements:

  • Masters or Doctorate in Psychometrics, Educational Measurement, Mathematical Psychology, or related discipline
  • Experience analyzing Educational Assessment and Learning Data Sets
  • Experience developing, analyzing, and reviewing educational assessments and item banks
  • Experience with the development of systems for Computer Based Testing, Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), or Cognitive Diagnostic-Computerized Adaptive Testing (CD-CAT) preferred
  • Experience applying educational measurement to the design of e-Learning products preferred

Additional Qualifications:

  • Ability to view challenges from multiple and unconventional perspectives
  • Strong analytical skills, including the ability to decompose complex tasks and to consider multiple alternatives and contingency plans
  • Self-motivated individual with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication
  • Computer programming experience a plus
  • Experience teaching or tutoring math a plus

We offer an excellent benefits package, including health, dental and life insurance, 401(K) retirement plan, and paid vacation time and holidays. Starting salary is commensurate with education, experience, and skills. This is a permanent, full-time, in-house position; no telecommuting or contract work.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobsengineering@mindresearch.net. Be sure to indicate why you believe your skills are well-suited for this position.


Education and Support Specialist

Stay tuned for Spring Openings to join the MIND team.

The MIND Research Institute is seeking team members who will assist schools in implementing our award winning, research proven math curriculum.

We already have more than 1,300 schools using our innovative math software and music-keyboarding curriculum, and our program is continually expanding.

As an Education Support Specialist and a member of our School Support Team, you will work directly with principals and teachers in your geographical area to support their implementation of the ST Math Program.

As a part of this position, you will:

  • Schedule and conduct professional development trainings for groups of up to 40 teachers
  • Provide in-person, email, and phone support for teachers, principals, and lab techs to ensure the best implementation possible
  • Monitor and report on progress at schools

Some things about you:

  • You have a classroom teaching background and connect well with teachers and principals
  • You have successfully conducted professional development and are comfortable presenting in front of groups.
  • You are tech savvy and are comfortable talking with lab techs, installing software, and troubleshooting basic technology issues (Mac and PC)
  • You are an organized, detail-oriented, independent worker who takes pride in what you do
  • You are a team player who is looking for leadership opportunities
  • A music background is a plus, but not a necessity

We offer a competitive benefits package, including health, dental and life insurance, 401(K) retirement plan, and paid vacation time and holidays. Starting salary is commensurate with education, experience, and skills.

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume jobssupport@mindresearch.net and indicate why you believe your skills are well-suited for this position.


Interactive Curriculum Designer

The non-profit MIND Research Institute is dedicated to research on learning and the brain, and the application of this research to the development of effective K-12 math education programs. Over 1,000 schools and 320,000 students (and growing) across the nation use our multi-award-winning ST Math software.

MIND is currently seeking Interactive Curriculum Designers who are imaginative and innovative. The Interactive Curriculum Designers will be working with the Engineering team to develop a revolutionary math curriculum initially for Pre-algebra and Algebra 1. The curriculum combines powerful technology tools along with a visual-based approach to mathematics.

Job Descriptions:

As an Interactive Curriculum Designer working under the Director of Content Creation, you will be responsible for designing and reviewing lessons/games that present math concepts in a visual and creative way through technology tools.

Minimum Requirements:

At least 3 years of teaching experience in middle or high school mathematics or Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics or related discipline

Additional Qualifications:

  • California Single Subject Credential in Mathematics OR California Multiple Subject Credential with Supplementary Subject Matter Authorization in Mathematics a plus
  • Ability to see and understand math visually
  • Ability to look for new angles, and keep his/her perspectives fresh
  • Ability to communicate mathematical ideas clearly
  • Experience in curriculum design/development of digital content a plus
  • Comfortable with using technology. Exposure to interactive whiteboard a plus
  • Knowledge of subject matter, including California State Standards and subject-specific frameworks
  • Knowledge of child cognitive development and different learning styles
  • Knowledge of assessments
  • Ability to work well with others as well as independently
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks
  • Focused and motivated

We offer an excellent benefits package, including health, dental and life insurance, 401(K) retirement plan, and paid vacation time and holidays. Starting salary is commensurate with education, experience, and skills. This is a full-time/contract position.

