Heather McManus is the chief learning officer at NewSchools Venture Fund. In this role, she is responsible for ensuring a strong organizational culture that allows NewSchools to live into our commitment to be a different kind of funder. She also leads cross-cutting initiatives including standardizing and centralizing NewSchools’ approach to investing, community engagement, and grantee support. In 2023, NewSchools was recognized as a finalist by SXSW for innovation in DEI for internal workplace practices. Heather began her work at NewSchools as a partner on the Innovative Schools Team, leading the work to find, fund, and support new schools across the country.

Previously, Heather served in multiple leadership roles at Camino Nuevo Charter Academy in Los Angeles. As a principal, Heather led Camino’s highest performing school, receiving numerous awards. The most notable included the EPIC Gold Gain award for the highest value-add growth in math nationally and the GOAL award given to one California school annually for exemplary special education programs. As chief learning officer, Heather led efforts to improve achievement across the network at scale. In her final year, Camino saw the largest and most consistent gains in its history.

Heather started as a teacher in LAUSD, teaching 6-12 English. She received BAs in English and psychology and a secondary teaching certificate from the University of Michigan. She received her MA in educational leadership and policy from California State University, Northridge. In 2018, Heather completed her EdD in educational leadership for social justice from Loyola Marymount University.