Career Opportunities
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Status: 0.6 FTE
Location: Treasure Island, San Francisco
Compensation and Benefits: Competitive, Hiring & relocation bonuses available, based on experience and market standard
Reports to: Chief Academic Officer
SCHOOL DESCRIPTION: Life Learning Academy (LLA) is an SFUSD charter high school for disconnected and under-resourced youth. Our mission is to create a nonviolent community for students who have not been successful in traditional school settings. LLA welcomes students into an ‘extended family’ which motivates everyone to give and receive support, develop responsibility and judgment, and build the academic, vocational, and social skills necessary to be successful.
We have a dorm on campus that houses up to 20 students, and we offer ongoing transitional services for our alumni. With less than 60 students, LLA is a very small school which maintains a 1:6 teacher to student ratio with 6-8 students per class. We utilize a block schedule model for extended instructional periods Monday-Thursday. On Fridays, we support students through our workforce development programming. Teachers teach 3 classes per term carrying a student load of no more than 24 students. Teachers have the freedom to create curriculum based on student needs and interests.
POSITION: We are actively seeking an enthusiastic educator with a clear passion for supporting inclusion and helping students get their individualized learning needs met. As our RSP teacher you would have the following major duties and responsibilities:
- Direct instruction of students (push-in and pull-out)
- Coordinates instructional planning (i.e., the development and implementation of IEPs for individuals with exceptional needs).
- Coordinates the implementation of special education services provided to individuals with exceptional needs.
- Ensures that the team is in full compliance with legal requirements.
- Monitors pupil progress on a regular basis, participating in the review and revision of instructional programs and evaluates student growth in academic achievement, self-concept, and social skills.
- Coordinates the input of student data into databases related to the position.
- Identifies and assesses behavior patterns of pupils and identifies resources appropriate to individuals with exceptional needs to regular staff members, parents, and guardians.
- Identifies and assesses behavior patterns of pupils and identifies resources appropriate to individuals with exceptional needs to regular staff members, parents, and guardians.
- Coordinates referral and assessment procedures and assists in the coordination of the IEP team meetings.
- Coordinates special education professional learning workshops and workshops for staff and/or parents.
Qualifications: All employees must possess an unshakable faith in students' abilities to learn and to develop healthy, productive, independent lives; and each staff member must demonstrate the talent, energy and commitment necessary to help transform those individual abilities into a collective reality.
Other Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- Possession of a valid Education Specialist Instruction Credential with a specialty in Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing is required.
- Some experience in classroom (Secondary experience preferred)
- Commitment to supporting the needs of disconnected and system-involved youth
- Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills.
- Competency with Google Docs and Google Classroom
- Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently.
- Criminal Justice Clearance (required)
- COVID Vaccinated
Desired skills, experience, and dispositions for LLA teachers:
- Encourages a culture of mutual respect and equitable practice
- Demonstrates content knowledge
- Commitment to understanding student academic needs and catering instruction to meet those specific needs
- Current applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Prepare comprehensive narrative and statistical reports.
- Supports students’ social, emotional, and behavioral learning needs
- Implements Project-Based Learning techniques and strategies
- Facilitates and designs effective group work & independent learning opportunities
- Provides timely feedback and collaborates with faculty to offer specialized support
- Showcases student work within the local and wider school community
- Scaffolds instructional activities that facilitate engaging and appropriate learning opportunities
LLA is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse staff and inclusive work environment. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
It is the policy of the School to afford equal employment and advancement opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to: Race; Color; Gender (including gender identity, gender expression, and transgender identity, whether or not the employee is transitioning or has transitioned); Sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and medical conditions related to such); Religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices); Marital/registered domestic partner status; Age (forty (40) and over); National origin or ancestry (including native language spoken and possession of a driver’s license issued to persons unable to prove their presence in the U.S. is authorized by federal law); Physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS); Medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics); Taking of a leave of absence pursuant to the Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), Pregnancy Disability Leave (“PDL”) law, Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), California Family Rights Act (“CFRA”), the Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”), or laws related to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; Genetic information; Sexual orientation; Military and veteran status; or Any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. This policy extends to all job applicants and employees and to all aspects of the employment relationship, including the hiring of new employees and the training, transfer, promotion, discipline, termination, compensation and benefits of existing employees.
