Director, Language Acquisition and Instruction

LA Alliance

3d • $100,000 - $140,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Vice President, Diverse Learners, the Director, Language Acquisition and Instruction is charged with ensuring that multilingual learners have access to daily instruction and opportunities to grow their language proficiency. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned English Language Development leader, with experience as a teacher, school, and systems leader serving scholars developing proficiency in English alongside additional languages that they speak, and deep expertise in Language Acquisition instructional programming. The Director, Language Acquisition and Instruction will directly manage and coach two Instructional Specialists and report to the VP, Diverse Learners.

Requirements

• Deep expertise in research-based instructional models, standards (including 6-12th California English Language Development Standards), integrated/designated ELD strategies, and bilingual education frameworks.
• Proven track record in system-level leadership, leveraging robust multi-level data analysis (e.g., ELPAC, ELPI, reclassification) to refine academic strategy, lead data-review cycles, and continuously elevate scalable initiatives across multiple schools.
• Strong management skills with experience coaching diverse, cross-functional teams, fostering an inclusive culture, and guiding adult learners through complex change management.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building abilities to collaborate with teachers, school leaders, superintendents, and home office staff.
• Solid understanding of state and federal regulations, compliance, and funding streams supporting multilingual learners, often referred to as “English Learners” (e.g., Title II).
• Unwavering dedication to uplifting systemically underserved scholars and building equitable educational opportunities in urban public schools.
• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• 4+ years of school leadership or systems leadership experience in bilingual education,language acquisition instruction, English language development,, or a related field
• 5+ years of classroom bilingual or language development teaching experience in an urban school setting required (preferably middle and high school).

Nice To Haves

• The strongest candidates will bring a commitment to Alliance’s mission of building an anti-racist, pro-Black community that prioritizes the success and well-being of Black and Brown scholars. Candidates should have a passion for promoting equity through anti-racist, student-centered teaching practices that celebrate racial and cultural identities. This role is rooted in service to systemically underserved communities in Los Angeles, helping scholars graduate “college-ready” with pride in who they are.

Responsibilities

• Build upon and strengthen our established ELD strategy and academic model, ensuring high-quality instructional materials directly support scholar growth, English Learner Progress Indicator (ELPI) results, sense of belonging, and Graduate Profile goals.
• Continuously improve our core academic framework across curriculum, Designated and Integrated ELD, assessments, and targeted scholar supports to stay aligned with network goals.
• Lead ongoing, routine data analysis for multilingual learners by combining quantitative metrics (ELPAC, ELPI, reclassification rates, and benchmark assessments) with real-time classroom observations to track progress, pinpoint effective practices, and deliver tailored support.
• Facilitate regular data-review routines with school leadership and the Diverse Learners team to monitor scholar growth, refine coaching strategies, and adjust supports, especially for long-term multilingual learners (LTMLLs).
• Help administrators and teachers select and effectively use curriculum materials, supplemental resources, and instructional technology for multilingual scholars.
• Strengthen targeted systems that accelerate growth for LTMLLs and monitor RFEP scholars post-reclassification to ensure long-term success.
• Work across Diverse Learners and Teaching & Learning teams to design a thoughtful, year-long learning plan that keeps our goals for multilingual learners front and center.
• Listen closely to what teachers and leaders need on the ground, creating flexible, tailored support that builds naturally on network-wide efforts.
• Lead engaging sessions on English Language Development that model strong teaching practices and give educators practical, ready-to-use tools for their classrooms.
• Partner with content Directors and Specialists across the Home Office to build our collective muscle in Integrated ELD strategies so everyone shares responsibility for multilingual learner success.
• Guide, support, develop, and mentor two Instructional Specialists, offering regular coaching, constructive feedback, and opportunities to stretch and grow; utilizing qualitative and quantitative data
• Build genuine, trusting relationships with school leaders, teachers, and staff, emphasizing real partnership and growth alongside meeting operational requirements.
• Share a clear, inspiring vision for multilingual learner success that brings people together and highlights wins across our schools.
• Listen thoughtfully to different points of view, using data, research, and a deep understanding of school life to keep us moving forward together.
• Create open channels for feedback so our work stays grounded in real school needs while maintaining consistency across the network.
• Work in Partnership with the Director, Diverse Learner Compliance to handle ELD requirements as a unified team.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries commensurate with experience
• Generous retirement and health benefits
• Relocation bonus of $5,000 for individuals and $7,500 for new staff with families/partners
• $500 per year for professional development expenses
• $400 work-from-home set-up allowance
• Monthly stipend of $100

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director