Rivet Education
Senior Product Manager
Location: Remote
Compensation : $140,000-165,000, plus benefits
Report to: Rivet’s co-founder
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Rivet Education devises simple, practical, and scalable strategies that promote excellent instruction for every student in every classroom, every day. Our work is driven by our core values—equity, kindness, quality, joy, and an unwavering commitment to students and teachers—and is focused on increasing access to high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and aligned professional learning.
Specifically, we support education leaders in creating successful strategies to scale the use of HQIM by:
Providing a roadmap for high-quality curriculum implementation —who should be doing what and when;
Evaluating professional learning providers through the Professional Learning Partner Guide ; and
Creating simple and practical resources to smooth the path forward and accelerate progress.
Rivet’s Instructional Materials Implementation Tool and Dashboard collect and analyze data on curriculum implementation across the K-12 system to identify trends and next steps for each role: system leaders, school leaders, and teachers.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Rivet Education is seeking a highly organized, user experience-focused Senior Product Manager to oversee the vision and direction of our suite of products. The Senior Product Manager will lead the strategy, development, and ongoing improvement of Rivet’s portfolio of digital products, including the Implementation Dashboard , Professional Learning Partner Guide , and AI products. This role will translate customer needs and business priorities into product roadmaps, manage internal and external development partners, and use data to drive decisions about features, user experience, pricing, and product performance. As Rivet’s product lead, this person will combine strategic product thinking with hands-on execution to ensure our products deliver meaningful value to customers and support Rivet’s long-term growth.
This role is ideal for a self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset who can drive meaningful product outcomes while working asynchronously with cross-functional teams. This is a remote position with Central Time Zone work hours, and flexibility required to accommodate other time zones of team members and clients. Occasional travel is required for conferences, in-person collaboration, and team meetings. The Senior Product Manager reports to one of the organization’s Co-Founders.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Product Strategy and Customer Insight
Own the product lifecycle and integrated roadmap for Rivet’s Implementation Dashboard, Professional Learning Partner Guide (PLPG), and AI Evaluator, aligning customer needs, business objectives, opportunities to bring products together, and measurable outcomes
Build a deep understanding of state education agencies, local education agencies, and professional learning providers through research, interviews, feedback, product data, and collaboration with the Customer Service Manager
Confirm customer needs and test proposed solutions to inform product development
Develop working expertise in each product and its underlying models, including the PLPG review rubric, Implementation Dashboard data model, and AI Evaluator’s performance relative to human review
Product Definition and User Experience
Translate validated customer and market problems into clear requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria
Create user flows, low-fidelity wireframes, and interface copy that help vendors design and build effectively
Identify usability issues early and ensure products are intuitive, accessible, and responsive to customer needs
Development and Vendor Management
Prioritize and sequence development across releases, breaking work into shippable increments and communicating decisions, trade-offs, dependencies, and changes
Serve as the primary product contact for external development and design vendors, setting scope, maintaining issue queues, coordinating dependencies, and reviewing work
Conduct acceptance testing and manage bugs and workarounds through resolution, responding quickly and effectively when issues arise
Partner with technical experts on architecture, data sharing and storage, privacy and compliance, accessibility, and AI reliability to address risks and ensure solutions meet product requirements
Product Performance and Team Enablement
Define and monitor product health and business performance measures, including adoption, renewal, review throughput, reviewer efficiency, development and AI operating costs, and profitability
Use customer insights and performance data to recommend product improvements and pricing and packaging decisions
Maintain clear product documentation, release notes, decision records, and planning processes
Equip sales, communications, and client-facing teams with the necessary product information and materials
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ten or more years in software product management, including at least one product carried from definition through launch and at least two cycles of iteration afterward.
Experience leading outsourced or vendor-built product development, setting clear requirements, guiding execution, and holding partners accountable for quality and delivery.
Technical fluency sufficient to read an application programming interface specification, understand a data model, question an architectural choice, and determine whether an estimate is credible.
Working knowledge of the United States K-12 education market, specifically how state and local education agencies budget, buy, and adopt. Familiarity with curriculum structure, adoption process, implementation, professional learning, or educator development valued.
Demonstrated ability to engage directly with customer stakeholders and translate their feedback into clear, actionable findings.
