Assistant Director, The Academy at Penn

Assistant Director, The Academy at Penn
Foundations, Inc.

Location: Philadelphia, PA (Hybrid)

About Foundations

Foundations, Inc. is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of education for children and young people by strengthening the skills of educators and expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities. For more than 30 years, we have partnered with schools, districts, and community organizations to advance equity and student success, particularly in under-resourced communities.

About The Academy at Penn

The Academy at Penn is a five-year, cohort-based college and career readiness initiative serving first-generation students in the School District of Philadelphia. Developed by Foundations, Inc. in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, the Consortium for Policy Research in Education, and the School District of Philadelphia, the Academy is designed to reimagine what high school can offer students and families in under-resourced communities.

Beginning in ninth grade, students participate in a holistic, personalized experience that integrates academic preparation, career-connected learning, and personal growth. Programming includes school-day supports, Saturday sessions, internships, cultural and college exposure experiences, and a four-week summer immersion on the University of Pennsylvania campus.

The Academy at Penn is a fully funded, five-year, $8 million initiative provided at no cost to participating schools, students, or families. The work is ambitious, deeply relational, and grounded in partnership, with a long-term vision of serving as a scalable, national model for college and career readiness.

The Role

The Assistant Director plays a central role in advancing the Academy's vision while ensuring strong day-to-day execution. Working closely with the Executive Director and Senior Project Director, the Assistant Director helps translate strategy into action and keeps complex, multi-site work moving forward.

This is a collaborative, hands-on role for someone who is energized by both building and executing. The Assistant Director supports staff, partners, students, and families, anticipates needs, removes barriers, and brings urgency and follow-through to the work. The ideal candidate is mission-driven, organized, adaptable, and motivated by the opportunity to help shape and deliver a flagship initiative with national significance.

This is a new role created as The Academy at Penn builds on a successful first year and prepares to welcome its second cohort of students, strengthening the systems and supports needed for long-term impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Implementation and Operations: Coordinate and support day-to-day Academy programming across multiple sites, including school-day, Saturday, and summer components, ensuring smooth logistics and removing barriers to student participation.

• People and Team Support: Support program staff by setting clear expectations, coaching for quality implementation, and modeling urgency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• School and Community Partnerships: Partner with school leaders and university and community partners to align programming with school priorities and ensure strong, consistent student experiences.

• Student and Family Engagement: Support student recruitment, engagement, and retention, and assist with family events, workshops, and student showcases that build trust and connection.

• Data, Tracking, and Reporting: Track participation, attendance, and implementation benchmarks and support data collection and reporting to inform continuous improvement.

A Week in the Life

Weeks in this role are dynamic and varied. You will spend time in schools and program spaces, supporting staff, seeing Academy programming in action, and helping ensure students and families feel connected and supported. You will also partner closely with the Executive Director and Senior Project Director to plan ahead, coordinate upcoming experiences, and strengthen systems that keep the work moving smoothly.

Some weeks include helping bring a family event, student showcase, or college and career experience to life. Others focus on reviewing participation data, identifying trends, and making thoughtful adjustments that improve the program. Throughout it all, you balance big-picture thinking with hands-on execution and see your work translate directly into meaningful experiences for students. This role includes occasional evenings and Saturdays aligned to student programming.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.

• Five or more years of experience in education, youth development, or community-based programming.

• Experience managing programs and supporting staff across multiple sites.

• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.

• Demonstrated ability to move work forward, solve problems, and follow through on details.

• Commitment to equity, trauma-informed practice, and student success.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $65,000–$80,000, commensurate with experience.

Competitive benefits package through Foundations, Inc., including health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan; paid time off; and paid holidays.

How to Apply

Preferred Application Date: January 12, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Foundations, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.