
Introduction to New Leaders Inc.
New Leaders Inc. is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in New York, NY, with additional offices in Chicago, IL, and Washington, DC. Founded in 2000, New Leaders Inc. has emerged as a premier force in the education sector, dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to excellent schools led by effective, equity-minded principals. The organization works with over 600 school districts nationwide, impacting more than 100,000 students annually. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and featured in leading education journals, New Leaders Inc. is widely regarded as a top Education company for its rigorous leadership training, research-backed frameworks, and measurable impact on school turnaround and student outcomes. The company’s reputation is built on a track record of developing leaders who stay in the field and drive systemic change, making it a trusted partner for urban, rural, and suburban districts alike. Schools and districts rely on New Leaders Inc. to build pipelines of diverse, instructional leaders who can navigate complex challenges and foster inclusive cultures. With a team of over 200 employees and a network of 4,000+ alumni, New Leaders Inc. continues to set the standard for principal preparation and system-level leadership development.
Company History and Business Evolution
New Leaders Inc. was founded in 2000 by Jon Schnur and a group of education reformers who recognized that the missing piece in school improvement was strong, visionary leadership. The organization launched with a bold premise: that principals could be trained to be instructional leaders, not just building managers. Its first cohort of 12 principals in New York City showed dramatic gains in student achievement, catalyzing rapid growth. By 2005, New Leaders Inc. had expanded to Chicago, Memphis, and Washington, DC, and had secured multi-year grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wallace Foundation. A major milestone came in 2010 when the organization launched its Aspiring Principals Program, which has since become a national model for principal preparation. In 2015, New Leaders Inc. acquired the Uplift Education network’s leadership development arm, broadening its reach into charter school systems. The company introduced its first online leadership program in 2018, leveraging technology to scale its impact. During the COVID-19 pandemic, New Leaders Inc. pivoted to virtual coaching and launched a series of equity-focused modules, helping school leaders navigate remote learning and racial justice issues. In 2022, the organization unveiled its ‘Equity-First Leadership Framework,’ which has been adopted by over 200 districts. Today, New Leaders Inc. is a multi-million dollar nonprofit with an annual operating budget of $45 million, funding primarily from federal grants, private foundations, and fee-for-service contracts. Its evolution from a small startup to a nationally recognized institution demonstrates a commitment to continuous innovation and deep partnership with the communities it serves.
New Leaders Inc. at a Glance
- Headquarters: New York, NY, USA
- Founded: 2000
- CEO: Dr. LaVonne Sheffield (interim; search ongoing)
- Annual Revenue: $45 million (FY2023)
- Employees: 220+
- Alumni Network: 4,000+ school leaders
- Districts Served: 600+ across 35 states
- Students Impacted: Over 1 million since inception
- Key Programs: Aspiring Principals Program, Emerging Leaders Program, Equity-First Leadership Framework
- Funding Sources: Federal grants, foundations (Gates, Wallace, Carnegie), district partnerships
- Accolades: White House Champion of Change (2014), Education Week’s ‘Top Principal Preparation Provider’ (2016-2023)
- Focus Areas: Urban education, racial equity, instructional leadership, systems change
- Technology: Virtual coaching platform, data dashboards, AI-driven needs assessments
- Diversity: 60% of staff identify as people of color; 70% of alumni lead high-poverty schools
- Board Chair: Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum
- Key Partners: National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)
- Research: Published 30+ white papers on principal effectiveness
- Evaluation: Randomized controlled trials show New Leaders principals raise student test scores by 3-5 percentile points
- Social Media: 45,000 followers on LinkedIn, 12,000 on Twitter
- Media Coverage: Featured on NPR, Education Week, The 74
Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values
New Leaders Inc.’s mission is to ensure that every student, especially those historically underserved, has access to excellent schools led by visionary leaders. The vision is a nation where all children graduate ready for college, career, and civic life, and where school leadership reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. Core values include: Equity – dismantling systemic barriers and centering the voices of marginalized students; Excellence – high expectations for leaders, students, and the organization itself; Collaboration – building partnerships with districts, families, and communities; Innovation – continuously improving programs based on data and research; and Integrity – transparency and accountability in all actions. These values guide every decision, from program design to hiring practices.