Ability to define meaningful metrics and build dashboards to track performance.
Strong self-direction, with sound judgment in setting priorities, taking initiative, and following through with minimal oversight.
Experience working with AI for optimizing operational workflows and/or designing features that incorporate human review, with sound judgment about the reliability of model outputs.
Experience independently managing responsibilities without dedicated specialist support; experience in an organization of fewer than 20 people valued.
Experience developing pricing or packaging for subscription or credentialing products.
Ability to translate user needs into workflows and low-fidelity wireframes that a design contractor can refine.
COMPENSATION
Rivet Education offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience and location.
The annual salary for this position will be $140,000-$165,000, plus benefits. We offer comprehensive benefits, including a fully paid insurance package for employees (health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability) and life insurance (100% paid for employee and 50% paid for dependents); a 401k retirement plan with up to a 4% employer match on all contributions; unlimited vacation; and the option for an end-of-year bonus (up to 10% of salary) based on company and personal performance.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application here . Note: the preferred application deadline is November 16, 2026. After this date, we do not guarantee review of submission
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Commitment to Diversity: Rivet Education is an equal opportunity employer. We actively pursue a diverse team because we believe the input and perspectives of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds strengthen our team, push our thinking about what’s possible, and enable us to better serve educators nationwide. Therefore, we enthusiastically encourage applications from individuals of every race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, culture, disability, national origin, marital status, military status, parenthood status, and background.
Senior Product Manager
Location: Remote
Compensation : $140,000-165,000, plus benefits
Report to: Rivet’s co-founder
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Rivet Education devises simple, practical, and scalable strategies that promote excellent instruction for every student in every classroom, every day. Our work is driven by our core values—equity, kindness, quality, joy, and an unwavering commitment to students and teachers—and is focused on increasing access to high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and aligned professional learning.
Specifically, we support education leaders in creating successful strategies to scale the use of HQIM by:
Providing a roadmap for high-quality curriculum implementation —who should be doing what and when;
Evaluating professional learning providers through the Professional Learning Partner Guide ; and
Creating simple and practical resources to smooth the path forward and accelerate progress.
Rivet’s Instructional Materials Implementation Tool and Dashboard collect and analyze data on curriculum implementation across the K-12 system to identify trends and next steps for each role: system leaders, school leaders, and teachers.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Rivet Education is seeking a highly organized, user experience-focused Senior Product Manager to oversee the vision and direction of our suite of products. The Senior Product Manager will lead the strategy, development, and ongoing improvement of Rivet’s portfolio of digital products, including the Implementation Dashboard , Professional Learning Partner Guide , and AI products. This role will translate customer needs and business priorities into product roadmaps, manage internal and external development partners, and use data to drive decisions about features, user experience, pricing, and product performance. As Rivet’s product lead, this person will combine strategic product thinking with hands-on execution to ensure our products deliver meaningful value to customers and support Rivet’s long-term growth.
This role is ideal for a self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset who can drive meaningful product outcomes while working asynchronously with cross-functional teams. This is a remote position with Central Time Zone work hours, and flexibility required to accommodate other time zones of team members and clients. Occasional travel is required for conferences, in-person collaboration, and team meetings. The Senior Product Manager reports to one of the organization’s Co-Founders.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Product Strategy and Customer Insight
Own the product lifecycle and integrated roadmap for Rivet’s Implementation Dashboard, Professional Learning Partner Guide (PLPG), and AI Evaluator, aligning customer needs, business objectives, opportunities to bring products together, and measurable outcomes
Build a deep understanding of state education agencies, local education agencies, and professional learning providers through research, interviews, feedback, product data, and collaboration with the Customer Service Manager
Confirm customer needs and test proposed solutions to inform product development
Develop working expertise in each product and its underlying models, including the PLPG review rubric, Implementation Dashboard data model, and AI Evaluator’s performance relative to human review
Product Definition and User Experience
Translate validated customer and market problems into clear requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria
Create user flows, low-fidelity wireframes, and interface copy that help vendors design and build effectively
Identify usability issues early and ensure products are intuitive, accessible, and responsive to customer needs
Development and Vendor Management
Prioritize and sequence development across releases, breaking work into shippable increments and communicating decisions, trade-offs, dependencies, and changes
Serve as the primary product contact for external development and design vendors, setting scope, maintaining issue queues, coordinating dependencies, and reviewing work
Conduct acceptance testing and manage bugs and workarounds through resolution, responding quickly and effectively when issues arise
Partner with technical experts on architecture, data sharing and storage, privacy and compliance, accessibility, and AI reliability to address risks and ensure solutions meet product requirements
Product Performance and Team Enablement
Define and monitor product health and business performance measures, including adoption, renewal, review throughput, reviewer efficiency, development and AI operating costs, and profitability
Use customer insights and performance data to recommend product improvements and pricing and packaging decisions
Maintain clear product documentation, release notes, decision records, and planning processes
Equip sales, communications, and client-facing teams with the necessary product information and materials
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ten or more years in software product management, including at least one product carried from definition through launch and at least two cycles of iteration afterward.
