ETCH Jobs of the Week 11/05/24
Codesigning the future of education with Katie Boody Adorno, Founder & CEO of Leanlab Education
ETCH Jobs of the Week (JOTW) is a collaboration between ETCH (now The EdSheet at Whiteboard Advisors), your home for EdTech news and information; and my recruiting practice, Tenzing, which helps orgs positively impacting education efficiently attract, source, vet and hire mission-aligned talent.
An interview with Katie Boody Adorno
How did you get into education?
After college, I joined Teach for America and became a middle school math teacher in Kansas City, which was both inspiring and challenging. Working directly in the classroom gave me a firsthand look at the needs of students and the need for solutions to be developed in collaboration with the teachers themselves.
I then became an instructional coach, which gave me insights into the broader administrative side of education, and laid the groundwork for Leanlab Education. It opened my eyes to the disconnect between educators and the creation of the tools they use.
What led you to found Leanlab?
I founded Leanlab because I saw a real need for teachers to have a voice in designing the solutions they’re asked to use in the classroom.
If we want to ensure that all children are able to receive an excellent education in their lifetime, regardless of their situation, then that means we need to be engaging in radical innovation to find breakthroughs that can accelerate student outcomes at scale.
Leanlab was created as a platform where educators, students, and parents could collaborate directly with EdTech developers to codesign products. The people closest to the challenges in education are the ones who should be involved in creating solutions, and that’s been our driving philosophy from day one.
Could you explain Leanlab’s “Codesign Framework” and why it’s foundational to the organization’s mission?
The Codesign Framework is our way of collaborating with school communities throughout the research and development process for new EdTech tools. It’s built on the idea of shared power and genuine partnership.
We involve educators, students, and parents from the very beginning, co-creating research objectives, methodologies, and data collection processes.
It’s not just about getting input; it’s about making sure those who will be most impacted by these tools are central to their development. Codesign makes for a more meaningful process, and ultimately, better tools for classrooms.
Leanlab is now over 10 years old. How has its mission and/or approach to its work evolved since its inception?
We started as a nonprofit incubator for early-stage EdTech ideas but have since evolved into a full-scale R&D lab focused on educational technology.
We’ve expanded to conduct rigorous research in real school settings and build ongoing relationships with school districts.
Now, our research spans from feasibility and usability studies to large-scale quasi-experimental studies. We’re committed to long-term collaborations that help shape tools that genuinely meet the needs of educators and students.
What are some of the most memorable outcomes from Leanlab’s research collaborations with school communities and EdTech partners?
There a few projects that stand out. For example, our work with Speak Agent, an academic language platform for multilingual learners. Through a long-term partnership, we’ve seen meaningful improvements in both math and language proficiency among students.
Also, we have been collaborating with the Jacobs Foundation to support evidence-building for various venture-backed EdTech companies and emerging AI Tools. We were able to research many well-known education technologies and exciting emerging technologies that are collectively reaching millions of students world-wide.
Together, these projects reinforce the impact that direct feedback from school communities can have on EdTech products.
We also launched a global network, called the Global EdTech Testbed Network (GETN), in partnership with University College-London, OpenDevEd, and others. So far, we have representation from Asia, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Australia and North America, and convene annually in London to discuss what we’re learning regarding partnering EdTech companies with schools through a global perspective.
Looking forward, what are some of the top priorities and organizational goals Leanlab is working towards?
We’re focused on a few major areas right now. Data privacy and security is a big one, especially as we continue to grow. We’re also streamlining our financial and operational processes to support our long-term sustainability. Another key goal is expanding our AGILE Network, which includes school districts and charter networks across the country, to deepen our reach and impact.
How does this COO position fit into the mix?
This role is truly a cornerstone of our strategic growth. As we expand, we need someone to lead our financial and operational systems to ensure our work is scalable and sustainable. The COO will be hands-on, overseeing everything from financial planning and compliance to people operations and strategic direction. They’ll work closely with our team to establish the systems needed to support our goals and ensure that Leanlab continues to serve its mission effectively. This position will also be intricately involved in our long-term strategic planning as part of the leadership team.
Who should consider applying to this role?
We’re looking for someone who is both strategic and hands-on—a leader who understands nonprofit finance and operations and has a real passion for education. The ideal candidate will be data-driven, solution-focused, and ready to partner closely with me and our leadership team. We need someone who values collaboration and can lead effectively in a remote, mission-driven environment.
For someone joining the team, what’s unique about working at Leanlab?
Leanlab is a place where every voice matters. We’re a remote-first organization, which lets us bring in talented people from across the country, and we foster a culture of individual ownership and empowerment.
Our team operates with a lot of flexibility and autonomy, but we’re also highly accountable to each other and our mission. Joining Leanlab means being part of a team dedicated to bold thinking, equity, and close collaboration with school communities to build truly impactful tools.
What is Leanlab offering for this position?
We take a holistic approach to compensation, supporting our team members so they can achieve optimal performance. For this role, the salary range is $175,000–$190,000, with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
We also provide a comprehensive benefits package, including a 100% covered healthcare plan, HSA, 403B with employer match, life and AD&D insurance, long-term and short-term disability coverage, 90% coverage on dental and vision plans, and unlimited PTO; plus four additional weeks off during annual office closures the week of July 4th, Thanksgiving, and two weeks over Christmas and New Year’s.