How to Apply: Send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications, and a resume to
Status: Full time
Location: Hybrid role - up to two days/week remote work possible, 3 days on site at Treasure Island, San Francisco
Salary: $80,000, health/vision/dental benefits, 401K, free on-site parking, and daily lunch prepared by LLA students
Reports to: Chief of Programs and Chief Advancement Officer
SCHOOL DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1998 out of the acclaimed Delancey Street model of social innovation, education, and change, Life Learning Academy (LLA) is a public charter high school on Treasure Island for students from the Bay Area.
At Life Learning Academy, we believe that every single kid deserves relentless love, accountability, and the chance to make a good life. For the past 24 years, we’ve provided an innovative, student-centered small-school model for Bay Area students who have not found a sense of belonging or sufficient support at other institutions. We believe that when our students become immersed in a community of mutual respect and accountability, they surpass everyone’s expectations. This belief is supported by our consistently high graduation rates, 100% student post-graduate commitments to higher education and employment, and alumni’s proven commitment to citizenship. We are about to celebrate a quarter century of success, and are entering this milestone with ambitious plans to spread our model across California to reach even more students.
LLA serves young people who have been involved in the child welfare and/or juvenile justice system, those who have been pushed out of traditional schools, youth who are invisible and falling through gaps between systems, and those experiencing profound isolation and disconnectedness. Our students are 98% youth of color, 82% socioeconomically disadvantaged, and more than ⅓ are unstably housed.
LLA offers a high school academic program, student housing, workforce development, jobs, concurrent college enrollment and support, culinary and carpentry programs, alumni support for housing, work, and college persistence. Recognizing the impact that unsafe and/or insecure housing had on student success, in 2019 LLA opened a free on-campus dormitory where students live stably, communally, and learn the skills they need to work independently. This dormitory, a first of its kind innovation, is generously supported through a blend of public and private funds including the San Francisco Mayor’s Office, Mental Health Services Act, Tipping Point Community’s housing program and others.
POSITION: This position is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with resource partners to ensure LLA is achieving projected outcomes as agreed upon in identified grant contracts. Internally, the individual in this role will be a liaison between LLA’s Advancement and Programs departments, managing consistent lines of communication, ensuring LLA delivers the goals, objectives, and activities outlined in select proposals, and sharing LLA’s impact with funders by submitting reports in a timely manner. A significant role is staffing LLA’s community school program, recently funded by the CA Department of Education, and being the first individual to define and execute in this role.
Under the direction of the Chief Advancement Officer, this position will ensure LLA’s commitments as outlined in select grant awards. The LLA grants portfolio currently accounts for the vast majority of the organization’s $4M budget, including San Francisco’s Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families. Other funders include public sources such as the California Department of Education, Bay Area Community College Consortium, Mental Health Services Act Oversight and Accountability Commission, and leading regional and national private funders including Tipping Point Community, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Walter S. Johnson Foundation, Zellerbach Family Foundation, and other organizations and individuals interested in housing, education, and youth development.
General Grants Management (60% time)
- Work alongside the Chief Advancement Officer and team to identify, evaluate, cultivate, write/solicit and steward grant opportunities
- Responsible for submitting timely and accurate reports for grant funded programs and projects, with support from and collaboration with Programs, Finance, Data, and Administration/Operations staff
- Work with Programs and Data staff to provide current program data for grant reports
- Use and update the organization’s grants database for tracking grant deadlines and deliverables
- Maintain an organized system that can be easily understood across departments for tracking grant deliverables, outcomes, and other requirements
- Facilitate discussions across the Advancement and Programs departments to ensure grants are on-track and being implemented as promised
- Collaborate with Finance team to ensure funds are being tracked and allocated according to award budgets
- Manage grant reporting calendar in collaboration with Advancement, Programs, and Finance
- Work with Chief of Advancement and team to conduct duties related to grant reporting
Community-School Grant Management (40% time)
- Establish and provide staff support to a Community Council which will have a shared decision-making structure with LLA’s leadership, engaging students, staff, families, cooperating agencies, and community members in assessing needs and determining the focus and direction of our programs and service
- In collaboration with the Chief of Programs, identify opportunities to build the capacity of Life Learning Academy to engage leadership from students, families, and community members in decision-making processes through the Community Council as well as build new partnerships
- Work with program staff and Community Council to strengthen and build out activities and potential partners to support the Community Schools concept
Qualifications: All employees must possess an unshakable faith in students' abilities to learn and to develop healthy, productive, independent lives; and each staff member must demonstrate the talent, energy and commitment necessary to help transform those individual abilities into a collective reality.