Experience leading outsourced or vendor-built product development, setting clear requirements, guiding execution, and holding partners accountable for quality and delivery.
Technical fluency sufficient to read an application programming interface specification, understand a data model, question an architectural choice, and determine whether an estimate is credible.
Working knowledge of the United States K-12 education market, specifically how state and local education agencies budget, buy, and adopt. Familiarity with curriculum structure, adoption process, implementation, professional learning, or educator development valued.
Demonstrated ability to engage directly with customer stakeholders and translate their feedback into clear, actionable findings.
Ability to define meaningful metrics and build dashboards to track performance.
Strong self-direction, with sound judgment in setting priorities, taking initiative, and following through with minimal oversight.
Experience working with AI for optimizing operational workflows and/or designing features that incorporate human review, with sound judgment about the reliability of model outputs.
Experience independently managing responsibilities without dedicated specialist support; experience in an organization of fewer than 20 people valued.
Experience developing pricing or packaging for subscription or credentialing products.
Ability to translate user needs into workflows and low-fidelity wireframes that a design contractor can refine.
COMPENSATION
Rivet Education offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience and location.
The annual salary for this position will be $140,000-$165,000, plus benefits. We offer comprehensive benefits, including a fully paid insurance package for employees (health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability) and life insurance (100% paid for employee and 50% paid for dependents); a 401k retirement plan with up to a 4% employer match on all contributions; unlimited vacation; and the option for an end-of-year bonus (up to 10% of salary) based on company and personal performance.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application here . Note: the preferred application deadline is November 16, 2026. After this date, we do not guarantee review of submission
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Commitment to Diversity: Rivet Education is an equal opportunity employer. We actively pursue a diverse team because we believe the input and perspectives of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds strengthen our team, push our thinking about what’s possible, and enable us to better serve educators nationwide. Therefore, we enthusiastically encourage applications from individuals of every race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, culture, disability, national origin, marital status, military status, parenthood status, and background.
Rivet Education
Founding Middle School Leader/Fellow
Location: Greater Phoenix, AZ
About Us
Arizona Leads (AZ Leads), based in Phoenix, is dedicated to transforming K-12 education by leveraging proven methodologies and innovative strategies to achieve measurable outcomes. We connect districts and educators with resources, experts, and best-in-class practitioners who have demonstrated success in similar demographics. Our mission is to dramatically accelerate and expand access to high-quality education for students in our highest need communities across Arizona. By facilitating effective, bipartisan partnerships, Arizona Leads is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive in a high-performing school.
The Opportunity
AZ Leads seeks a full-time School Leader/Fellow to serve as the founding leader of a middle school-level charter school in Phoenix, AZ to be opened in the fall of 2027. We seek a highly motivated and entrepreneurial leader committed to transforming education and leading a high-achieving school that reflects and responds to the needs of its community - an individual who can make decisions, conduct difficult conversations, and build highly collaborative teams, all while shaping a vibrant school culture. The ideal School Leader/Fellow is deeply committed to leading their school and prioritizing operational excellence, instructional leadership, teacher coaching and evaluation, school culture, and family engagement.
