Director of Culture and Learning

About Umoja Community Education Foundation

Umoja is a dedicated community of educators and students working toward academic achievement, personal development, and full self-realization of African American and other learners. The foundation emphasizes educating the whole student—integrating body, mind, and spirit—guided by an ethic of love that empowers students as active creators of knowledge and critical thinking, fostering their value and worthiness in education.

Position Overview

The Director of Culture and Learning holds a senior leadership position within the Programs and Learning division, tasked with promoting culturally responsive teaching methods and an African-centered educational approach organization-wide. This role encompasses leading the creation and nurturing of curricula, professional development programs, and organizational culture rooted in African-centered philosophies and diverse ways of knowing.

This position impacts not only the pedagogical resources for Umoja's extensive network of over 83 campuses but also enriches the cultural atmosphere and learning practices within the foundation's internal operations. The director serves as both a thought leader and practitioner deeply versed in African diaspora scholarship, integrating these insights into Umoja's educational mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide the design and facilitation of culturally grounded ceremonial and grounding practices for organizational events and team meetings.
• Act as a strategic partner across departments to embed African-centered values in organizational culture, communication, and methodologies.
• Create and deliver professional training that enhances staff understanding of African-centered education, culturally responsive teaching, and diasporic scholarship.
• Curate scholarly resources that inform the organization's cultural and pedagogical strategies.
• Develop, codify, and refine curriculum frameworks for flagship programs such as the Summer Learning Institute, Faculty Institute, Annual Conference, regional symposia, and Student Leadership Summit.
• Maintain structured documentation of program goals, activities, and agendas to ensure consistency and scalability.
• Lead curriculum committee efforts and advise leadership on integrating innovative teaching practices and technologies.
• Provide expert insight into educational theory and research focusing on serving African American and diverse student populations.
• Design teaching materials including lesson plans, interactive activities, facilitation guides, and presentations that reflect Umoja's educational philosophy.
• Manage strategic and operational functions related to practitioner training and development, including planning, impact assessment, and evaluation.
• Establish training frameworks that equip campus staff with culturally rooted instructional skills.
• Support campus programs by offering resources, training, and technical help to enhance Umoja initiatives.
• Report on professional development progress and outcomes to leadership.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align programming, events, and content with Umoja's mission.
• Participate in external workgroups, committees, and partnerships representing Umoja as designated.
• Identify and implement learning technologies to improve resource accessibility for stakeholders.
• Stay updated through ongoing research and professional development in African-centered education and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Maintain detailed electronic records for all training projects and submit required reports.
• Perform additional duties as needed.

Application Queries

• Provide your earliest possible start date.
• Confirm if the salary range of $95,000 to $115,000 per year meets your expectations with brief explanation if not.
• Submit a link to a professional profile that reflects your experience.
• Describe a past experience designing or leading African-centered or culturally responsive learning sessions, including context, audience, and outcomes.
• Explain your experience integrating cultural practices within organizational settings and its impact.
• Identify scholars or theoretical perspectives informing your work and their alignment with Umoja’s mission of holistic education through African-centered values and love.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, curriculum development, Africana studies, ethnic or cultural studies, or related fields; doctorate preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in culturally responsive or African-centered educational practices, preferably in higher education or community-based settings.
• Strong foundation in African-centered philosophy and pedagogy, including diasporic traditions and culturally responsive teaching techniques.
• Proven ability to design and deliver staff professional development across various formats (in-person, hybrid, online).
• Understanding of adult learning theories and andragogy.
• Experience in leadership roles for curriculum committees or faculty development programs.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365, familiar with learning management systems and multimedia tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in African-centered Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Cultural Studies, or related disciplines.
• Experience with African-centered institutions that include ceremonial and cultural practices in their educational models.
• Portfolio of scholarship, publication, or public engagement focused on African-centered education.
• Familiarity with California Community College system or Umoja’s community college context.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for various audiences.
• Excellent organizational and project management capabilities to handle multiple priorities.
• Capacity to create educational materials such as facilitator guides and manuals.
• Knowledge of instructional design methods, storyboarding, and program evaluation frameworks.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse groups while staying aligned with Umoja’s values and mission.

Benefits and Compensation

Umoja offers full medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees at no cost, paid holidays, a supportive work environment, and a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The salary ranges between $95,000 and $115,000 per year. Umoja is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion across all employment practices.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodation

Employment decisions are based solely on business needs and qualifications without discrimination on any protected basis. Applicants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations as mandated by ADA and California FEHA. Contact the HR department for accommodation requests during application or interview processes.