Other Requirements:
The individual in this position is:
- Community-minded, committed to and driven by LLA’s mission
- Passionate about building mutually beneficial and trusting relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders
- A strong communicator–written and oral–with an understanding of qualitative and quantitative data collection
- Deadline-driven, with strong detail orientation and consistent follow-through
- Responsible, able to assume full ownership to see a project through to completion
- Innovative and self-motivated
Experience and Skills:
- Grant writing and reporting experience, preferably in education, human service and/or government areas
- Experience with donor relationship management databases
- Ability to interact with those we serve through a trauma informed approach and maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive information
- Experience working in a non-profit environment
- Facility with Google Drive Suite
LLA is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse staff and inclusive work environment. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
LLA is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the School to afford equal employment and advancement opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to: Race; Color; Gender (including gender identity, gender expression, and transgender identity, whether or not the employee is transitioning or has transitioned); Sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and medical conditions related to such); Religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices); Marital/registered domestic partner status; Age (forty (40) and over); National origin or ancestry (including native language spoken and possession of a driver’s license issued to persons unable to prove their presence in the U.S. is authorized by federal law); Physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS); Medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics); Taking of a leave of absence pursuant to the Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), Pregnancy Disability Leave (“PDL”) law, Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), California Family Rights Act (“CFRA”), the Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”), or laws related to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; Genetic information; Sexual orientation; Military and veteran status; or Any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. This policy extends to all job applicants and employees and to all aspects of the employment relationship, including the hiring of new employees and the training, transfer, promotion, discipline, termination, compensation and benefits of existing employees.
How to Apply: As a school that believes in the power of mentorship and role models, members of historically underrepresented groups and folks with lived experience that parallels that of our students are strongly encouraged to apply. Send (1) a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications, and (2) a resume to .
Status: Full time available
Location: San Francisco, California
Reports to: Chief Academic Officer
School Description:
At Life Learning Academy, we believe that every single kid deserves relentless love, accountability, and the chance to make a good life. For the past 23 years, we’ve provided an innovative, student-centered alternative to large public high schools for Bay Area students who have been failed by traditional educational models. We believe that when our students become immersed in a community of mutual respect and accountability, they surpass everyone’s expectations. This belief is supported by our 92% average graduation rate.
We are about to celebrate a quarter century of success, and are entering this milestone with ambitious plans to scale our model to reach even more students. Our model includes on-campus, no-cost housing in our dormitory for up to 24 students. We offer ongoing transitional services for our alumni. We serve up to 60 students per year in the school, and maintain a 1:8 teacher to student ratio with 6-8 students per class. We utilize a block schedule model for extended instructional periods Monday-Thursday. On Fridays, we support students through our workforce development programming. Teachers teach 3 classes per term carrying a student load of no more than 24 students. Teachers have the freedom to create curriculum based on student needs and interests.
Position Summary:
We are seeking an enthusiastic teacher with experience in project based learning and a clear passion for teaching young people about mathematics and STEAM concepts, and how they apply to the world we live in.
Desired qualifications:
All employees must possess an unshakable faith in students' abilities to learn and to develop healthy, productive, independent lives; and each staff member must demonstrate the talent, energy and commitment necessary to help transform those individual abilities into a collective reality.
