Launch Fellow

Location: Rochester, NY (Relocation Required)
Time Commitment: Full-Time
Compensation: $80,000-$120,000
Program Dates: September 2027-School Opening
Final date to receive applications: October 30, 2026

Please note the selection process for Design Studio and Launch is the same. Launch applicants may be recommended for Design Studio if additional concept development is needed. Likewise, Design Studio applicants who demonstrate exceptional readiness may be invited to Launch.

READY is working to dramatically expand access to excellent schools for Rochester students. By 2034, READY aims to increase the number of students attending high-quality schools from 3,000 to 10,000.

The READY School Incubator identifies, develops, and supports exceptional education leaders who are ready to design and launch transformational schools that meet Rochester's greatest educational needs.

Launch is READY's full-time, salaried fellowship for experienced education leaders who are ready to move from school design to school creation.

During Launch, Fellows receive intensive coaching, strategic support, and access to expert partners as they navigate the complex work of opening a high-quality school. Fellows work toward securing school approval, building organizational capacity, engaging the community, and preparing for a successful school opening.

Launch is designed for leaders who have a compelling, well-developed school concept and are ready to dedicate themselves full-time to bringing it to life.

Throughout the fellowship, you will:

• Refine your school model into an implementation-ready plan.
• Prepare and submit a high-quality school authorization application.
• Develop curriculum, instructional systems, and school operations.
• Build community partnerships and engage families.
• Recruit founding staff and advisors.
• Develop fundraising and financial sustainability strategies.
• Receive individualized coaching from experienced school founders and education experts.
• Work alongside a cohort of aspiring school founders.
• Prepare to successfully launch and lead a transformational public school in Rochester.

As a Launch Fellow, you'll receive:

• Full-time salary and benefits.
• Intensive one-on-one coaching.
• Expert support across academics, operations, finance, governance, and talent.
• Access to national school founding experts and practitioners.
• Structured milestones and accountability throughout the launch process.
• Continued support through the school approval process and toward opening.

We're looking for exceptional education leaders who are prepared to dedicate themselves full-time to founding a transformational school.

Ideal candidates typically have:

• Five or more years of experience working in high-performing PreK-12 schools.
• Significant experience leading adults and improving student outcomes.
• Strong instructional leadership skills.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, resilience, and strong execution skills.
• A commitment to building a school that addresses Rochester's educational needs and aligns with READY's priorities for school design: https://bit.ly/3RPrTii .
• Willingness to relocate to Rochester, New York.

Launch is a full-time fellowship requiring Fellows to focus their professional efforts on preparing their school for approval and opening.

Before submitting your application, please review these two resources:

• READY School Incubator Candidate FAQ ( https://bit.ly/4hQUtdw ), which explains the fellowship, selection process, and how READY evaluates school concepts.
• READY School Priorities ( https://bit.ly/4pXUfn9 ), which describe the educational needs and school models READY is currently seeking to incubate in Rochester.

At this stage, we are not looking for a fully developed school plan. Instead, we want to understand the educational challenge you hope to address, the students and community you intend to serve, and your initial vision for how your school could address that challenge.

Reviewers will use the "Strong School Concept" criteria on p.2 of the Frequently Asked Questions to evaluate your concept. Design Studio is intended to help candidates improve their concepts for further design in the Launch fellowship. Successful candidates for Launch will have a concept that meet all of the criteria.

As part of the application, you will be asked to submit:

• A brief overview (1-2 pages) of your school concept.
• A short reflection on why now is the right time for you to pursue school…