Manager of Innovation

Manager of Innovation

Position 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.

Who We Are:

What if all students graduated high school with the knowledge, skills and habits they need to lead a fulfilled life? This is the question that guides our mission at Summit Public Schools.

Summit is a leading network of public schools that collectively prepares a diverse community of young people with the skills, knowledge, and habits to attain economic empowerment and success in a chosen concrete next step toward a fulfilled life. We operate 10 schools serving over 3,000 students in the Bay Area and Washington state. 100% of Summit graduates are college-ready, and Summit graduates complete college at double the national average.

We need exceptional, diverse, and mission-aligned individuals to join our team to help prepare our students for a fulfilled life. Join us!

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.

Summit is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are directly intertwined with education. We are ALL better when we are able to bring our whole selves to work and honor each other’s voices across identities, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals who are members of historically marginalized communities.