Other Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- Be a University Intern or Possess a CA Teaching Credential (Multiple Subjects or Single Subject in Math / Provisional Internship Permits accepted)
- Some experience in classroom (instruction at the high school level is preferred)
- Commitment to supporting the needs of disconnected and system-involved youth
- Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills
- Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently
- Competency with Google Docs and Google Classroom
- Criminal Justice Clearance (required)
- COVID vaccinated
Desired skills, experience, and dispositions for LLA teachers:
- Encourages a culture of mutual respect and equitable practice
- Demonstrates content knowledge
- Commitment to understanding student academic needs and catering instruction to meet those specific needs
- Supports students’ social, emotional, and behavioral learning needs
- Implements Project-Based Learning techniques and strategies
- Facilitates and designs effective group work & independent learning opportunities
- Provides timely feedback and collaborates with faculty to offer specialized support
- Showcases student work within the local and wider school community
- Scaffolds instructional activities that facilitate engaging and appropriate learning opportunities
Compensation and Benefits: Based on the SFUSD teacher pay scale, plus relocation and bonus considerations, health/vision/dental benefits, 401K, easy and free on-site parking, and delicious daily lunch prepared by our students
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for every person on campus: LLA is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse staff and inclusive work environment. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, and immigrants are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply: Send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications, and a resume to
Status: Full time
Location: San Francisco, California
Reports to: Chief Academic Officer
School Description:
The Life Learning Academy (LLA) is an SFUSD charter high school for disconnected and under-resourced youth. Our mission is to create a nonviolent community for students who have not been successful in traditional school settings. LLA welcomes students into an ‘extended family’ which motivates everyone to give and receive support, develop responsibility and judgment, and build the academic, vocational, and social skills necessary to be successful.
For 21 years, Life Learning Academy has successfully supported high-need students from the San Francisco Bay Area to thrive. Factors contributing to the uniqueness of LLA’s program include: (1) the degree to which the students are involved in school management; (2) the ability to re-engage youth who were previously disconnected from school and community; and, (3) innovative project-based curricula and career development programs such as a community-based internship and employment program; student-operated culinary academy and organic mini-farm; digital arts training program; a partnership with the Northern California Carpenters Union, providing LLA graduates with priority enrollment into the NCCU pre-apprenticeship program.
Many LLA students live in overcrowded, cramped, and inadequate spaces, frequently moving between the homes of different family members and friends in search of a safe place to stay. Without intervention, disconnected and unstably housed youth are at very high risk for homelessness, substance abuse, incarceration, and violence. Opened in August 2019, we have an on-campus (no fee) dormitory for up to 24 students. The impact on our residents’ attendance, academic performance, and engagement is nothing short of remarkable.
Additionally, LLA is a very small school that maintains a 1:6 teacher to student ratio with 6-8 students per class. We utilize a block schedule model for extended instructional periods and maintain immediate, on-call student intervention and counseling support. Students are eligible for credit recovery options if appropriate, concurrent enrollment with local community colleges in their junior & senior years, and ongoing transition services including education and employment counseling post-graduation. Teachers teach 3 classes per term carrying a student load of no more than 24 students. We plan for a full return to the in-person instruction fall semester of 2021.
LLA’s achievements in helping disconnected youth re-engage with school, graduate, and continue on to productive post-secondary education and employment have been recognized consistently by external observers and reviewers. Select awards and recognition that LLA has received over the years include Finalist, Innovation in American Government Award, Harvard University’s Ash Institute; Unsung Hero Award for project-based math and art curriculum; California Charter School Association Hart Vision Charter School of the Year, California; AT&T/Giants Community All-Stars in addressing community violence; and Model Program, California Corrections Standards Authority.
Position Summary:
We are seeking an enthusiastic teacher with experience and a clear passion for teaching young people about physical fitness and developing healthy lifestyles.
Desired qualifications:
All employees must possess an unshakable faith in students' abilities to learn and to develop healthy, productive, independent lives; and each staff member must demonstrate the talent, energy and commitment necessary to help transform those individual abilities into a collective reality.
