Director Vanguard Innovation Program; VIP) Elder High School

Elder High School 3900 Vincent Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45205

Elder High School | Cincinnati, Ohio Position:
Full-Time Leadership

Reports To:

Assistant Principal – Dean of Academics Availability:
January–February 2027 preferred; flexible and negotiable.

Elder High School seeks an entrepreneurial, visionary, and relationship-driven leader to launch and direct the Vanguard Innovation Program (VIP), a highly selective program designed to prepare young men to lead and innovate in a rapidly changing world.

VIP will bring together artificial intelligence, technology, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, and ethics through hands‑on projects, real‑world problem‑solving, mentorship, and experiential learning.

Building on the vision established by Elder’s VIP advisory committee, the Director will shape the curriculum, mentor students, establish strategic partnerships, and create distinctive opportunities that connect learning with the broader innovation ecosystem.

This is an opportunity for a builder and innovator who is passionate about developing young people and creating something exceptional.

• Lead program development:
  Launch, manage, and continually evolve VIP’s curriculum, student experience, and learning outcomes.
• Recruit and mentor students:
  Lead the selective admissions process and guide students in developing their interests, leadership skills, projects, and ventures.
• Create experiential opportunities:
  Develop student businesses, technology projects, competitions, internships, certifications, and college-credit experiences.
• Build strategic partnerships:
  Establish meaningful relationships with universities, corporations, startups, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders.
• Advance responsible innovation:
  Integrate AI and emerging technologies while promoting ethical decision‑making and responsible use.
• Lead signature experiences:
  Plan and oversee VIP’s week-long California experience between junior and senior years.
• Launch a summer camp:
  Develop and launch a technology and innovation camp for students in grades 6–8 in summer 2027.
• Collaborate across Elder:
  Work with administrators and faculty to align VIP with the school’s mission, academic priorities, and broader educational offerings.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Significant experience in education, business, entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, leadership, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead programs, initiatives, or organizations.
• Strong relationship‑building, communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to mentor and inspire young people.
• Understanding of AI and emerging technologies, with a commitment to ethical leadership and responsible innovation.
• Alignment with Elder High School’s mission, values, and educational philosophy.

• Advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in entrepreneurship, technology, business leadership, or innovative education.
• Established relationships with universities, businesses, startups, or technology organizations.
• Experience in student mentorship, experiential learning, internships, or educational travel.

• Elder High School offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending and dependent care accounts; and traditional 401(k) and Roth 401(k) retirement plans. The retirement benefits include a 4% employer contribution, along with an employer match of up to 3%.