Manager of InnovationPosition Overview:The Manager of Innovation leads the operational backbone and end-to-end coordination of Summit's strategic pilot initiatives and school redesign work. Reporting to the Chief of Staff & Strategy, this role bridges strategic vision and site-level execution by managing pilot roadmaps, tracking progress, and synthesizing actionable data. Serving as a hands-on educator-operator, the Manager of Innovation empowers school teams to test new learning model elements, drive continuous improvement, and scale evidence-based practices across our network.
What You'll Do: The Manager of Innovation executes the day-to-day project management, operational logistics, and feedback infrastructure that allow pilot programs and focal school redesign workstreams to thrive. Core responsibilities include:
Pilot Portfolio Management & Operational Coordination
- Manage multi-year pilot roadmaps, project timelines, charters, milestones, and resourcing plans aligned to Summit's strategic priorities.
- Coordinate pilot launches across school sites by preparing materials, facilitating working-session logistics, and troubleshooting operational barriers.
- Partner with network and school leaders to co-design pilot charters that are feasible, tied to clear outcomes, and built with strong implementation plans.
- Partner directly with Executive Directors and school site teams to ensure pilot implementation respects school constraints and integrates into existing site priorities.
- Provide project management and cross-functional coordination for focal school redesign workstreams led by the Director of School Design.
Data Infrastructure & Continuous Improvement
- Define pilot metrics, track status signals, and maintain data collection routines in partnership with network stakeholders.
- Produce mid-cycle and end-of-cycle learning memos that summarize results, user experience, and strategic recommendations.
- Partner with internal teams to codify promising pilot practices into reusable tools, frameworks, and training assets for network-wide adoption.
- Continuously refine the pilot playbook and standard operating procedures to reduce friction for schools and improve design quality.
- Support additional innovation priorities, working-session logistics, and cross-functional initiatives as organizational needs shift.
What You Need:- A true passion for our organization's mission to empower all students with the skills necessary to succeed in college, career, and life
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
- 5+ years of experience in teaching, school leadership, instructional coaching, program design, or innovation/piloting work.
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-site initiatives, continuous improvement cycles, or complex school-based projects.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and tools for project management and data tracking.
- Early adopter mindset and emerging skills using AI powered chatbots, agentic coding tools, and other emergent AI powered technologies.
- Ability to travel across Summit school sites regularly
- Must meet all health clearance requirements and successfully pass reference, background, and criminal history checks in accordance with applicable Education Code requirements.
Who You Are:- A field-grounded educator-operator who designs with school teams rather than to them, grounding strategic initiatives in the day-to-day realities of schools.
- A collaborative relationship builder who easily connects and builds trust across diverse stakeholders, including school-site leaders, teachers, and home-office teams.
- An agile, proactive project leader who thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and can navigate complex workstreams without sacrificing quality.
- A data-informed problem solver who is comfortable interpreting evidence, tracking metrics, and converting complex findings into clear, actionable insights.
- A clear and concise communicator who produces sharp plans, briefs, and learning summaries that synthesize progress for leaders and practitioners alike.
What You Get: In addition to joining a highly motivated team and engaging in meaningful work, you'll have access to a comprehensive suite of benefits including a retirement plan, personal and sick leave, 12 paid holidays, and at least 3 weeks of organization-wide closures during the year. You and your dependents will have access to multiple health, dental, and vision plans at a fraction of the cost and employee life and disability insurance at no cost. Additionally, our compensation policy strives to be equitable and transparent. The pay for this position starts at $95,892 and goes up to $118,668 commensurate with location, experience, and qualifications.
