Senior Director of Culture & Leadership

Join a dedicated team that fosters autonomy and creativity, while receiving a competitive salary, opportunities for career and personal growth, and the gratification that comes from creating positive multi-generational change.

Ednovate Background

Ednovate launched its first school in 2012. Since then, we’ve grown to eight schools and are on a trajectory to reach 11 schools in just the next few years (you can read more about our schools here). Ednovate is committed to serving areas where students traditionally lack access to a quality college-prep education by building tuition-free, safe, high-performing public schools driven to create positive multi-generational change.

We are made up of world travelers, nacho connoisseurs, KPOP business owners, and Beyonce fans. We love LA and OC, and we're our students' biggest cheerleaders. We are looking to hire innovative changemakers who aim to continue our goal of becoming the high school experts across Southern California. Sound like you? Keep reading.

Position Overview

The Senior Director of Culture & Leadership will lead Ednovate’s efforts to create and sustain a thriving, caring, and accountable school culture that supports the academic, social, and emotional development of every student. This role will provide strategic leadership, coaching, and professional development for Deans of Culture and school leaders, ensuring that all campuses implement a positive, inclusive, and culturally affirming school climate. Additionally, this individual will serve as a leadership coach for new Principals and Principals in Residence (PIRs), working closely with the Senior Director of Principal Leadership and Lead Principals to build a cohesive leadership team and serve as a key strategic partner in driving consistent and effective culture and leadership practices across the network. This is a full-time, exempt role that reports directly to the Chief of Schools.

What You'll Do

• Lead caring and accountable school culture development. Develop and execute a network-wide strategy to foster a positive and equitable school culture across all Ednovate campuses. Provide visionary leadership to ensure alignment between student culture, SEL integration, and Ednovate’s mission, vision, values, and goals. Partner with school leaders, Deans of Culture and the Director of Mental Health & Wellness to design and implement systems that promote high expectations, restorative practices, and student empowerment, and lead to continuous improvement.

• Model data-driven improvement. Analyze data to identify trends and inform continuous improvement of culture policies and practices. Provide actionable feedback and coaching to school leaders based on data insights. Ensure equity and consistency in discipline systems through ongoing monitoring and coaching.

• Coach and develop leaders. Lead the development and facilitation of aligned, high-quality professional development for Deans of Culture and culture teams, ensuring alignment with restorative discipline practices and school-wide culture initiatives. Serve as a coach and development lead for new Principals and PIRs, supporting their leadership growth through structured check-ins, feedback, and training. Partner with the Senior Director of Principal Leadership and Lead Principals to build a cohesive principal team, fostering collaboration and shared leadership and supporting with the management and facilitation of weekly principal meetings and monthly principal team PDs to strengthen leadership capacity across the network.

• Facilitate community engagement and collaboration. Partner with families, students, and community stakeholders to build trust and align efforts to support a strong school culture. Work cross-functionally with academics, community schools, and operational leaders to ensure alignment of student culture, leadership development, and school goals.

Who You'll Be

• Mission-driven professional passionate about increasing college attainment for historically under-represented students

• Social justice champion committed to promoting educational opportunity for all students and families

• Entrepreneurial spirit who thrives in a workplace characterized by autonomy, flexibility, transparency and accountability

• Collaborative team player who works well with others from diverse backgrounds, uplifts and celebrates our teammates and engages in healthy debate and feedback to get the best results for students and families

• Resourceful, persistent learner with a growth mindset, constantly seeking to “find a way or make one” to master your craft and improve results.

We're Looking For (Qualifications)

• Bachelor degree, required. Masters degree in education, educational leadership or social work, preferred

• A California Administrative Credential, Single Subject Teaching Credential or Out of State Teaching Credential, strongly preferred

• 2+ years of teaching experience in a relevant subject area with a strong record of improving student learning, strongly preferred

• 3+ years of school leadership experience with a strong record of improving student outcomes in academics, culture, and engagement, required

We're Committed To Giving You

• A competitive and transparent salary ($120,000 - $175,000, depending on background and experience). NOTE: 2025-2026 salaries will be updated in March 2025.

• Medical, dental and vision coverage - including a fully-paid medical and dental option for employees and their families - and flexible spending account options

• Paid family leave, short-term disability and life insurance benefits

• Fitness and entertainment discounts

• Generous paid time off and holidays

• 403b retirement savings plan, with company match

• A place to grow, learn and be a part of the Ednovate family

We Believe in Inclusion

We aim to intentionally develop a schoolwide culture in which every student and teammate feels a sense of belonging. Ednovate does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

We know applying for a new job can be daunting, and studies have shown that individuals from historically underrepresented communities may only apply to roles when they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all interested candidates to apply. You may be just the person we need! If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to email hiring@ednovate.org. We are here to help.