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to jobsengineering@mindresearch.net. Indicate why you believe your skills are well-suited for this position and include sample lesson plans (word doc, PDF, or PowerPoint slides).


Research Computer Scientist - Learning Systems Data Analysis and Algorithms

Company Overview

The non-profit MIND Research Institute is dedicated to research on learning and the brain, and the application of this research to the development of effective K-12 math education programs. Over 1,000 schools and 320,000 students (and growing) across the nation use our multi-award-winning ST Math software.

MIND is currently seeking a Research Computer Scientist to join our team to implement learning systems software solutions. The Research Computer Scientist will partner with education content specialists to guide the design, development and integration of learning systems components with our award-winning ST Math software.

Job Descriptions:

  • Lead the development and review of learning systems within our existing product portfolio, including assessment and learning components
  • Partner with Psychometricians and Math Content Specialists to implement novel learning and assessment algorithms within our existing software platform that leverage student learning data
  • Contribute to the development of integrating modules that deliver tailored learning content based on assessment results and student learning data
  • Research and develop novel algorithms to enhance individual student learning outcomes

Job Requirements:

  • Bachelors in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or related discipline
  • Experience designing and implementing novel algorithms to collect user data and customize user experience
  • Course work or studies in one or more of the following: quantitative modeling, statistics, data mining, information processing
  • Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of object oriented programming skills
  • Experience with education or learning software a plus

Additional Qualifications:

  • Ability to view challenges from multiple and unconventional perspectives
  • Strong analytical skills, including the ability to decompose complex tasks and to consider multiple alternatives and contingency plans
  • Self-motivated individual with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication
  • Experience with data analysis systems a plus
  • Experience teaching or tutoring math a plus

We offer an excellent benefits package, including health, dental and life insurance, 401(K) retirement plan, and paid vacation time and holidays. Starting salary is commensurate with education, experience, and skills. This is a permanent, full-time, in-house position; no telecommuting or contract work.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobsengineering@mindresearch.net. Indicate why you believe your skills are well-suited for this position. Be sure to check out our website, www.mindresearch.net to learn more about the company.


Senior Development Officer

The Senior Development Officer is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors, individuals, corporations and foundations, for contribution to the organization. The development department’s annual goal is $6MM. Reporting to the Director of Development, National Math Initiatives, the development officer’s duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Works closely and supervise other department staff to strategically plan and manage close relationships with individuals and companies as assigned, researches and identifies prospective individual donors and companies, writes correspondence and proposals as needed, and successfully closes gifts with goals established annually.
  • Utilize the organization’s donor database, entering activities and contacts with individuals and companies on an up-to-date basis, and produce progress reports as requested.
  • Facilitates the campaign plan, including internal and external activities.
  • Coordinates internal and external meetings and conferences for the capital campaign committee and volunteers.
  • Acts as campaign liaison for established committees and the Development department
  • Manages the production of published materials for the capital campaign
  • Manages prospect research; organizes and conducts prospect strategy sessions
  • Prepares campaign budgets and regular reports on campaign progress
  • Is familiar with the workings of this and other MIND Research departments, and accepts responsibility for other duties as assigned.
  • Is responsible for preparing accurate and exemplary proposals and reports to funders.

Knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to be successful in this position: The successful development officer will have the ability to maintain positive personal relationships with a wide variety of individuals, including corporate executives at the highest level, and have a minimum of seven to ten years of proven fundraising experience. He/she will possess excellent communication and writing skills with the ability to organize, prioritize, and meet deadlines. He/she will have a solid understanding of donor cultivation, volunteer management and fundraising events, and the ability to comprehend and work effectively with complex fundraising issues.