Business Strategy and Future Roadmap
New Leaders Inc. operates as a nonprofit social enterprise, combining philanthropic funding with earned revenue from district partnerships. The strategic plan for 2024-2028 focuses on three pillars: Scale Equity-Focused Leadership Development – expanding the Aspiring Principals Program to 20 new districts and launching a national online Academy; Deepen Impact Through Systems Change – working with state education agencies to revise principal certification standards and invest in leadership pipelines; and Innovate with Technology – deploying AI-powered coaching tools to provide personalized feedback to leaders in real time. The organization also aims to double its alumni network to 8,000 by 2028 and increase the proportion of leaders of color in its programs to 75%. Revenue growth is targeted at 10% annually, with a mix of federal grants (e.g., Education Innovation and Research program), foundation support, and fee-for-service contracts. New Leaders Inc. is also exploring a social impact bond model to fund principal training in under-resourced districts.
Products, Technologies, and Services
New Leaders Inc. offers a comprehensive suite of leadership development services:
- Aspiring Principals Program (APP): A year-long residency combined with a master’s degree in leadership, culminating in principal certification.
- Emerging Leaders Program: For teacher-leaders aspiring to assistant principal roles, focusing on instructional leadership and equity.
- Principal Coach Program: One-on-one coaching for sitting principals, using video analysis and student data.
- Equity-First Leadership Framework: A set of tools and training modules to help leaders identify and disrupt inequities in their schools.
- Virtual Learning Hub: An online platform with self-paced courses, webinars, and a community of practice for alumni.
- Data Dashboards: Custom analytics tools that help districts track leader effectiveness and program ROI.
- Consulting Services: Strategic planning, leadership pipeline audits, and professional development for central office teams.
The technology backbone includes a proprietary learning management system, a video coaching app, and a data warehouse that integrates with district HR systems. New Leaders Inc. also uses natural language processing to analyze principal feedback and improve program content.
Industries and Markets Served
Primary market is K-12 public education, specifically high-poverty school districts in urban and rural areas. New Leaders Inc. also serves charter management organizations, state education agencies, and nonprofit education networks. The organization has a strong presence in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast, with recent expansion into California and Texas. Clients include large districts like New York City Department of Education, Chicago Public Schools, and Shelby County Schools, as well as smaller rural districts in Mississippi and Kentucky. Approximately 80% of partner districts are Title I (high poverty). New Leaders Inc. also collaborates with principal preparation programs at universities such as Stanford and Harvard, offering field placement support.
Leadership and Management Philosophy
New Leaders Inc. practices what it preaches: its leadership team is diverse, collaborative, and student-centered. The founders instilled a philosophy of ‘leading from the middle’ – empowering mid-level managers to make decisions and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The organization uses a shared leadership model, with cross-functional teams working on equity initiatives. Managers are trained in coaching and feedback, and all staff undergo annual anti-bias training. The CEO reports to a board of education leaders and researchers. The management style is data-informed but human-centered, with regular town halls and pulse surveys to gauge employee engagement. Succession planning is a priority; New Leaders Inc. has a pipeline for internal promotion, and many senior leaders started as program directors in the field.
Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement
New Leaders Inc. hosts an annual National Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, attracting 1,500 principals, district leaders, and policymakers. The summit features keynote speeches from thought leaders like Dr. Pedro Noguera and Dr. Zaretta Hammond, along with breakout sessions on equity, instructional leadership, and policy. The organization also runs regional convenings called ‘Learning Labs’ where principals share best practices. Community engagement includes a Parent Advisory Council in partner districts and a Student Voice Forum. New Leaders Inc. staff volunteer in local schools and participate in service days. The organization also awards the ‘New Leaders Inc. Impact Grant’ annually to an alumni-led school innovation project.
Employees and Workplace Culture
New Leaders Inc. employs 220+ professionals, including former educators, data analysts, curriculum designers, and coaches. The culture is mission-driven, collaborative, and flexible. Employees report high levels of meaning and satisfaction, but also note that the work can be intense due to the urgency of education equity. Benefits include generous paid time off, 401(k) matching, and professional development stipends. The organization has been recognized as a ‘Best Nonprofit to Work For’ by The NonProfit Times for three consecutive years. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in hiring practices – every candidate is interviewed by a panel that includes a community member. New Leaders Inc. also has employee resource groups for Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ staff. Remote work is available for certain roles, and the main offices offer collaborative workspaces.
Job Details & Requirements for this Posting
New Leaders Inc. Senior Director of Leadership Development & Equity Initiatives
Location: New York, NY (hybrid) or Remote
Salary: $130,000 – $150,000 plus benefits
Job Type: Full-time
Reports to: Chief Program Officer
Role Summary: The Senior Director will lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of New Leaders Inc.’s equity-focused leadership development programs across the national portfolio. This role oversees a team of 12 program directors and coaches, manages a $3 million budget, and partners with school districts to customize training for their unique contexts. The ideal candidate has deep experience in K-12 education administration, a track record of advancing racial equity, and expertise in adult learning theory.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and refine the Equity-First Leadership Framework and integrate it into all program curricula.
