CAREER
OPPORTUNITIES
PAHARA | CAREERS
VICE PRESIDENT OF DESIGN
OVERVIEW
The Pahara Institute’s mission is to provide transformative development opportunities for American education leaders. We select innovative leaders within the non-profit schools sector who are committed to equity and opportunity for all children. We focus on a diverse set of leaders with a specific priority on representation and inclusion of leaders who share life experiences with our most marginalized and underserved student populations.
POSITION
The Pahara Institute is looking for a values-driven visionary leader for our first Vice President (VP) of Design. This is a highly visible role, one reflecting both the projected growth of Pahara’s emerging portfolio and our desire to center equity of all kinds, with a first order priority on racial equity in curriculum and other design initiatives. The VP of Design must believe in the transformative power of values-driven leaders; have the skills, experience, and vision to develop and deliver content for such leaders; and have the personal qualities needed to thrive in a diverse and entrepreneurial environment.
The VP of Design will achieve the following:
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Collaborate with the Senior Vice President leading design work to develop content for the Pahara Fellowship, and other programming, events, and convenings (virtual and in-person) aligned with Pahara’s values and mission;
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Partner with and collaborate closely with the Pahara Leadership Team, Fellows, and other education leaders to develop offerings for adult learners across a wide spectrum of identities;
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Research, identify, and vet highly-relevant readings that will support leaders to engage in deep reflection and dialogue on values, leadership, equity, and the future of American education;
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Lead the development and execution of notes and key themes for moderators, and develop session arcs, plans, agendas, and learning modules aligned to specific program goals and outcomes;
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Serve as a moderator for the Pahara Fellowship and other Pahara offerings;
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Steward deeply relational partnerships with the Fellowship community;
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Contribute to the development and refinement of equitable design practices and continuous learning; and
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Travel frequently (at least 30%) to Pahara's campus in Bailey, Colorado for week-long overnight trips to attend and moderate programmatic offerings.
QUALIFICATIONS
Pahara is a strong fit for people who have a deep commitment to racial equity, are responsible, visionary, self-aware, committed to continuous learning and excellence, and willing to be authentic and vulnerable at work.
Specifically, we seek team members who exhibit the following values:
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Deep commitment to eradicating all forms of inequity with a first order priority on issues of racial inequity.
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Ability to build and maintain relationships and foster an environment of inclusiveness and belonging in a virtual organization;
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Ability to manage and adapt to ambiguity productively, particularly in a time of growth and rapid change;
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Enjoy thinking creatively and innovatively about complex issues and have strategies for building systems grounded in abundance;
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Engage in feedback and candid conversations and use lessons learned to evolve systems and personal approach; and
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Orientation toward excellence and results in all work products.
Compelling candidates for this role will have:
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Significant experience with a track record of success in adult learning development, design, and curriculum creation through a racial equity lens;
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Strong cultural competence across multiple lines of difference;
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Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate dialogue with diverse audiences, specifically racially, ethnically, politically, and socioeconomically diverse communities, with sensitivity and understanding;
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Ability to engage executive-level leaders with thoughtful and challenging questions;
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Proficiency at building iterative, emergent experiences from the ground up;
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver timely, relevant information in a clear and concise manner;
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Ability to balance a high volume of communications and execute against goals on time and to high standards;
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Track record of success in diverse, results-oriented, mission-driven organizations;
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Strong judgment in navigating relationships and complex decisions;
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A deep understanding of inequity in American education, including issues of systemic and institutionalized racism; and
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Professional experience within and knowledge of the U.S. education sector.
LOGISTICS
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The VP of Design will report to Idrissa Simmonds-Nastili, Senior Vice President. The VP will serve as a project lead and will provide management support to more junior staff for those projects. The VP will also regularly work with and manage long-term Fellow consultants when designing specific projects. At this point, the VP will not have any full-time direct reports, though this could evolve in the future.
COMPENSATION
Pahara provides competitive compensation and an attractive benefits package, including full healthcare coverage for employees, flexible vacation, and access to 401(k) accounts with a matching contribution policy. Expected salary range for this position is $151,000-$195,000.
LOCATION
We are a virtual organization by design so that our people can work where they have built their lives. Our campus in the Denver area will serve as a hub for our work and as the main location for all in-person events. The VP of Design must be able to travel at least 30% overnight, primarily to Bailey, Colorado.
TO APPLY
Deadline to apply is February 13, 2022.
Pahara is committed to nondiscrimination and to providing equal opportunity. It is our policy to ensure that all individuals with whom we are in contact are treated equally without regard to age, color, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, expression, gender identity, or veteran’s status.