Career Opportunities
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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 .
Status: Full time or Part time
Location: Treasure Island, San Francisco
Reports to: Chief of Programming
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.
Why Teachers Love Working at Life Learning Academy
- Small classroom settings of 6-8 students
- Collaborative environment with a dream team
- Community immersed programming
- Lunches included
- 25 years of innovative, student centered alternative learning
- We’re growing!
- Love for this craft and passion for this work
- Alternative education setting with creative approaches
- Professional development program available
- Free and easy parking onsite
Position Summary:
We are actively seeking an enthusiastic educator with a clear passion for teaching young people about English Language Arts. We are currently looking for a credentialed teacher, a student intern, or an experienced educator.
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
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.
- Bachelor's degree
- Be a University Intern or Possess a CA Teaching Credential (Multiple Subjects or Single Subject in English or Social Sciences / Provisional Internship Permits accepted)
- Some experience in classroom (instruction at the high school level is preferred)
- Knowledge and commitment to supporting the needs of disconnected, 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.
- Must be vaccinated for Covid-19.
- 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:Competitive, Hiring & Relocation bonuses available, based on experience and market standard.
How to Apply: Send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications, and a resume to .
Status: Full time
Location: Treasure Island, San Francisco
Reports to: Development Director
School Description:
Life Learning Academy (LLA) is a Bay Area youth serving nonprofit organization that supports disconnected students and transition-age young adults through its comprehensive range of services, including a public charter high school on San Francisco’s Treasure Island, workforce development opportunities, mental health support, plus housing opportunities for those that need it. Founded over 25 years ago out of the acclaimed Delancey Street model as part of a city-wide redesign of an outdated juvenile justice system, LLA's programs are guided by the core belief that every young person deserves relentless love, accountability, and the chance to make a good life. LLA’s services are continually tailored to meet the ever-shifting needs of the students it serves. Today, LLA is the only public school in California to provide no-cost student and alumni housing. For more information about LLA, please visit www.LifeLearningAcademySF.org
Position Summary:
As LLA prepares for an exciting period of growth, the development department is building a team of fundraising generalists to support department-wide activities. The Development & Communications Associate will be responsible for identifying, securing, and managing funding opportunities to support LLA’s mission and goals. This role will be the lead grant writer for the organization, but under the direction of the Development Director will support other departmental activities in alignment with its fund development strategy, which will include the implementation of our communications strategy. Common duties for this role include, but are not limited to, the following: building and maintaining relationships with organizational funders, managing data management systems, drafting grant proposals, managing grant reporting, conducting research to reinforce proposal narratives, preparing donor profiles, assistance with site visits and other events. Internally, the individual in this role will be a liaison to program, finance, and impact departments, proactively managing lines of communication, ensuring LLA delivers the goals, objectives, and activities outlined in private and public funder agreements.
The LLA grants portfolio currently accounts for the vast majority of the organization’s $4.5M budget, including San Francisco’s Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families. Other funders include public sources such as the California Department of Education, Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, and leading regional and national private funders including Tipping Point Community, Walter S. Johnson Foundation, Zellerbach Family Foundation, and other organizations and individuals interested in housing, education, and youth development.
Key Responsibilities:
Grant Writing, Reporting, and Management (55%)
- Manage grants pipeline, proactively identifying, evaluating, and writing/soliciting grant opportunities
- Prepare and submit timely and accurate reports for grant funded programs and projects, with support from and collaboration with Programs, Finance, Data, and Executive staff; Manage organization-wide grant reporting calendar
- Work with Program and Impact teams to obtain program data and updates for reports
- Maintain an organized system that can be easily understood across departments for tracking grant deliverables, outcomes, and other requirements
- Align on the strategy for each grant proposal with the Development Director and/or Co-Executive Director
Donor and Corporate Relations (10%)
- Activate assigned fund development strategies in direct support of revenue goal attainment
- Coordinate logistics of site visits for current and prospective donors and corporate partners
- Execute annual giving and other campaigns, as needed
- Develop sponsorship packages and proposals tailored to corporate partners
Data System Management (15%)
- Serve as internal expert on donor database
- Maintain the donor database to ensure accurate and comprehensive donor information
- Generate donor thank you letters; update letters annually
- Log all contributions and relevant updates in the donor database
- Manage departmental Google Drive and related files
Communications (15%)
- Lead the implementation of organization-wide communications strategy
- Write, edit, and distribute content across various platforms, including press releases, newsletters, website content, social media, and annual reports
- Maintain and enhance the organization’s social media profiles and presence
- Promote fundraising-related activities through various communication channels
- Produce newsletters for internal and external audiences
- Monitor, evaluate, and adapt approach based on feedback and system analytics
Project Management (5%)
- The ideal candidate is willing to collaborate cross functionally and will regularly communicate with Finance, Program, and Impact staff/leadership
- Support the board of directors in their fundraising efforts, as directed
The successful candidate will bring flexibility, patience, and strong project management to the team. In addition, willingness to support other department activities is required.