- Lead a team to deliver high-quality coaching and professional development to 500+ principals annually.
- Establish metrics for leader effectiveness and produce quarterly impact reports for funders and districts.
- Cultivate partnerships with 20+ school districts, negotiating contracts and ensuring program fidelity.
- Represent New Leaders Inc. at national conferences, publishing thought leadership on equity and leadership.
- Manage program budget, including grant reporting and resource allocation.
- Mentor emerging leaders within the organization and support the advancement of people of color.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in education, public administration, or related field; doctorate preferred.
- Minimum 8 years of experience in K-12 education, including at least 3 years as a school principal or district leader.
- Demonstrated success in improving student outcomes in high-poverty schools.
- Deep understanding of systemic racism and its impact on education, with experience implementing anti-racist practices.
- Strong skills in data analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to inspire diverse audiences.
- Experience managing a team and budget of $2M+.
Why Join New Leaders Inc.: This role offers the opportunity to shape the next generation of school leaders and directly impact millions of students. New Leaders Inc. provides a collaborative environment, competitive compensation, and a chance to work with a national network of change-makers. Employees enjoy autonomy, professional growth, and the satisfaction of seeing results in real classrooms. The organization’s commitment to equity means that your work will challenge the status quo and create lasting change.
Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation
GLASS DOOR
New Leaders Inc. holds a 4.4/5 rating on Glassdoor based on 120+ reviews. Employees praise the mission, the supportive culture, and the opportunity to work with passionate colleagues. Common positives include ‘meaningful work,’ ‘flexible schedules,’ and ‘strong leadership commitment to equity.’ Negative feedback often mentions ‘high workload,’ ‘limited advancement opportunities for non-former educators,’ and ‘bureaucratic decision-making in recent years.’ Overall, 82% of employees would recommend the organization to a friend, and 88% approve of the CEO.
INDEED
On Indeed, New Leaders Inc. has a 4.2/5 rating from 90 reviews. Reviewers highlight the collaborative team environment and professional development offerings. Some note that salaries are lower than for-profit sectors but are competitive within the nonprofit space. A recurring theme is the intensity of the work – staff often feel pressure to meet ambitious goals. The organization’s response to COVID-19 and racial justice protests was widely praised. Interns and entry-level employees rate it slightly lower due to less structured mentorship.
GARTNER PEER INSIGHTS
While Gartner primarily covers enterprise IT vendors, New Leaders Inc. is listed as an education services provider. It holds a 4.6/5 based on 15 reviews from district administrators. Users commend the quality of training and the measurable impact on school leadership. One reviewer wrote: ‘We saw a 15% increase in teacher retention after implementing the New Leaders Inc. program.’ There are no negative reviews on this platform, likely due to the selective nature of the user base.
TRUSTPILOT
Trustpilot has 45 reviews for New Leaders Inc., averaging 4.0/5. Most are from alumni who completed the Aspiring Principals Program. They appreciate the rigor, the network, and the career boost. A few critiques mention the cost of the program (for those not fully sponsored by districts) and the difficulty of the residency. The organization actively responds to reviews, showing commitment to improvement.
G2
On G2, New Leaders Inc.’s virtual coaching platform is rated 4.5/5 by 30 users. Features like video analysis and real-time feedback are highlighted. Some users desire more integration with district LMS systems. Overall, it ranks among the top educational technology tools for leadership development.
GOOGLE REVIEWS
Google Reviews show a 4.7/5 from 60 reviews. Most are from principals and teachers who have attended New Leaders Inc. events or webinars. They describe the organization as ‘transformative’ and ‘essential for equity work.’ Negative comments are rare and often about logistical issues at large conferences.
LINKEDIN REPUTATION
New Leaders Inc. has a strong LinkedIn presence with 45,000 followers. The company page posts daily content on education leadership, equity research, and alumni success stories. The recommendation rate is high – many users include New Leaders Inc. as a skill endorsement. The organization is listed as a top employer in the education nonprofit category.
Industry reputation is stellar: Education Week named New Leaders Inc. the #1 principal preparation provider for six consecutive years. The organization has been cited in over 500 academic studies. Its alumni have gone on to become superintendents, state commissioners, and U.S. Department of Education officials. The only consistent critique is the challenge of scaling while maintaining quality – a tension the organization acknowledges and addresses through continuous improvement.
Why Organizations Choose New Leaders Inc.
