About the role#
BES is looking for individuals to design, found, and lead high-achieving public charter schools in Alabama. The Fellowship provides multi-year training for leaders who are committed to transforming education in their specific communities. We are interested in leaders looking to open schools in Birmingham, Montgomery, or rural areas of the state. You will receive intensive training, coaching, and support to build a sustainable school model that meets the needs of your local community.
What you'll do#
- Complete over 300 hours of coursework covering school design, leadership, governance, and community engagement.
- Develop a charter application and establish a founding board.
- Partner with a coach to refine project management and leadership skills.
- Hire founding staff, recruit students, and solidify your school vision.
- Welcome your inaugural class and coach teachers.
- Use data to drive academic success and student achievement.
What you'll need#
- A Bachelor’s degree is required, and a Master’s or Professional degree is preferred.
- At least 8 years of professional experience, including instructional or instructional leadership experience.
- A minimum of 2 years managing and supervising adults in a PreK-12 setting.
- 2 years of school leadership experience is preferred.
- A commitment to serving as a school leader in your proposed community for at least 10 years.
- The ability to establish and activate local connections to support school enrollment.
- A strong preference for candidates with 2-3 years of experience living or working in the proposed school region.
- A clear and compelling rationale for your proposed school location.
Location & details#
- This is an on-site, full-time Fellowship starting in Winter 2027.
- The position is based in Alabama.
- This Fellowship is a paid opportunity.
About BES (build. excel. sustain.)
BES is a national nonprofit based in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 2001, the organization focuses on identifying and training leaders to manage and sustain schools. It provides services such as leadership development, coaching, and executive search. The organization has trained nearly 3,000 leaders who have founded over 220 schools across the country.
How to get in at BES (build. excel. sustain.)
Securing an internship at BES requires staying ahead of the application queue. Because early applicants are often reviewed before the volume of candidates becomes unmanageable, use Intern Insider to receive an instant alert the moment a new role is published. This ensures you can submit your materials among the first group of candidates. Reaching out to the individuals responsible for hiring at BES can also improve your chances of getting a response. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind these roles, allowing you to connect directly to ask informed questions or request a referral. This personal approach often proves more effective than relying solely on automated application systems.