Organizational Cultural Qualifications
- Works well in a team and individually
- Flexibility in meeting shifting priorities
- Excellent time management skills
- Demonstrates integrity and accountability
- High-functioning humility, emotional intelligence, and humor
- Open, effective listener, able to connect with a wide variety of people, personalities, and diverse points of view
- Responsible, communicative, and accountable in a hybrid work environment
- Eager to learn and willing to be coached to increase effectiveness, collaboration, and results
- Places high value on engaging in a culture of integrity, service, adaptability, and responsibility
Desired qualifications and competencies
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills Expressed interest and commitment to
- Expressed interest and commitment to educational equity
- Deadline-driven with strong detail orientation and consistent follow-through
- Prior experience working in a fundraising department
- Grant writing and reporting experience, preferably in education, human service, and/or government areas
- Strong project management and administrative support skills
- Experience working within complex systems, structures, and dynamics
- Working knowledge of best practices and fundraising trends across
- Skilled strategic thinker with the ability to generate original content
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and interest in engaging with youth participants respectfully and through a trauma-informed approach
- Effective facilitation skills to lead and support cross functional initiative
- Instill a sense of accountability across departments by modeling tight deadline and system/process management
- Proficiency with social media platforms and digital marketing tools
- Willingness to support department and organization-wide initiative, as needed and in service to the mission
- Proficiency in Google Apps and willingness to learn other platforms; Donor Perfect experience a plus
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:(accounting for depth of relevant nonprofit experience). The anticipated starting salary for this full-time position is $70,000 to $80,000 per year (accounting for depth of relevant nonprofit experience). LLA’s benefits package includes partial medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), free onsite parking, plus free daily lunch prepared by LLA’s culinary program. Hybrid Work Schedule: This position is required to be onsite three days each week, but has the option to work offsite up to two days weekly. Onsite work will take place at Life Learning Academy on Treasure Island, San Francisco.
How to Apply: As an organization that believes in the power of mentorship and role models, members of historically underrepresented groups and individuals with lived experience that parallels that of LLA students are strongly encouraged to apply. Send (1) a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications, and (2) a resume to .
Status: Full time
Location: Treasure Island, San Francisco
Reports to: Chief of Programming
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./p>
For 25 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./p>
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./p>
Additionally, 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, 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 in-person instruction in the fall semester of 2021./p>
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./p>
- Small classroom settings of 6-8 students
- Collaborative environment with a dream team
- Community immersed programming
- Lunches included
- 25 years of innovative, student centered alternative learning
- We’re growing!
- Love for this craft and passion for this work
- Alternative education setting with creative approaches
- Professional development program available
- Free and easy parking onsite
Position Summary:
We are seeking an enthusiastic teacher with construction experience and a clear passion for teaching young people. LLA has a partnership with the Northern California Carpenters’ Union. We prepare students to enter the Carpenters Union Pre-Apprenticeship program by teaching them workplace safety and basic carpentry skills. Students learn the math needed for success in the carpentry trade and become familiar with the safe and efficient use of basic hand and power tools used in carpentry. LLA graduates who have completed our three course program have priority enrollment in the NCCU Pre-apprenticeship program.
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
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.
- Bachelor's degree
- CA Teaching Credential (Provisional Internship Permits accepted)
- Some experience in classroom instruction at the high school level
- Current knowledge and experience with basic carpentry practices and competency with basic hand and power tools.
- Knowledge and commitment to supporting the needs of disconnected and system-involved youth and at least two years experience working directly with this population.
- Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills. Competency with Google Docs, Google Classroom, and Zoom
- Criminal Justice Clearance 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: Competitive, based on experience and market standards. LLA will provide financial support for credentialing / internship programs.
How to Apply: Send a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications, and a resume to .