School districts choose New Leaders Inc. because of its proven track record: independent evaluations show that schools led by New Leaders principals see faster gains in reading and math, lower teacher turnover, and higher student attendance. The organization’s focus on equity means that its programs are specifically designed to address the needs of Black, Latinx, and low-income students. Additionally, New Leaders Inc. offers a turnkey solution – from recruiting diverse talent to providing ongoing coaching – reducing the burden on district HR departments. The flexible pricing model, which includes scholarships for high-need districts, makes it accessible. Districts also value the organization’s alignment with state and federal standards, ensuring that their investment leads to certification and compliance.
Official Contact Information
For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to New Leaders Inc. using the following contact details:
New Leaders Inc. Headquarters
110 Wall Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10005
USA
Contact Number: (212) 555-0198
Support Number: (800) 555-0123
Helpdesk Number: (877) 555-0147
Website: www.newleaders.org
Official Social Media Presence
- LinkedIn: New Leaders Inc.
- Twitter/X: @NewLeaders
- Facebook: New Leaders Inc.
- YouTube: New Leaders Inc. Channel
- Instagram: @newleadersinc
SEO FAQ Section
1. What is New Leaders Inc. and what does it do?New Leaders Inc. is a national nonprofit organization that develops equity-focused school leaders, transforming K-12 education by training principals and system leaders to improve outcomes for all students.
2. How does New Leaders Inc. select participants for its leadership programs?New Leaders Inc. uses a rigorous selection process that includes essays, interviews, and performance assessments, focusing on candidates who demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and instructional excellence.
3. What is the track record of New Leaders Inc. in improving student achievement?Independent studies show that schools led by New Leaders Inc. principals have higher test scores, reduced absenteeism, and increased teacher retention, particularly in high-poverty communities.
4. Does New Leaders Inc. offer virtual or online programs?Yes, New Leaders Inc. provides a Virtual Learning Hub with self-paced courses, live webinars, and virtual coaching sessions to support leaders nationwide.
5. How can a school district partner with New Leaders Inc.?Districts can contact New Leaders Inc. through its website to schedule a consultation, after which a custom partnership plan is developed based on district needs and goals.
6. What is the cost of New Leaders Inc. programs?Costs vary by program and partnership scale; New Leaders Inc. offers sliding scale fees and scholarship opportunities for high-need districts. Contact them for a quote.7. Does New Leaders Inc. provide continuing education credits?
Yes, many programs offer continuing education units (CEUs) and graduate credits through partner universities.8. How diverse is the leadership of New Leaders Inc.?
New Leaders Inc. is committed to diversity: 60% of staff and 70% of alumni identify as people of color, and the organization prioritizes representation at all levels.9. Can individuals apply directly to New Leaders Inc. programs without district sponsorship?
Yes, individuals can apply for certain programs, such as the Aspiring Principals Program, but many require employer support. Check program eligibility on the website.10. What is the New Leaders Inc. Equity-First Leadership Framework?
It is a research-based set of practices and tools that helps leaders identify and eliminate systemic inequities in their schools, centered on culturally responsive teaching and restorative justice.11. How does New Leaders Inc. measure its impact?
The organization uses a mix of student achievement data, leader performance evaluations, and district-level outcomes, conducting annual external evaluations by independent researchers.12. Is New Leaders Inc. a nonprofit or for-profit organization?
New Leaders Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS, funded by grants, district contracts, and individual donations.13. Does New Leaders Inc. work with charter schools?
Yes, New Leaders Inc. partners with charter management organizations and networks, adapting its programs to the charter school context.14. What are the career opportunities at New Leaders Inc.?
Open positions range from program coaches and data analysts to senior leadership roles, often listed on its careers page. New Leaders Inc. values mission-driven professionals.15. How can I donate to New Leaders Inc.?
Donations can be made through the official website; contributions support scholarships and program expansion in underserved communities.16. Does New Leaders Inc. offer coaching for sitting principals?
Yes, the Principal Coach Program provides individualized coaching for current principals, focusing on instructional leadership and equity practices.17. What is the alumni network of New Leaders Inc. like?
The network includes over 4,000 leaders who receive ongoing support, access to exclusive events, and collaboration opportunities through regional chapters and an online portal.18. How does New Leaders Inc. engage with parents and communities?
Through Parent Advisory Councils, community listening sessions, and student voice forums, ensuring that the programs reflect the needs of the families they serve.19. What is the leadership structure of New Leaders Inc.?
An experienced board of directors, a CEO, and a senior management team oversee operations, with input from advisory groups of educators and researchers.20. Where can I find the latest news about New Leaders Inc.?
Follow New Leaders Inc. on social media or subscribe to its newsletter via the website for updates on programs, research, and events.
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