Founding Executive Director

Taíno CoLAB Academy is a growing network of innovative high schools within an emerging ecosystem of Taíno CoLAB schools. Each Taíno CoLAB Academy campus operates as an independent charter school governed by its own Board of Directors, while partnering closely with CoLAB Education, a future-forward charter management organization serving as the network’s systems and design partner.

CoLAB Education develops and stewards the Taíno CoLAB learning model, operational frameworks, and network-wide strategy, supporting schools in delivering a coherent, high-quality experience across sites. Taíno CoLAB Academy schools implement this shared model locally, grounded in community context and responsive leadership.

Grounded in World Economic Forum’s Education 4.0 and a 4D Quantum Learning Framework—including inquiry-based learning, design thinking, creativity, and service learning—Taíno CoLAB schools integrate early college pathways, workforce-aligned credentials, and community-based learning to prepare students for college, career, and civic leadership.

The Taíno CoLAB model intentionally blends Indigenous and culturally rooted learning with future-facing innovation, including the ethical and empowering use of artificial intelligence as a learning tool. Schools operate as community-centered hubs, embedding health, workforce, and community-based partners directly into the school ecosystem.

Taíno CoLAB Academy will open its first campus in New Haven in 2027, followed by a second campus in Waterbury with a targeted launch in 2028. These schools are part of a broader strategy to build a scalable, community-centered network of Taíno CoLAB schools in close partnership with CoLAB Education.

The Founding Executive Director is the senior executive leader responsible for launching and leading Taíno CoLAB Academy’s first campus while laying the foundation for a growing network of schools. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Taíno CoLAB Academy and partners closely with CoLAB Education to implement shared learning models, operational systems, and network-wide strategy.

This role is designed for a founder‑minded leader who thrives in ambiguity and leads through curiosity, collaboration, and co‑creation. The Executive Director will translate Taíno CoLAB’s research‑based learning model into a fully operational, community‑embedded school while building the leadership, systems, and partnerships required for long‑term success.

The Executive Director will recruit, develop, and manage a strong founding leadership team, serve as the primary external representative to community and civic partners, and ensure coherent implementation of the 4D Quantum Learning framework. In addition to leading the launch and operation of Taíno CoLAB Academy New Haven, the Executive Director will play a central role in preparing for the launch of Taíno CoLAB Academy Waterbury (targeted for 2028) and supporting the future growth of the Taíno CoLAB network in collaboration with CoLAB Education.

This position is both a founding school leader and a builder of a scalable ecosystem of schools, offering a unique opportunity to grow with the organization and shape the long‑term vision of Taíno CoLAB Academy.

• Serve as the founding executive leader for Taíno CoLAB Academy New Haven, stewarding the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Align organizational strategy, systems, and partnerships to the 4D Quantum Learning framework.
• Act as a continuous learner—engaging deeply with existing research, instructional materials, and partner organizations to refine and evolve the school model.
• Navigate ambiguity and lead in an environment that blends innovation, systems thinking, and design thinking.

• Lead early‑stage planning and execution for the Fall 2027 school opening, including a Summer 2027 program and Winter 2027 lottery, in partnership with CoLAB Education to ensure alignment with network‑wide models, frameworks, and systems.
• Hire and manage key leadership roles, including the Principal and Operations leader.
• Develop and execute a personalized…