Director of Educational Equity

Position Summary:

The Director of Educational Equity is a visionary and strategic leader responsible for the overall direction implementation and impact of the Social Justice Learning Institutes (SJLI) current educational equity programs and teams: Urban Scholars the Urban Health Fellowship The Fellowship Initiative (TFI) and Higher Pathways. At a time of bold program transformation this role will also lead the implementation of SJLIs reimagined Urban Scholars Pathwayfrom high school through college and into early career. This position is critical to advancing SJLIs mission guiding a team that helps dismantle the schooltoprison pipeline and empower marginalized youth through transformative educational and civic engagement opportunities. The Director will oversee curriculum development program execution partnership cultivation staff supervision and budget management to ensure the effective delivery and strategic evolution of these vital initiatives. This position requires a systems thinker instructional leader and crosssector collaborator committed to youth outcomes team development and lasting impact.

Responsibilities:

1. Program Leadership and Strategic Direction:

Provide strategic leadership and vision for Urban Scholars The Urban Health Fellowship The Fellowship Initiative (TFI)
and Higher Pathways ensuring alignment with SJLIs mission and values.

Oversee the development implementation and continuous improvement of program models curricula and activities to promote educational equity and student success.

Ensure programs are evidencebased culturally responsive and aligned with best practices in youth development college access and social justice education.

Establish clear program goals objectives and metrics for success and oversee data collection and analysis to track progress and inform program adjustments.

Lead the development of program expansion strategies and identify opportunities for increased impact and reach.

Be a thought partner with the National Director of Programs in the development remodeling and implementation of Urban Scholars advancements including but not limited to its transition into Urban Scholars Pathways: a threeyear cohort model.

2. Curriculum and Program Implementation:

Direct the development and refinement of rigorous and engaging curricula for all four programs ensuring alignment with academic standards and college readiness requirements.

Oversee the effective implementation of program activities including but not limited to training workshops mentoring tutoring college visits & tours retreatsleadership development and social justice education.

Ensure program delivery is consistent across all sites and cohorts maintaining high quality and fidelity to the program models.

Develop implement and maintain programmatic evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of curriculum and program activities on student outcomes.

Leverage data systems and support the collection analysis and application of program data to inform implementation decisions strengthen curriculum relevance and drive continuous improvement in student outcomes.

Stay abreast of current research and trends in educational equity college access and youth development to inform curriculum training and program enhancements.

3. Partnership Development and Management:

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with partner schools school districts community organizations higher education institutions and all partners who engage with SJLI educational equity.

Serve as a key point of contact for school and district leadership ensuring effective communication and collaboration.

Negotiate and manage partnership agreements ensuring mutual benefit and alignment of goals.

Identify and pursue new partnership opportunities to expand program reach and resources.

Represent SJLI at relevant external meetings conferences and events to build visibility and strengthen partnerships.

4. Staff Supervision and Development:

Directly supervise and mentor program managers providing clear expectations ongoing feedback and professional development opportunities.

Oversee the recruitment training and supervision of all program staff including coordinators facilitators specialists and support personnel.

Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that values teamwork accountability and continuous learning.

Conduct regular performance evaluations and support the professional growth of all direct reports and ensure that they do the same.

Ensure staff are equipped with the necessary resources and training to effectively implement program activities.

5. Budget Oversight and Resource Management:

Develop and manage the annual program area budget ensuring responsible allocation of resources to Urban Scholars The Urban Health Fellowship The Fellowship Initiative (TFI) and Higher Pathways programs and staff.

Monitor program expenditures and ensure adherence to budget guidelines.

Support the National Director of Programs in the identification and pursuit of grant funding opportunities and contribute to the development of grant proposals.

Work closely with the finance team to track financial performance and provide regular budget updates.

Ensure efficient and effective use of program resources to maximize impact and sustainability.

Qualifications:

Terminal degree in Education Social Sciences Communications Humanities or a related field (Doctorate preferred).

Minimum of 710 years of progressive leadership experience in educational equity college access or youth development programs.

Teaching credentials are strongly preferred. Candidates without a credential may still be considered if they:

Demonstrate instructional excellence and have credentials in their work history or

Are eligible and willing to pursue credentialing with organizational support.

Demonstrated experience in curriculum development program training and implementation and evaluation.

Proven track record of building and maintaining successful partnerships with schools districts and community organizations.

Significant experience in supervising and managing diverse teams.

Strong understanding of the systemic barriers to educational equity and a deep commitment to social justice.

Proven ability to think strategically and translate vision into actionable plans for youth programs.

Proficiency in data collection and analysis for program improvement & program evaluation with a focus on youthoriented outcomes.

Familiarity with the Los Angeles County landscape including its diverse youth communities environment and lived experiences.

Excellent communication interpersonal and presentation skills.

Strong organizational problemsolving and strategic thinking abilities.

Experience in budget development and management.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fastpaced environment.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.

Valid drivers license and reliable transportation.

Deep commitment to social justice youth empowerment and SJLIs mission.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with the specific target populations served by SJLI programs.

Grant writing and fundraising experience.

Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish).

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter to; Deadline: May 9 2025

Equal Opportunity Employer:

SJLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age disability or any other legally protected status. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences particularly those from underrepresented communities and those with lived experiences relevant to our work with youth of color. SJLI is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the youth we serve.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment for this position are consistent with those of a typical office setting. However this role requires regular travel within Los Angeles County and beyond for meetings school visits youth events college visits/tours retreats and community engagements. The position may require standing for extended periods lifting up to 25 pounds and navigating various community settings. Evening and weekend work is often necessary to accommodate youth and their familys schedules. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations:

The Educational Equity Programs Director must comply with all applicable federal state and local laws and regulations including but not limited to antidiscrimination laws labor laws and laws governing nonprofit organizations. They must also adhere to SJLIs policies and procedures including those related to ethics confidentiality and conflicts of interest. Given the focus on youth familiarity with and strict adherence to laws and best practices related to working with minors is essential including mandatory reporting requirements youth safety protocols and data privacy regulations.

Background Check and Clearances:

Employment with SJLI is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background check and any required clearances or certifications as applicable to the position. This includes but is not limited to criminal background checks child abuse clearances TB testing and verification of eligibility to work with youth. The Senior Manager must also maintain any relevant certifications or clearances throughout their employment.

AtWill Employment:

Employment with SJLI is on an atwill basis meaning that either the employee or the organization can terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without cause or notice unless otherwise specified by applicable law or a written employment agreement. However SJLI is committed to fair employment practices and open communication to ensure a positive and productive work environment for all employees.

Required Experience:

Manager