School Leader Fellow, Digital Pioneers Academy

Mission

Digital Pioneers Academy (DPA), is a 6th-12th grade college preparatory school that will consistently rank as a Tier 1 Washington, DC public charter school. Our mission is to develop the next generation of innovators. We are committed to ensuring 100% of DPA scholars graduate from college and secure a high paying, high demand job.

Position Summary

The School Leader Fellow serves as a member of the school’s leadership team, and contributes to the team as a teacher and leader, all while developing the necessary skills and abilities to serve as a future Principal.

About the Role

As we grow, Digital Pioneers Academy seeks a future leader to commit themself to our work and mission to develop the next generation of innovators. This role is founded on the principle that school leaders develop their skills most effectively through hands-on experience in leading a school.

Effectively leading a school demands leaders who inspire both students and teachers, demonstrating a commitment to go above and beyond while conveying a sense of urgency in providing our innovators with the opportunities they rightfully deserve. DPA leaders use frameworks like servant leadership and radical candor to communicate and hold each other accountable to achieve our ambitious goals. We make decisions, conduct difficult conversations, and build a highly collaborative team, all while shaping a vibrant school culture.    

Responsibilities

• Attend new staff trainings in the summer;

• Serve as an essential member of a school leadership team, including coaching DPA teachers and supporting professional development planning and execution.
• Align on goals for the year with Principals/CEO;
• Clarify school roles and responsibilities with the Principals/CEO to make a big impact and target personal/professional growth areas.
• Teach one to two sections in a specific content area to scholars;
• Receive formal and informal feedback and coaching from Principal/CEO and other instructional partners. Create an individualized learning plan and receive targeted coaching from the Principal/CEO;
• Build essential leadership mindsets and skills and assess progress on your leadership effectiveness regularly.
• Begin planning for 2025-26 leadership role, including: developing a readiness, leading school events and recruitment, and preparing for onboarding.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Required experience:
• At least 4 years of teaching experience;
• 1+ year of previous school leadership experience; can include coaching or leading teachers (e.g., grade level chair, content/department chair, Assistant Principal, Dean of Curriculum, etc.);
• A Bachelor's degree.
• Deeply committed to preparing scholars to meet or exceed the highest academic standards, while cultivating the strength of character necessary to both graduate from four-year colleges and thrive in 21st century careers;
• Strong record of driving outstanding student results;
• Demonstrated interest in supporting teacher growth with ability to provide high leverage feedback;
• Grit, personal responsibility, and a commitment to continual professional growth.

Additional Characteristics of DPA Team Members

• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics;
• Comfort with technology; moderate to advanced skills in navigating computer hardware and software;
• Excellent organizational and leadership abilities;
• Outstanding communication and people skills;
• Knowledge of legal rules and guidelines in education;
• Demonstrated passion for improving educational outcomes;
• Strong interpersonal skills and high moral character;
• Understanding of the nuances of urban school environments and school culture;
• Self-motivated, diligent, and willing to be a team player;
• Problem solver and results-oriented;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and strong interpersonal skills with scholars, parents, colleagues, and community members.

Benefits

Digital Pioneers Academy offers a starting salary range of $95-$115k as well as an excellent and comprehensive benefits package.

Digital Pioneers Academy is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.