Diversity in Leadership Institute - Fellowship Director (SoCal)

ABOUT DLI 

The Diversity in Leadership Institute (DLI) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is dedicated to creating equitable educational outcomes for Black and Latinx students in California by cultivating a diverse and culturally competent pipeline of public education leaders. With a focus on racial diversity, equity, and inclusion (RDEI), DLI seeks to transform the educational landscape by increasing the representation of Black and Latinx leaders in K-12 schools through our signature 4-pronged approach which include: 

• Leadership Fellowships: DLI offers two comprehensive programs designed to support aspiring school leaders of color in California through leadership coaching, mentorship, and professional development- the Aspiring Principals of Color Fellowship (in partnership with Loyola Marymount University) and the Diverse Leaders Fellowship (in partnership with the Los Angeles County of Education).
• School Leaders of Color Network (SLOCN): A membership-based network that connects current and aspiring school leaders of color. It offers dedicated programming programming grounded on culturally responsive practices.
• Consultancy: DLI works collaboratively with districts and charter schools/networks to provide critical services such as workshops, evaluation of current RDEI philosophies and practices, proposing solutions, performing assessments and reflections, and continued support.
• Coalition Building: DLI actively engages in legislative and policy advocacy to influence the implementation of policies that support the development and retention of educators of color through the CCEC (Charting the Course to Equity Coalition). 

Through these programs, DLI deepens its impact by driving systemic change, fostering leadership diversity, and ensuring that more students in California see leaders who reflect their own identities, leading to better educational outcomes. 

ABOUT THIS ROLE 

Our team is seeking a SoCal Fellowship Director to support the VP of Leadership Development in developing and growing the Aspiring Principals of Color, and LACOE Diverse Leaders Fellowships. With an equity and anti-racist focused lens, the Director will help manage the Fellowships, prepare and facilitate the DLI Colloquial Sessions, participate in recruitment of fellows, and drive local engagement in Los Angeles and across Southern California. This critical role will lead facilitation of hands-on training, talent assessment, and leadership coaching for aspiring school leaders. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Program Leadership & Strategic Planning (20%) 

• Collaborate with the VP of Leadership Development to manage the implementation of the Southern California (SoCal) Aspiring Principals of Color Fellowship and the LACOE Diverse Leaders Fellowship 
• Implement DLI’s Leadership Framework, focusing on anti-racist practices and culturally relevant pedagogy with multiple cohorts of rising administrators on a yearly basis
• Help shape and guide the Fellowship's growth by providing thought leadership and strategic direction 
• Support the organization’s quarterly goal-setting and monitoring process, ensuring real-time feedback is integrated for continuous improvement of the fellowship curriculum and experience
• Lead the recruitment of aspiring school leaders to apply to our signature fellowship programs
• Support grant reporting requirements by gathering, analyzing, and presenting data to assist the Grant Manager in preparing accurate and timely reports for funders

Fellowship Support and Development (50%) 

• Empower Fellows in their leadership journey by offering robust mentorship, practical application of CRSL practices, and thought partnership in their administrative growth 
• Coach Fellows on effective, anti-racist school leadership practices
• Drive the recruitment and selection of Fellows in Los Angeles and across Southern California ensuring a diverse and dynamic cohort pool
• Responsible for hosting small group, large group and individual sessions that dive into practical administrative issues and support problem-solving 
• Design, deliver, and lead DLI Colloquial Sessions, fostering community,  learning and growth 

Partnership and Engagement (30%) 

• Develop and implement a district and charter engagement strategy, prioritizing local involvement in Los Angeles and across Southern California 
• Partner with the NorCal Fellowship Director on collaborative fellowship activities for cohort members
• Collaborate with the Strategic Partnerships team to recruit candidates from partner districts/charter organizations

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY IN HIRING 

Diversity in Leadership Institute is an equal opportunity employer and places a high value on creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. Diversity in Leadership Institute does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. We believe diverse teams are effective teams, and that innovation is only possible when a set of diverse experiences and perspectives are at the table. 

Please apply by September 19, 2025 and learn more in our FAQ document about the hiring process. 

• A Collaborative School Leader: You have a minimum of 4 years in leadership roles (e.g., principal, assistant principal, instructional coach, content lead) in a public school setting, with principal experience preferred, demonstrated supervision experience, and a proven track record of driving positive student outcomes.
• Education and Credentials: You hold a Bachelor’s degree (required), with a Master’s degree in Education, Leadership, or a related field (strongly preferred). You also hold California Administrative Credentials (strongly preferred).
• A Strategic Problem-Solver: You can diagnose organizational challenges and implement effective interventions or policy/culture changes. 
• Adaptable and Dynamic: You thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating flexibility and the ability to execute under changing conditions. You are available to work on Saturdays. 
• Hands-On and Entrepreneurial: You’re willing to "roll up your sleeves" to get the job done, bringing an entrepreneurial mindset; entrepreneurial experience is a plus.  
• A Strong Facilitator: You excel in facilitation and presentation, engaging and inspiring others effectively. 
• A Supportive Mentor: You exemplify high-performance skills and outcomes, showing a strong commitment to mentorship and a genuine care for nurturing the growth and well-being of fellows.
• Integrity-Driven: You operate with integrity and have a proven ability to build trust-based relationships. 
• Goal-Oriented: You have experience managing teams and organizations toward achieving goals defined by outcome metrics.  

This is a hybrid remote role that requires regular in-person availability on Saturdays for meetings and events. The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $125,000, commensurate with experience. The Diversity in Leadership Institute offers comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits packages. Learn more about DLI in our FAQ document.