This School Leader/Fellow will work to implement a highly effective charter school model with fidelity and will receive hands-on training from Uncommon Schools, one of the highest performing charter networks in the country as they prepare for launch. The role will require travel to the New York City area during the initial year of launch preparation (approximately one week per month).
About the Role
Responsibilities will include:
Operational Leadership
Ensure the operational success (e.g., enrollment, facilities, systems, etc.) of school before and after launch
Effectively manage resources (including people and capital) and infrastructure within the school
Ensure school safety for students, faculty, and guests - including development of policies and implementation of regular maintenance of school building, grounds, equipment
Instructional Leadership
Provide exemplary leadership to all school community members to achieve outstanding performance in preparing each student for college and beyond
Develop and communicate strategic school systems, culture, and vision, and build a plan to achieve that vision
Implement effective assessment systems and use data to inform decisions
Lead all aspects of curriculum development and assessment and ensure consistency within the school program and alignment with state and other rigorous standards
Teacher Coaching and Evaluation
Conduct daily teacher observations and provide real-time feedback to move the needle on student achievement
Oversee faculty and staff hiring, professional development, and performance, including recruitment, evaluation/observations, retention, and dismissal, while leading curriculum development, staff communication, and key program decisions to ensure strong instructional quality and coherence
Ensure that instructors provide well-managed and rigorous daily lessons, reasonable and effective daily homework, and regular and productive after-school tutoring
Foster commitment among staff to the development and fulfillment of the school’s mission and objectives
Hold teachers accountable for meeting a high bar for student performance including requirements for special education accommodations and IEP modifications
School Culture
Build a joyful and rigorous school culture, celebrated by students, families, and school staff members
Foster consistency in academic and behavioral expectations
Collaborate with school staff to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development
Ensure that traditions and rituals that support the school’s college mission are built and maintained, grade by grade, year to year
Support staff to ensure the smooth administration and effectiveness of after school enrichment programs
Family and Community Engagement
Ensure regular communications with families to build engagement, knowledge, and awareness
Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively
Build relationships with community partners to strengthen the school's relationship in the community and services offered within the school.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree ( required ); Master’s or Professional degree ( preferred )
At least 3 years of teaching experience and at least 2 years of experience as an instructional leader, Assistant Principal, Principal, Dean or equivalent leadership role
Passionate commitment to the mission of AZ Leads and investment in our vision as education changemakers driven by equity and access; desire to serve as a long-term school leader in Phoenix
Relentless commitment to anti-racism and the belief that all students can achieve at high levels
Strong record of driving outstanding student results
Interest in and passion for supporting teacher growth; ability to provide high leverage feedback via classroom observations
The ability to lead, manage and motivate others; demonstrated success in managing and developing people, preferably in a school based setting
Strong data analysis skills
Commitment to fostering community relationships and partnerships; strong ties to the Phoenix community a plus
Exceptional communication skills and ability to collaborate successfully with various stakeholders (teachers, students, families, colleagues, external partners)
Self awareness and humility; commitment to continual professional growth and eagerness to give, take, and implement feedback
Strong organizational skills, careful attention to detail and follow-through
Salary and Benefits
The stipend provided for this role will be between $100,000 and $130,000 annually. Training-related travel and accommodation will be fully covered by AZ Leads.
Application
Interested and qualified applicants should apply here . Note: the application deadline for this position is April 21, 2026. We do not guarantee review of applications submitted after this date.
We support equal opportunity and value building the diversity of our team as we grow. We seek individuals of all races, ethnicities, abilities, and creeds to support our organization’s work and encourage individuals from historically under-represented backgrounds to apply. We prohibit unlawful discrimination on the basis of any protected status under applicable law.
Founding Middle School Leader/Fellow
Location: Greater Phoenix, AZ
About Us
Arizona Leads (AZ Leads), based in Phoenix, is dedicated to transforming K-12 education by leveraging proven methodologies and innovative strategies to achieve measurable outcomes. We connect districts and educators with resources, experts, and best-in-class practitioners who have demonstrated success in similar demographics. Our mission is to dramatically accelerate and expand access to high-quality education for students in our highest need communities across Arizona. By facilitating effective, bipartisan partnerships, Arizona Leads is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive in a high-performing school.