Other Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- Some experience in classroom (instruction at the high school level is preferred)
- Commitment to supporting the needs of disconnected and system-involved youth
- Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills
- Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently
- Competency with Google Docs and Google Classroom
- Criminal Justice Clearance required
Desired skills, experience, and dispositions for LLA teachers:
- Encourages a culture of mutual respect and equitable practice
- Demonstrates content knowledge
- Commitment to understanding student academic needs and catering instruction to meet those specific needs
- Supports students’ social, emotional, and behavioral learning needs
- Implements Project-Based Learning techniques and strategies
- Facilitates and designs effective group work & independent learning opportunities
- Provides timely feedback and collaborates with faculty to offer specialized support
- Showcases student work within the local and wider school community
- Scaffolds instructional activities that facilitate engaging and appropriate learning opportunities
Compensation and Benefits: If credentialed, salary will be based on the SFUSD pay scale. If not credentialed, compensation is $25-35 per hour, depending on experience.
How to Apply: Send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications, and a resume to
Status: Full time Fall and Spring 2023-2024
Location: San Francisco, California
Reports to: Chief Academic Officer
School Description:
At Life Learning Academy, we believe that every single kid deserves relentless love, accountability, and the chance to make a good life. For the past 23 years, we’ve provided an innovative, student-centered alternative to large public high schools for Bay Area students who have been failed by traditional educational models. We believe that when our students become immersed in a community of mutual respect and accountability, they surpass everyone’s expectations. This belief is supported by our 92% average graduation rate.
We are about to celebrate a quarter century of success, and are entering this milestone with ambitious plans to scale our model to reach even more students. Our model includes on-campus, no-cost housing in our dormitory for up to 24 students. We offer ongoing transitional services for our alumni. We serve up to 60 students per year in the school, and maintain a 1:8 teacher to student ratio with 6-8 students per class. We utilize a block schedule model for extended instructional periods Monday-Thursday. On Fridays, we support students through our workforce development programming. Teachers teach 3 classes per term carrying a student load of no more than 24 students. Teachers have the freedom to create curriculum based on student needs and interests.
Position Summary:
We are seeking an enthusiastic Teacher with experience in an arts discipline (Drawing, Digital Media, Photography, Painting, etc.) and is passionate about working with youth of all skill levels.
Desired qualifications:
All employees must possess an unshakable faith in students' abilities to learn and to develop healthy, productive, independent lives; and each staff member must demonstrate the talent, energy and commitment necessary to help transform those individual abilities into a collective reality.
Other Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or relevant field experience
- Be a University Intern or Possess a CA Teaching Credential (Multiple Subjects or Single Subject in Math / Provisional Internship Permits accepted)
- Some experience in classroom (instruction at the high school level is preferred)
- Commitment to supporting the needs of disconnected and system-involved youth
- Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills
- Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently
- Competency with Google Docs and Google Classroom
- Criminal Justice Clearance required
- COVID Vaccinated
Desired skills, experience, and dispositions for LLA teachers:
- Encourages a culture of mutual respect and equitable practice
- Demonstrates content knowledge
- Commitment to understanding student academic needs and catering instruction to meet those specific needs
- Supports students’ social, emotional, and behavioral learning needs
- Implements Project-Based Learning techniques and strategies
- Facilitates and designs effective group work & independent learning opportunities
- Provides timely feedback and collaborates with faculty to offer specialized support
- Showcases student work within the local and wider school community
- Scaffolds instructional activities that facilitate engaging and appropriate learning opportunities
Compensation and Benefits: Competitive, Hiring & Relocation bonuses available, based on experience and market standard.We provide a retirement plan through TIAA-CREF and not CalSTRS.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for every person on campus: LLA is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse staff and inclusive work environment. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, and immigrants are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply: Send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications, and a resume to
Status: Part Time Spring 2023, Full time Fall and Spring 2023-2024
Location: San Francisco, California
Reports to: Chief Academic Officer
School Description:
At Life Learning Academy, we believe that every single kid deserves relentless love, accountability, and the chance to make a good life. For the past 23 years, we’ve provided an innovative, student-centered alternative to large public high schools for Bay Area students who have been failed by traditional educational models. We believe that when our students become immersed in a community of mutual respect and accountability, they surpass everyone’s expectations. This belief is supported by our 92% average graduation rate.