What should candidates expect during the hiring process?
Qualified candidates will start with a structured video interview with our recruitment partner.
There’s also a paid performance task and a panel interview to understand how candidates approach real challenges.
The final stage includes a one-on-one with me, where we’ll discuss the vision for the role and explore how they can contribute to our goals.
And lastly, we’ll be making an offer contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks.
It is really important to us how we hire, and that candidates are treated with dignity throughout the process. We strive to make our process efficient and equitable, and provide candidates with a quick feedback loop and ensure their time is respected.
Where can interested job seekers apply?
Candidates interested in the COO role can learn more and apply here:
For any questions and referrals, reach out to careers@leanlabeducation.com, and our recruitment partners at Tenzing will be happy to help.
Now, let’s get to the Jobs of the Week…
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ FEATURED JOB OF THE WEEK ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Chief Operating Officer | Leanlab Education
Location: Remote
Education Focus: K-12 education innovation and research
Mission: To study and grow transformational education innovations that have been codesigned with school communities.
Job Summary: The COO will oversee Leanlab’s financial and operational management, guiding finance, HR, communications, and organizational development. Reporting to the CEO, the COO will lead financial strategy, budget management, and compliance, and serve as a key advisor on organizational goals and strategy execution. Responsibilities include managing direct reports, developing team alignment with strategic goals, and maintaining strong cross-functional systems. Experience with nonprofit finance, team development, and operational leadership is essential to drive Leanlab’s mission and growth.
Compensation: $175,000–$190,000 annually + performance-based bonuses
Executive Director | Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition (BDEC)
Location: Baltimore, MD
Education Focus: Digital equity and inclusion
Mission: BDEC is committed to closing Baltimore’s digital divide by improving access to affordable devices, high-speed internet, and digital skills for underserved communities, fostering an inclusive digital future.
Job Summary: The Executive Director will lead BDEC’s growth and strategic vision, ensuring it stays at the forefront of digital equity initiatives locally and nationally. This role involves spearheading fundraising efforts, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for policy changes that improve digital access. Key responsibilities include managing coalitions and working groups, aligning BDEC’s initiatives with state and federal goals, and expanding BDEC’s impact through robust partnerships and public engagement. Success in this role demands strong leadership, advocacy, and collaboration skills to build long-term sustainability for BDEC’s programs and operations.
Compensation: $125,000–$175,000 annually, with a comprehensive benefits package and potential for performance-based increases
Vice President, Employer Mobilization | Jobs for the Future (JFF)
Location: Flexible (Boston, DC, Oakland, or Remote)
Education Focus: Workforce
Mission: JFF aims to transform the U.S. education and workforce systems, striving for a future where 75 million people facing barriers to employment have access to quality jobs. Through collaboration with employers, education providers, and policymakers, JFF promotes equitable economic advancement and career pathways for all.
Job Summary: The Vice President of Employer Mobilization will lead JFF’s Employer Mobilization Practice, setting a strategic vision to support inclusive talent practices and drive economic mobility. This role involves thought leadership, program design, and collaboration with stakeholders to support employers in creating equitable career pathways. Responsibilities include developing high-level partnerships, overseeing funding efforts, and managing a team focused on scaling impactful solutions nationwide. The VP will also contribute to policy development and advocate for skills-based hiring and workforce inclusivity across multiple platforms.
Compensation: $200,000–$250,000 annually
Product Design Manager | Goalbook
Location: Remote
Education Focus: K-12 education technology and instructional support
Mission: Goalbook aims to empower educators to transform instruction for all students, enhancing student outcomes through the Goalbook Toolkit, a platform celebrated by teachers for its impact on student success and its role in the U.S. K-12 school system.
Job Summary: The Product Design Manager will lead Goalbook’s Product Design Team, overseeing the product development lifecycle from ideation to release, aligning with key metrics and company goals. Responsibilities include guiding a high-performing team, fostering professional growth, and defining product strategies to improve user experience and business results. This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, iterative process improvements, and integration of inclusive design practices. Experience in managing design systems, operational processes, and data analysis is essential, ideally with background in UX/UI for education-focused technology.
Compensation: $140,000–$180,000 annually, plus benefits including profit sharing, health coverage, mental health services, and 401k matching
Business Development Lead, Education | Brightwheel
Location: Remote (U.S. Only)
Education Focus: Early childhood education and technology for early learning environments
Mission: Brightwheel is dedicated to enhancing the quality of early education, supporting teachers and small businesses in the sector, and fostering family engagement, ultimately contributing to better educational outcomes and economic impacts.
Job Summary: The Business Development Lead will spearhead Brightwheel’s expansion into the curriculum and assessment market, developing sales strategies for government and enterprise sectors. This role requires building a 0-to-1 sales motion, managing a complex sales pipeline, and securing high-value contracts. The Business Development Lead will work cross-functionally with senior leadership to identify product gaps and refine offerings. Successful candidates will have experience in strategic partnerships, enterprise sales, and navigating multi-stakeholder processes. An entrepreneurial approach, independence, and adaptability are essential for success.
Compensation: $250,000 annual on-target earnings, including base salary and uncapped commission, plus equity and comprehensive benefits
Need more hire power? Tenzing will do all the legwork (e.g., sourcing, vetting, and managing the hiring process) for half the cost of traditional headhunters.
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