The Opportunity
AZ Leads seeks a full-time School Leader/Fellow to serve as the founding leader of a middle school-level charter school in Phoenix, AZ to be opened in the fall of 2027. We seek a highly motivated and entrepreneurial leader committed to transforming education and leading a high-achieving school that reflects and responds to the needs of its community - an individual who can make decisions, conduct difficult conversations, and build highly collaborative teams, all while shaping a vibrant school culture. The ideal School Leader/Fellow is deeply committed to leading their school and prioritizing operational excellence, instructional leadership, teacher coaching and evaluation, school culture, and family engagement.
This School Leader/Fellow will work to implement a highly effective charter school model with fidelity and will receive hands-on training from Uncommon Schools, one of the highest performing charter networks in the country as they prepare for launch. The role will require travel to the New York City area during the initial year of launch preparation (approximately one week per month).
About the Role
Responsibilities will include:
Operational Leadership
Ensure the operational success (e.g., enrollment, facilities, systems, etc.) of school before and after launch
Effectively manage resources (including people and capital) and infrastructure within the school
Ensure school safety for students, faculty, and guests - including development of policies and implementation of regular maintenance of school building, grounds, equipment
Instructional Leadership
Provide exemplary leadership to all school community members to achieve outstanding performance in preparing each student for college and beyond
Develop and communicate strategic school systems, culture, and vision, and build a plan to achieve that vision
Implement effective assessment systems and use data to inform decisions
Lead all aspects of curriculum development and assessment and ensure consistency within the school program and alignment with state and other rigorous standards
Teacher Coaching and Evaluation
Conduct daily teacher observations and provide real-time feedback to move the needle on student achievement
Oversee faculty and staff hiring, professional development, and performance, including recruitment, evaluation/observations, retention, and dismissal, while leading curriculum development, staff communication, and key program decisions to ensure strong instructional quality and coherence
Ensure that instructors provide well-managed and rigorous daily lessons, reasonable and effective daily homework, and regular and productive after-school tutoring
Foster commitment among staff to the development and fulfillment of the school’s mission and objectives
Hold teachers accountable for meeting a high bar for student performance including requirements for special education accommodations and IEP modifications
School Culture
Build a joyful and rigorous school culture, celebrated by students, families, and school staff members
Foster consistency in academic and behavioral expectations
Collaborate with school staff to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development
Ensure that traditions and rituals that support the school’s college mission are built and maintained, grade by grade, year to year
Support staff to ensure the smooth administration and effectiveness of after school enrichment programs
Family and Community Engagement
Ensure regular communications with families to build engagement, knowledge, and awareness
Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively
Build relationships with community partners to strengthen the school's relationship in the community and services offered within the school.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree ( required ); Master’s or Professional degree ( preferred )
At least 3 years of teaching experience and at least 2 years of experience as an instructional leader, Assistant Principal, Principal, Dean or equivalent leadership role
Passionate commitment to the mission of AZ Leads and investment in our vision as education changemakers driven by equity and access; desire to serve as a long-term school leader in Phoenix
Relentless commitment to anti-racism and the belief that all students can achieve at high levels
Strong record of driving outstanding student results
Interest in and passion for supporting teacher growth; ability to provide high leverage feedback via classroom observations
The ability to lead, manage and motivate others; demonstrated success in managing and developing people, preferably in a school based setting
Strong data analysis skills
Commitment to fostering community relationships and partnerships; strong ties to the Phoenix community a plus
Exceptional communication skills and ability to collaborate successfully with various stakeholders (teachers, students, families, colleagues, external partners)
Self awareness and humility; commitment to continual professional growth and eagerness to give, take, and implement feedback
Strong organizational skills, careful attention to detail and follow-through
Salary and Benefits
The stipend provided for this role will be between $100,000 and $130,000 annually. Training-related travel and accommodation will be fully covered by AZ Leads.
Application
Interested and qualified applicants should apply here . Note: the application deadline for this position is April 21, 2026. We do not guarantee review of applications submitted after this date.
We support equal opportunity and value building the diversity of our team as we grow. We seek individuals of all races, ethnicities, abilities, and creeds to support our organization’s work and encourage individuals from historically under-represented backgrounds to apply. We prohibit unlawful discrimination on the basis of any protected status under applicable law.