We are about to celebrate a quarter century of success, and are entering this milestone with ambitious plans to scale our model to reach even more students. Our model includes on-campus, no-cost housing in our dormitory for up to 24 students. We offer ongoing transitional services for our alumni. We serve up to 60 students per year in the school, and maintain a 1:8 teacher to student ratio with 6-8 students per class. We utilize a block schedule model for extended instructional periods Monday-Thursday. On Fridays, we support students through our workforce development programming. Teachers teach 3 classes per term carrying a student load of no more than 24 students. Teachers have the freedom to create curriculum based on student needs and interests.
Position Summary:
We are seeking an enthusiastic Language teacher with proficiency in one of the following languages (Spanish, Mandarin, ASL), who is passionate about working with youth of all skill levels. We are looking for someone to teach 1-2 introductory classes this Spring.
Desired qualifications:
All employees must possess an unshakable faith in students' abilities to learn and to develop healthy, productive, independent lives; and each staff member must demonstrate the talent, energy and commitment necessary to help transform those individual abilities into a collective reality.
Other Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or relevant field experience
- Be a University Intern or Possess a CA Teaching Credential (Multiple Subjects or Single Subject / Provisional Internship Permits accepted)
- Some experience in classroom or working with youth (instruction at the high school level is preferred)
- Commitment to supporting the needs of disconnected and system-involved youth
- Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills
- Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently
- Competency with Google Docs and Google Classroom
- Criminal Justice Clearance: required
- COVID Vaccinated
Desired skills, experience, and dispositions for LLA teachers:
- Encourages a culture of mutual respect and equitable practice
- Demonstrates content knowledge
- Commitment to understanding student academic needs and catering instruction to meet those specific needs
- Supports students’ social, emotional, and behavioral learning needs
- Implements Project-Based Learning techniques and strategies
- Facilitates and designs effective group work & independent learning opportunities
- Provides timely feedback and collaborates with faculty to offer specialized support
- Showcases student work within the local and wider school community
- Scaffolds instructional activities that facilitate engaging and appropriate learning opportunities
Compensation and Benefits: Competitive, Hiring & Relocation bonuses available, based on experience and market standard. We provide a retirement plan through TIAA-CREF and not CalSTRS.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for every person on campus: LLA is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse staff and inclusive work environment. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, and immigrants are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply: Send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications, and a resume to
Status: FTE, part-time available
Location: Treasure Island, Sacramento, San Francisco City and County, Alameda County, Contra Costa County; possibility to work remotely several days/week
Reports to: Co-Executive Director overseeing government affairs
School Description:
At Life Learning Academy, we believe that every single kid deserves relentless love, accountability, and the chance to make a good life. For the past 24 years, we’ve provided an innovative, student-centered alternative to large public high schools for Bay Area students who have been failed by traditional educational models. We believe that when our students become immersed in a community of mutual respect and accountability, they surpass everyone’s expectations. This belief is supported by our 92% average graduation rate. We are about to celebrate a quarter century of success, and are entering this milestone with ambitious plans to spread our model across California to reach even more students.
Position Summary:
The Director of Policy and Advocacy is an experienced leader who will work with leadership to position Life Learning Academy for successful strategic plan execution. The Director of Policy and Advocacy will work with co-Executive Directors to develop the organization’s policy and advocacy goals, and is responsible for managing, executing, and implementing Life Learning Academy’s state and local policy agenda.The Director of Policy and Advocacy will advance policies and practices that remove barriers for Life Learning Academy students, and help to create a policy environment that prioritizes resources for system-involvement prevention and early intervention for youth.
The Director of Policy and Advocacy will conduct research and analysis, contribute to issue briefs, represent the organization at stakeholder meetings, and work in coalition with other agencies and advocates to shape and move a policy and advocacy agenda supporting the success of Life Learning Academy students and students like them throughout California. The Director of Policy and Advocacy is responsible for effectively engaging government and community leaders, Life Learning Academy leadership and staff, external stakeholders, and youth leaders in advancing policies to accomplish our mission.