The successful Senior Development Officer will have the minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, competency in use of in-house software programs; works well in both a team environment and self-directed situations; is able to plan work to maximize efficiency and respects the confidentiality of the organization’s contributors and records. A working knowledge of MIND Research Institute’s mission and programs is required. A demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical principles is expected.

If you are interested in this position, please send resume and cover letter to: lburrill@mindresearch.net. No phone calls please.


Software Engineer

The non-profit MIND Research Institute is dedicated to research on learning and the brain, and the application of this research to the development of effective K-12 math education programs. Over 1,000 schools and 320,000 students (and growing) across the nation use our multi-award-winning ST Math software.

We are currently looking for Software Engineers to join our team. The Software Engineers will be working with other members of the Engineering team to develop highly interactive web-based games that teach math concepts and skills to students visually.

Job Descriptions:

  • Work with game designers and senior engineers to plan and design implementation
  • Work with team members to analyze and problem solve game design issues
  • Develop, test and maintain code that is self-contained per game, in addition to working closely with existing code base
  • Build scalable and reusable components
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

  • Proficient in Java/C++/C#/ActionScript 3 and XML
  • B.S in Computer Science or related discipline

Additional Qualifications:

  • Ability to write scalable and efficient ActionScript/Java/C++ code and enjoy maintaining/enhancing code to meet changing customer/industry needs
  • Strong math background and ability to see and understand math visually
  • Some experience coding in Flash environment a plus
  • Experience with AI a plus
  • Experience with touch interface technology a plus
  • Flash animation skills a plus
  • Strong knowledge of the software development lifecycle and cross-browser compatibility
  • Some design and game development experience
  • Experience with math and formulas in game environment
  • Strong debugging and optimization abilities
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks
  • Ability to adhere to time-sensitive deadlines
  • Ability to take creative direction and work independently and proactively
  • Focused and motivated
  • Prefers a small-business fast paced working environment

We offer an excellent benefits package, including health, dental and life insurance, 401(K) retirement plan, and paid vacation time and holidays. Starting salary is commensurate with education, experience, and skills. This is a permanent, full-time, in-house position; no telecommuting or contract work.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobsengineering@mindresearch.net. Be sure to indicate why you believe your skills are well-suited for this position.


Technical Writer

The non-profit MIND Research Institute is dedicated to research on learning and the brain, and the application of this research to the development of effective K-12 math education programs. MIND's unique math education process engages the learner's spatial temporal reasoning abilities to explain, understand, and solve multi-step problems. Over 1,000 schools and 320,000 students (and growing) across the nation use our multi-award-winning ST Math software (ST stands for "Spatial Temporal"). We are currently looking for a Technical Writer to join our team. The Technical Writer will be working with the Engineering team as well as other departments to create documentation as requested.

Job Descriptions:

  • In charge of researching, gathering, verifying and organizing information required for preparation of proposals, patents, technical guides, white papers, manuals, reports, marketing/sales collateral and website content
  • Use obtained information to write and edit documentation
  • Update and revise existing documentation
  • Communicates with project manager(s) to ensure that project status is current and up to date
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor of Science in Technical Writing or related discipline
  • 3-5 years of technical writing experience
  • Knowledge of software development practices and tools

Additional Qualifications:

  • Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
  • Strong ability to convert technical knowledge into easily understood terms
  • Strong ability to visually display information and present images as part of effective content design
  • Strong proofreading and editing skills
  • Strong attention to details, solid analytical skills and highly organized
  • Experience using Microsoft Office tools
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks
  • Ability to adhere to time-sensitive deadlines
  • Ability to work independently and proactively, as well as collaboratively
  • Ability to interface with all levels of management

We offer an excellent benefits package, including health, dental and life insurance, 401(K) retirement plan, and paid vacation time and holidays. Starting salary is commensurate with education, experience, and skills. This is a permanent, full-time, in-house position; no telecommuting or contract work. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobsengineering@mindresearch.net. Be sure to indicate why you believe your skills are well-suited for this position.