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 27, 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.

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Founding Middle School Leader/Fellow