Rivet Education
Founding AI School Leader
Location: Greater Phoenix, AZ
About Us
Arizona Leads (AZ Leads) exists to accelerate student achievement in Arizona’s highest-need communities. AZ Leads equips parents, communities, and educators with the tools, partnerships, and policy influence needed to advance high-quality, equitable education. Grounded in proven models and disciplined innovation, the organization is uncompromising in its focus on measurable results for students across the state. Silicon Schools Fund (SSF) partners with visionary educators to design and launch innovative public schools that prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Through funding, incubation, and strategic support, SSF helps founders build schools that rethink how learning happens while delivering strong academic results for students. Together, AZ Leads and SSF are partnering to incubate and launch a new, innovative public charter school in Phoenix, AZ. This school will combine rigorous academics, a strong and joyful culture, and responsibly integrated artificial intelligence to expand opportunity for students.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a full-time AI School Leader to found a next generation of schooling from the ground up—rethinking how students learn, how adults work, and what it takes to deliver extraordinary outcomes for young people. The AI School Leader will build a school that is rigorous, joyful, deeply human, and unmistakably excellent. The school is intended to serve as a national proof point for how artificial intelligence can deepen relationships, expand opportunity, and help redefine excellence in public education—offering a model that could help shape what school becomes in Arizona and beyond.
The individual who steps into this role will bring vision, courage, and design ambition to create the school students deserve: one that combines strong academics, powerful relationships, and a future-ready model built for the world young people are entering. Technology, including AI, will support that vision, but it will not define it. The heart of the work is building a breakthrough school model that expands opportunity, inspires students, and proves that a dramatically better version of school is possible.
AZ Leads, in partnership with SSF, will provide grant funding to support pre-launch capacity and the school’s initial philanthropic needs. School leaders will also receive comprehensive support throughout incubation, including guidance on authorization, facilities, financial planning, and school design, with dedicated AI partners supporting the development of responsible, high-leverage systems. Planning will begin in August 2026, with the school expected to open in Fall 2027, dependent on readiness and authorization timelines.
About the Role
Responsibilities will include:
School Model Design and Academic Excellence
Build a transformational, next generation school model that gets incredible results for young people
Design a rigorous academic approach grounded in evidence-based practices and measurable student outcomes
Develop curriculum, assessment, and instructional systems aligned to Arizona standards and high expectations
Integrate responsible AI-enabled systems to strengthen instructional planning, data use, and operational efficiency
Develop and communicate strategic school systems, culture, and vision, and build a plan to achieve that vision
Implement effective assessment systems and use data to inform decisions
Represent the school and the broader initiative publicly, when appropriate, to help advance the field’s understanding of next-generation school models
Authorization and Governance
Lead the charter authorization process from application through approval, ensuring a compelling academic vision and strong operational plan
Establish clear governance structures and compliance systems that support responsible oversight and organizational integrity
Report to a high-functioning founding board that brings relevant expertise and strong governance practices
Engage families, community leaders, and local stakeholders to build trust and durable support for the school
Operational Leadership
Ensure the operational success of the school before and after launch
Effectively manage resources including people, capital, and infrastructure within the school
Ensure school safety for students, faculty, and guests, including maintenance of the school building, grounds, and equipment
Design and implement effective operational systems and routines that support the smooth functioning of the school and enable staff to focus on high-quality teaching and learning
Hiring and People Leadership
Build and lead a high-performing instructional team, overseeing recruitment, development, evaluation, and retention of faculty and staff
Develop a culture of adult excellence and continuous improvement, where coaching, feedback, and accountability drive strong teaching and professional growth
Establish strong instructional systems and professional development that strengthens teaching practice
Ensure rigorous and effective instruction across classrooms and hold staff accountable for strong outcomes for all students, including meeting a high bar for academic performance and ensuring appropriate support and compliance for students with IEPs and other learning needs
School Culture
Build and sustain a joyful, rigorous, and mission-aligned school culture grounded in high expectations
Cultivate strong relationships with families and community leaders to foster trust, engagement, and long-term partnership
Communicate clearly and consistently with families and stakeholders, ensuring transparency, responsiveness, and shared understanding of school priorities
