About the role#
The BES Fellowship for Founding School Leaders is a multi-year program designed to prepare individuals to build, launch, and lead a new public charter school. Fellows spend the first year in intensive training, followed by three years of support. This role is focused on founding a school in Arizona that prioritizes character and equity. You will work to design a school model, secure a charter, and eventually manage the daily operations of a new school.
What you'll do#
- Design and found a new public charter school rooted in character and equity.
- Complete over 300 hours of coursework covering school design, leadership, governance, and community engagement.
- Develop a formal charter application and establish a founding board.
- Partner with a BES coach to refine project management and leadership skills.
- Hire founding staff and recruit students for your school.
- Coach teachers and use data to drive academic success once the school is operational.
What you'll need#
- A Bachelor’s degree is required, though a Master’s or Professional degree is preferred.
- At least 8 years of professional experience, including instructional or instructional leadership roles.
- A minimum of 2 years managing and supervising adults in a PreK-12 setting.
- A clear, compelling rationale for your proposed school location.
- A strong preference exists for candidates with 2-3 years of experience living or working in the proposed school region.
- Commitment to serving as a school leader in the community for at least 10 years.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, on-site role based in Arizona.
- The Fellowship begins in August 2026.
- This position is a paid contract role.
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.