The Director of Policy and Advocacy will provide support to the co-Executive Directors and Board in evaluating and shaping Life Learning Academy’s federal, state, and local policy agenda. They will provide research, analysis, and expert recommendations to support the development and execution of a policy and advocacy strategy.
Responsibilities:
- Offer expertise, guidance, and staffing to co-Executive Directors, policy experts on LLA’s Board of Directors, and real estate development and design volunteers to propel conversation with City stakeholders, such as TIDA, regarding future site identification on Treasure Island
- Work closely with the co-Executive Directors and Board Directors to develop, articulate, and implement a strategic direction for policy and advocacy development and systems change in Bay Area Counties and California
- Support the design and execution of a county-based policy and advocacy agenda to support sustainable program delivery, especially focusing on San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties
- Track and analyze state legislative and regulatory issues that affect Life Learning Academy students and students like them across the state. Recognize and elevate initiatives that may directly or indirectly impact youth at LLA
- Identify initiatives where Life Learning Academy can play a strategic role.
- Communicate initiatives and Life Learning Academy’s participation cross-functionally within Life Learning, including with the Strategy, Communications, Development, and Program leadership
- Respond to key policy initiatives on behalf of Life Learning Academy. Prepare data analysis, issue briefs, policy memos, and presentations as needed for a variety of stakeholder audiences, including LLA leadership and Board. Ensure that Life Learning Academy’s policy positions and recommendations in the Bay Area counties and California are consistent with its organizational strategy and priorities, including a laser focus on LLA students and students like them
- Coordinate and collaborate across departments to ground policy and advocacy work in practical experience, data, and research
- Professionally and effectively represent the agency to external stakeholders, including government agencies, the policy and advocacy communities, academia, the media, and other service providers. Utilize external meetings, stakeholder workgroups, conferences and speaking engagements to advance Life Learning Academy’s presence in the policy landscape
- Actively participate in relevant policy and advocacy implementation work groups and engage in regulatory advocacy alongside partners
- Serve as liaison with staff and leadership by regularly sharing policy changes that impact how they do their work and collaborating on ways to leverage systems change opportunities in order to improve outcomes for youth at LLA
- Provide policy analysis and research to support Life Learning Academy’s replication, technical assistance, and spread efforts across the state
- Establish a cohort of youth ambassadors to engage in and support Life Learning Academy's policy and advocacy efforts. Create a process for selecting, training and supporting a group of 5-10 youth each year to serve in this capacity
Qualifications and competencies
- At least three years’ experience developing and advancing effective practice-based policies and strategies on a local, state, or national level in one or more of the following policy areas: child welfare/foster care, youth justice, education, workforce development, homelessness eradication and/or anti-poverty work
- Demonstrated effectiveness in developing and advancing a strategic policy agenda
- Excellent research, problem solving, and writing skills
- Ability to summarize complex arguments clearly, succinctly, and accurately. Ability to stimulate and contribute constructively to debates on complex and controversial issues
- Ability to situate the mission and priorities of Life Learning Academy within the larger political context and make recommendations that align with the organization's values while advancing LLA’s contribution to relevant discussions
- Ability to work with a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, legislators and other public decision-makers, community partners, and young people. Cultural and political sensitivity. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships. Proven experience in leveraging relationships to achieve policy and advocacy goals. Ability to build coalitions
- Exemplary teamwork and an understanding of the importance of cross-functional collaboration internally and externally
- Understanding of the social sector landscape, in particular the systems and barriers facing vulnerable youth and young adults
- Interpersonal charisma, including public speaking ability and the ability to inspire Life Learning Academy staff and students
- Ability to anticipate and analyze opportunities, define risks and objectives, and formulate effective strategies and messages
- Sets clear goals, uses data to evaluate progress towards goals
- Willingness to receive feedback and insights as opportunities to learn, encourage dialog, and model leadership through accountability
- Proof of vaccination required
- Background check required
LLA is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse staff and inclusive work environment. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Compensation: $100,000 for FTE, health/vision/dental benefits, 401K, free on-site parking, and daily lunch prepared by our students
How to Apply: Send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications, and a resume to .