Develop partnerships with community organizations that expand opportunities for students and strengthen the school’s role in the broader community
Preferred Qualifications
We know exceptional founders may come from different pathways. The strongest candidates will demonstrate the following:
Bachelor’s degree (required); Master’s or Professional degree (preferred)
Significant teaching experience and experience as an instructional leader (Assistant Principal, Principal, Dean, or equivalent leadership role), with a strong record of driving outstanding student results
Passionate commitment to the mission of Arizona Leads and investment in our vision as education changemakers driven by equity and access; desire to serve as a long-term school leader in Phoenix
Relentless commitment to anti-racism, unwavering belief that all students can achieve at high levels, and dedication to building a school grounded in excellence
Interest in and openness to responsibly leveraging AI-enabled tools and innovative systems to strengthen instruction, streamline operations, and improve decision-making
Deep understanding of curriculum and assessment
Strong data analysis skills and ability to use data to inform decisions and improve outcomes
Ability to lead, manage, and motivate adults; demonstrated success coaching and developing teachers
Capacity to build and implement effective school systems, manage competing priorities, and execute with strong attention to detail and follow-through
Commitment to fostering community relationships and partnerships; strong ties to the Phoenix community preferred
Exceptional communication skills and ability to collaborate successfully with diverse stakeholders
Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort navigating ambiguity
Self-awareness and humility; commitment to continual professional growth and eagerness to give, take, and implement feedback
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this role is between $135,000 and $185,000 annually. We offer comprehensive, flexible, and competitive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Upon authorization and school launch, the Founder will transition to employment under the school’s 501(c)(3), with long-term compensation determined by the governing board. SSF may provide capital support and access to additional funding connections to ensure strong launch conditions.
Application
Interested and qualified applicants should apply here . Note: the application deadline for this position is April 21, 2026. We do not guarantee review of applications submitted after this date.
We support equal opportunity and value building the diversity of our team as we grow. We seek individuals of all races, ethnicities, abilities, and creeds to support our organization’s work and encourage individuals from historically under-represented backgrounds to apply. We prohibit unlawful discrimination on the basis of any protected status under applicable law.
Founding AI School Leader
Location: Greater Phoenix, AZ
About Us
Arizona Leads (AZ Leads) exists to accelerate student achievement in Arizona’s highest-need communities. AZ Leads equips parents, communities, and educators with the tools, partnerships, and policy influence needed to advance high-quality, equitable education. Grounded in proven models and disciplined innovation, the organization is uncompromising in its focus on measurable results for students across the state. Silicon Schools Fund (SSF) partners with visionary educators to design and launch innovative public schools that prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Through funding, incubation, and strategic support, SSF helps founders build schools that rethink how learning happens while delivering strong academic results for students. Together, AZ Leads and SSF are partnering to incubate and launch a new, innovative public charter school in Phoenix, AZ. This school will combine rigorous academics, a strong and joyful culture, and responsibly integrated artificial intelligence to expand opportunity for students.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a full-time AI School Leader to found a next generation of schooling from the ground up—rethinking how students learn, how adults work, and what it takes to deliver extraordinary outcomes for young people. The AI School Leader will build a school that is rigorous, joyful, deeply human, and unmistakably excellent. The school is intended to serve as a national proof point for how artificial intelligence can deepen relationships, expand opportunity, and help redefine excellence in public education—offering a model that could help shape what school becomes in Arizona and beyond.
The individual who steps into this role will bring vision, courage, and design ambition to create the school students deserve: one that combines strong academics, powerful relationships, and a future-ready model built for the world young people are entering. Technology, including AI, will support that vision, but it will not define it. The heart of the work is building a breakthrough school model that expands opportunity, inspires students, and proves that a dramatically better version of school is possible.
AZ Leads, in partnership with SSF, will provide grant funding to support pre-launch capacity and the school’s initial philanthropic needs. School leaders will also receive comprehensive support throughout incubation, including guidance on authorization, facilities, financial planning, and school design, with dedicated AI partners supporting the development of responsible, high-leverage systems. Planning will begin in August 2026, with the school expected to open in Fall 2027, dependent on readiness and authorization timelines.
