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About Mostly Serious

Mostly Serious is a 13-person digital agency in Springfield, Missouri. We design and build custom web products, and we also offer consulting and AI enablement. We’re at an important point in our growth, expanding our traditional web services with AI-powered solutions that help clients work smarter and faster. We’re people-first and serious about solving real problems for our clients.

The Opportunity

We’re hiring a Director of Development to lead our technical team as we move from primarily traditional web work to AI-enabled solutions. This role is for someone who moves fast, builds high-velocity teams, and brings AI skills to real client problems. You’ll push the team to use new tools and methods while keeping quality high and delivery reliable.

Purpose of the Role

The Director of Development will transform and lead our development team as we expand from traditional web work to AI-powered internal and external solutions. This role blends hands-on technical work, leadership, and a genuine excitement about what’s possible with AI. You’ll build a culture of rapid iteration, smart problem-solving, and continuous improvement while developing your team to meet the demands of tomorrow’s technology.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

  • Lead, mentor, and develop developers with 3‑10+ years of experience.
  • Set clear performance standards and hold the team accountable to our vision and goals.
  • Give supportive coaching and direct feedback to help team members grow.
  • Build a “move fast, be smart, and solve problems” culture that values action over analysis paralysis.
  • Work with the Director of Operations to set team goals and development budgets.

Technical Leadership & Innovation

  • Act as a player-coach, staying hands-on in key client and internal projects.
  • Lead the shift from web development to AI agent and workflow solutions.
  • Keep researching, testing, and using new AI tools and platforms to improve services.
  • Drive adoption of AI across the team, dealing with concerns and building excitement.
  • Ensure technical excellence while increasing speed.

Client & Business Impact

  • Work with leadership to find and develop new AI service lines.
  • Take a solution-first approach to client problems, focusing on quick fixes rather than exhaustive research.
  • Optimize project scheduling to make the best use of team capacity.
  • Work with the Director of Operations and Controller on budgets and resources.
  • Bring innovative AI ideas to leadership to improve our competitive edge.

Operational Excellence

  • Balance maintenance and retainer work with new builds and new AI solutions.
  • Make fast, informed decisions without needing full context.
  • Help refine and improve our processes so the team can ship work more quickly and confidently.

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • You’re energized by change and see AI as the future of software development.
  • You believe in “progress over perfection” and can help others embrace this mindset.
  • You’re comfortable switching between coding, coaching, and presenting to stakeholders.
  • You can be both supportive and demanding, and you know when each approach is needed.
  • You’re curious and always exploring new tools, technologies, and ways of working.
  • You communicate directly and simply, without unnecessary complexity.
  • You’re excited about working in an agency environment with diverse clients and challenges.

Location & Work Arrangement

This role is based in Springfield, Missouri, with a hybrid work setup. We’re open to discussing relocation support for the right person. We value flexibility, but we also believe in the power of in-person collaboration to build culture, move faster, and drive innovation together.

Why Join Mostly Serious?

  • Work on a team that is actively building with the tools of tomorrow.
  • Be part of a pivotal transformation in how we serve our clients.
  • Help shape the future of our technical capabilities and service offerings.
  • Join a people-first company that values kindness alongside excellence.
  • Have a direct impact on company strategy, growth, and how we deliver work.
  • Work with a team that’s small enough to stay agile but established enough to take on big challenges.

How to Apply

Apply directly to Jarad Johnson, CEO, at jarad@mostlyserious.io. Include your resume or equivalent along with why you believe Mostly Serious is a great fit for your specific background and skill set.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mostly Serious is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

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