JEDI Specialist (Middle School)

Description

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Specialist - Middle School

Job Summary 

Join the dynamic and culturally rich community at Oakland School for the Arts (OSA), a distinguished charter school nestled in the heart of an urban environment, renowned for its innovative approach in merging the arts with a rigorous academic framework. Serving approximately 800 students from grades 6-12, OSA is dedicated to fostering both artistic expression and academic excellence. 

OSA is seeking a full time Middle School Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Specialist to join our instructional leadership team to support equitable and inclusive instructional and disciplinary practices school wide. They will be responsible for working with middle school students, teachers, families, and the leadership team to ensure that our students are thriving and that our work is in alignment with the Diversity/Equity/Inclusion (DEI) Mission Statement. With approximately 800 students and over 100 employees, OSA is committed to ensuring that our diverse student body is provided with a supportive and nurturing environment that enables heightened student outcomes. The JEDI Specialist(s) will report to the Principal. 

We are looking for candidates who are able to work across differences with students, family, staff, and external partners to foster a culture of belonging and promote student social, academic, and artistic success. In addition to the systemic DEI work, OSA’s JEDI Specialist works directly with students on a daily basis and is key to the daily operations of the school. This role will support already established programs like student affinity groups, and our Step It Up program. Additionally, they will work collaboratively with school leadership to strategically build more equitable school systems. 

OSA Diversity Mission Statement: 

Oakland School for the Arts is an artistic and intellectual community founded on diversity and inclusion. OSA embraces differences in culture, race, ethnicity, gender expression & identity, sexual orientation, specific educational needs, socio-economic status, religion, nationality, immigration status, age, body type, and the many forms of life experience present in our community. All OSA stakeholders will promote and be assessed based on these core values in practice and behavior.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Work directly with the instructional leadership team to ensure the middle school instructional, disciplinary, celebratory, communication, and artistic practices are aligned with OSA’s JEDI goals.
• Align the JEDI work with the OSA three year strategic plan. 
• Oversee and support student affinity groups with the assistance of advisors and advise the Board of Students of Color.
• Advise and assist staff and family affinity groups. 
• Assist with the organization of community events, assemblies, and fundraising efforts.
• Serve as the middle school Title IX Coordinator, manage compliance around gender discrimination in accordance to Title IX policies, and collaborate with the ombudsman and Title IX investigator to address complaints around gender discrimination and sexual violence. 
• Analyze data to assess discrepancies in academic success, discipline, enrollment, and other relevant school functions. Utilize data to develop interventions in collaboration with appropriate members of the operational leadership team and school community. 
• Lead strategic thinking, crisis management, and schoolwide communication as a member of the OSA Leadership Team. 
• Collaborate with the Principal to design, implement, analyze and report out on student, family, and employee culture surveys. 
• Support the Principal in response, re-entry and re-education when addressing disciplinary issues involving identity, hate speech, and bullying using restorative practices. 
• Lead Gender Support Team to aid and advocate for gender expansive and genderqueer individuals as they navigate school systems, access gender affirming resources, and communicate their authentic gender to classmates, school staff, and loved ones.
• Support the Principal in arranging and coordinating external facilitators for  diversity/equity/inclusion/belonging (DEIB) professional development based on identified needs. 
• Develop community partnerships between OSA and local schools, organizations and afterschool programs and work specifically with the Step It Up (diversity recruitment program) Coordinator and team on recruitment and retention plan. 
• Collaborate with the Director of Special Education to support the special education program. 
• Coach teachers on building an equitable classroom including developing culturally relevant curriculum and establishing positive classroom culture. 
• Report out on DEI issues to the larger OSA community at OSA Board Meetings, community gatherings and town hall meetings.
• Other duties related to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion issues as required. 

Education, Work Experience, and Requirements 

• A minimum of 3-5 years of secondary-level teaching experience in a school setting. 
• Demonstrated experience  leading DEI initiatives, including working groups (ERGs), and/or facilitating professional development on DEI and anti-racism in Education. 
• Administrative Experience is valued  but not required. 
• Expertise in culturally relevant curriculum development and instructional coaching. 
• A Bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is strongly preferred. 
• A valid teaching credential required. 
• Passion for Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, particularly anti-racism training within secondary education. 
• An equity-oriented systems leader that is passionately committed to students and to their education at every level. Has empathy for and commitment to programs and services for Black, Latine, and queer youth and a solid understanding of youth development. 
• Education background, credential, or training in topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging with a focus but not limited to the intersection of race, gender, sexuality, class, and disability. 
• Proficiency in authentic restorative justice practices. 
• Strong skills in data collection,analysis, and application to drive equity-focused initiatives. 
• Collaborative, communicative, passionate, and empathetic working style. 
• Proven track record of building and maintaining strong, meaningful relationships with students, parents, and teachers.
• Student-centered approach to education that prioritizes growth and development.

Compensation and Benefits 

The annual 1.00 FTE salary for this role will be $85,000 - $106,699 per annum and is commensurate with experience and credentials. OSA offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including medical, dental, vision, commuter benefits, employee assistance program, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

Salary : $85,000 - $106,699