About the Role
Responsibilities will include:
School Model Design and Academic Excellence
Build a transformational, next generation school model that gets incredible results for young people
Design a rigorous academic approach grounded in evidence-based practices and measurable student outcomes
Develop curriculum, assessment, and instructional systems aligned to Arizona standards and high expectations
Integrate responsible AI-enabled systems to strengthen instructional planning, data use, and operational efficiency
Develop and communicate strategic school systems, culture, and vision, and build a plan to achieve that vision
Implement effective assessment systems and use data to inform decisions
Represent the school and the broader initiative publicly, when appropriate, to help advance the field’s understanding of next-generation school models
Authorization and Governance
Lead the charter authorization process from application through approval, ensuring a compelling academic vision and strong operational plan
Establish clear governance structures and compliance systems that support responsible oversight and organizational integrity
Report to a high-functioning founding board that brings relevant expertise and strong governance practices
Engage families, community leaders, and local stakeholders to build trust and durable support for the school
Operational Leadership
Ensure the operational success of the school before and after launch
Effectively manage resources including people, capital, and infrastructure within the school
Ensure school safety for students, faculty, and guests, including maintenance of the school building, grounds, and equipment
Design and implement effective operational systems and routines that support the smooth functioning of the school and enable staff to focus on high-quality teaching and learning
Hiring and People Leadership
Build and lead a high-performing instructional team, overseeing recruitment, development, evaluation, and retention of faculty and staff
Develop a culture of adult excellence and continuous improvement, where coaching, feedback, and accountability drive strong teaching and professional growth
Establish strong instructional systems and professional development that strengthens teaching practice
Ensure rigorous and effective instruction across classrooms and hold staff accountable for strong outcomes for all students, including meeting a high bar for academic performance and ensuring appropriate support and compliance for students with IEPs and other learning needs
School Culture
Build and sustain a joyful, rigorous, and mission-aligned school culture grounded in high expectations
Cultivate strong relationships with families and community leaders to foster trust, engagement, and long-term partnership
Communicate clearly and consistently with families and stakeholders, ensuring transparency, responsiveness, and shared understanding of school priorities
Develop partnerships with community organizations that expand opportunities for students and strengthen the school’s role in the broader community
Preferred Qualifications
We know exceptional founders may come from different pathways. The strongest candidates will demonstrate the following:
Bachelor’s degree (required); Master’s or Professional degree (preferred)
Significant teaching experience and experience as an instructional leader (Assistant Principal, Principal, Dean, or equivalent leadership role), with a strong record of driving outstanding student results
Passionate commitment to the mission of Arizona Leads and investment in our vision as education changemakers driven by equity and access; desire to serve as a long-term school leader in Phoenix
Relentless commitment to anti-racism, unwavering belief that all students can achieve at high levels, and dedication to building a school grounded in excellence
Interest in and openness to responsibly leveraging AI-enabled tools and innovative systems to strengthen instruction, streamline operations, and improve decision-making
Deep understanding of curriculum and assessment
Strong data analysis skills and ability to use data to inform decisions and improve outcomes
Ability to lead, manage, and motivate adults; demonstrated success coaching and developing teachers
Capacity to build and implement effective school systems, manage competing priorities, and execute with strong attention to detail and follow-through
Commitment to fostering community relationships and partnerships; strong ties to the Phoenix community preferred
Exceptional communication skills and ability to collaborate successfully with diverse stakeholders
Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort navigating ambiguity
Self-awareness and humility; commitment to continual professional growth and eagerness to give, take, and implement feedback
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this role is between $135,000 and $185,000 annually. We offer comprehensive, flexible, and competitive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Upon authorization and school launch, the Founder will transition to employment under the school’s 501(c)(3), with long-term compensation determined by the governing board. SSF may provide capital support and access to additional funding connections to ensure strong launch conditions.
Application
Interested and qualified applicants should apply here . Note: the application deadline for this position is April 21, 2026. We do not guarantee review of applications submitted after this date.
We support equal opportunity and value building the diversity of our team as we grow. We seek individuals of all races, ethnicities, abilities, and creeds to support our organization’s work and encourage individuals from historically under-represented backgrounds to apply. We prohibit unlawful discrimination on the basis of any protected status under applicable law.
