ABOUT GREEN DOT CALIFORNIA
is a non-profit network of public charter schools helping to transform the public education system so that ALL students graduate prepared for college, leadership, and life. Our schools are founded on an unwavering belief in the potential of all students, and there are four key elements to our school model that help us unlock the inherent potential in every student we serve: quality teaching and instruction, a college-going culture, a focus on fostering leadership and life skills, and a focus on eliminating barriers to learning. We have 18 schools and over 10,000 students across Los Angeles. Our schools are located in some of the most underserved communities that have been denied access to high-quality educational opportunities, and we seek to prove that it is possible to close the access and opportunity gap that exists between low-income students and their more affluent peers.
What differentiates Green Dot California is our intense focus on truly serving ALL students, our collaboration with reform-minded unions, our work focused on large-scale turnarounds of schools formerly run by the districts, and our ability to take on the toughest challenges with the same public funding received by traditional district schools but accomplishing very different results. Green Dot California’s results are undeniable. Nine of our high schools have been ranked among the top schools in the country. We have three California Distinguished schools and 3 California Gold Ribbon schools, and several of our schools have been recipients of the ’ Academic Growth Awards, which honor schools having the greatest impact on student achievement. Additionally, Green Dot’s first turnaround, Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy, was named Charter School of the Year by the California Charter Schools Association in 2019.
OPPORTUNITY
The Strategic Initiatives Manager has a critical role in supporting Green Dot’s mission to prepare students for college, leadership, and life. The Strategic Initiatives Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the strategic plan of the organization as well as implementing high-impact initiatives on behalf of the organization. This role is critical to our ability to provide high-quality educational options in California and will play a key part in defining our long-term vision and objectives. This position is part of the External Affairs Team, coaches the Strategic Planning Specialist, and reports to the Chief of Staff. This is a role serving as part of Green Dot California’s central office team, primarily based in Los Angeles.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and Execute Reimagine, Green Dot California’s Strategic Plan:
- In collaboration with the Steering Committee and Strategic Planning Specialist, lead the development and execution of the organization's strategic plan. Collaborate with leadership to identify key priorities, initiatives, and objectives for the organization.
- Data Analysis: Utilize data and research to provide insights and recommendations to inform strategic decision-making. Identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
- Performance Metrics: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress toward strategic goals. Analyze and report on the impact of strategies and initiatives.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate and engage with internal and external stakeholders, including school leaders, teachers, parents, and community partners, to gather input and ensure alignment with the strategic plan.
- Financial Planning: Work in collaboration with finance and budgeting teams to align the strategic plan with budget priorities and resource allocation.
- Risk Management: Identify potential risks and challenges related to the strategic plan and develop mitigation strategies to address them.
- Project Management: Oversee the execution of key strategic initiatives and projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
- Communication and Reporting: Communicate the strategic plan progress and results to the organization's leadership, board of directors, and other stakeholders through regular reporting and presentations.
- Continuous Improvement: Continuously review and refine the strategic plan to adapt to changing educational landscapes, funding priorities, and community needs.
- Develop and Execute High-Impact Initiatives to Increase Green Dot California’s Impact:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project objectives, scope, and deliverables. Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and budgets.
- Conduct in-depth research and analysis to gather insights, identify trends, and provide data-driven recommendations to support project decision-making.
- Proactively identify project risks and issues, and develop strategies to mitigate them. Solve problems creatively and adapt to changing project requirements.
- Maintain accurate project documentation, including project plans, reports, and post-project evaluations. Develop resources to hand-off processes to departments as appropriate.
- Execute with Home Office Culture and Organization-Wide Events
- Maintain annual calendar of events for Green Dot California Home Office
- Organize bi-annual retreats for the Green Dot California Home Office
- In collaboration with the People Team, develop professional development and culture-building activities for the Home Office including a manager professional development series
- In collaboration with the Strategic Planning Specialist, execute All Green Dot Day, a back-to-school event for all Green Dot California employees
- Coach and Develop the Strategic Planning Specialist
- Support the integration of additional services into Green Dot California’s service model
- Collaborate with the People Team and external consultants on welcoming 60+ new employees to Green Dot California
- Establish and execute knowledge management systems to organize and codify the organization’s documents, including significant updates to Green Dot’s intranet
- Develop a system to progress monitor key indicators related to the expansion of services within Green Dot California
- Develop and execute a strategic planning process for departments across the organization.
- Support departments in developing strategic plans and monitoring key performance indicators.
- Together with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Technology, execute quarterly Data Days.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
The minimum qualifications for this position are:
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; an advanced degree is a plus.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in strategic planning, project management, or a related role.
- Management experience is strongly preferred.
- Experience in a school, district/CMO or non-profit setting is preferred but not required.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze data and trends to inform decision-making.
- Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Understanding of educational systems and charter school operations is preferred.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools, project management software, and presentation tools.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Passion for and commitment to improving education in the communities Green Dot serves.
The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor is it intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to perform the job.
COMPENSATION
The starting salary range for this role is $90,000 - $102,000. To allow for salary progression over time, offers at the top of the range are rare. Individual education and experience will be considered when issuing offers. In addition, this position qualifies for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus, paid in two installments after months 6 and 12 of employment (subject to change).
Green Dot also offers one of the most robust and comprehensive benefits packages in the industry (for both you and your dependents):
> PPO, EPO and HMO choices for medical, dental and vision coverage - including a 100% employee-only paid option (visit for more information).
> Employee Assistance Program (100% employer-paid)
> Life and AD&D Insurance (100% employer-paid)
> Optional Term Life & AD&D Insurance
> Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance (100% employer-paid)
> Flexible Spending Accounts (health and dependent care)
> Monthly parking for Central Office-based employees (100% employer-paid)
> Optional California Parking Cash-Out program for Central Office-based employees
> Wellness programs and resources
> Financial planning/coaching access
> Optional non-matching 401(k) plan
> Potential for remote work opportunities (occasional or recurring)
> Potential for annual performance-based compensation increases
> Potential for annual bonuses
> Potential for stipend work opportunities
> Approved family care and/or medical leave (unpaid)
Green Dot also offers generous paid time off for an overall work-life balance, while giving employees the opportunity to impact a growing, mission-driven organization that is committed to the success of all students:
> 15 days of paid time off during years 1-3 of service (20 days during years 4-6 and 25 days beyond 6 years of service)
> An additional 15 days (minimum) of paid time off each year for our Winter and Spring breaks* (which include the Christmas and New Year’s holidays), as well as an additional 10 annual paid holidays (MLK Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day and Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Day after Thanksgiving)
3-5 days of paid bereavement leave (if needed)
*May be adjusted annually
Green Dot Public Schools has embedded a diversity, equity and inclusion lens in our organizational culture, as well as in our educational and talent practices. We are committed to hiring those who reflect the diversity of our communities, and we recruit, employ, support, compensate and promote employees, without regard to their actual or perceived race, religious creed (including religious dress or grooming practices), color, national origin or ancestry (including native language spoken), physical or mental disability (including HIV or AIDS), medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and expression), parental status, age (forty (40) and over), sexual orientation, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, citizenship, immigration status or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law. Please note that we are unable to sponsor H1-B Visa applicants.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $90,000.00 - $102,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to Commute:
- Los Angeles, CA 90015 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Los Angeles, CA 90015: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person