Join the Upstander Project team

Call for Applications

ASSISTANT LEARNING DIRECTOR

LOCATION

Must live within a two-hour drive of Greater Boston.

Up to 25% of the work will be completed in-person around Greater Boston and Maine (all travel expenses covered), with the remaining work to be done remotely from home.

ABOUT UPSTANDER PROJECT

Founded seventeen years ago, Upstander Project uses storytelling to amplify silenced narratives, develop upstander skills to challenge systemic injustice, and nurture compassionate, courageous relationships that honor the interconnection of all beings and the Earth. Upstander Project’s work is rooted in our vision for the future and our mission for today. Every project we embark on, event we host, and workshop we facilitate is part of our effort to move toward the better world we believe we can build together.

Upstander Project produces documentary films and associated learning resources, reaching audiences widely and deeply. Over 2.2 million aspiring upstanders have watched Upstander Project’s films, over 20,000 educators have attended Upstander Project community learning events, and over 70,000 students have been taught by Upstander Academy alumni.

Position Summary

Upstander Project seeks an enthusiastic, thoughtful, and skilled assistant learning director to support the Upstander Academy for Teachers, the Upstander Academy for Faith Leaders, and related genocide education programming in schools. In keeping with our documentary film catalog, Upstander Project focuses on genocide that targeted the First Peoples of this land for extermination, as well as post-genocide Rwanda. Tasked with contributing to and supporting the implementation of the vision and goals set by Upstander Academy’s co-directors and Upstander Project’s learning director, the ideal candidate will be curious, collaborative, devoted to community-building, relationally-oriented, committed to learning and un-learning for healing and justice, hard-working, resourceful, and mission-driven.

The assistant learning director will be responsible for logistics and contribute to the planning and implementation of the annual Upstander Academies and related Upstander Academy trainings and workshops; the organization and co-facilitation of continued learning and engagement with Upstander Academy alumni communities of practice; support for the creation and dissemination of Upstander Project’s learning materials; and collaboration with the entire Upstander Project team in broad outreach and engagement. Organization, flexibility, and an ability to see both the big picture and have an eye for detail are critical for this role, which will be both in the field for Upstander Academy and school-based workshops and working remotely to support the design and implementation of programming.

Some evenings and weekends during pre-scheduled workshops will be required for this role.

CANDIDATE Qualifications and Skills

The ideal candidate for this position will bring a diversity of experience and an enthusiasm to learn new knowledge and skills. They will be passionate about the survivance of the First Peoples of this land, and have a strong commitment to un-learning settler colonial narratives and to the un-erasure of “twistory.” They will be humble, practice deep listening, and live, breathe, and feel the power of collaboration.

Our ideal candidate will demonstrate:

  • Unwavering commitment to storytelling and truth-telling about hard and hidden history; 

  • Passion for collaborating with teachers, students, and other educators and learners;

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and capacity for discretion, compassion, self-reflection, and cultural humility to effectively relate to and work with a variety of partners and stakeholders;

  • Comfort working independently in a remote environment and with a variety of teams, both virtually and in-person;

  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including communication with a variety of people and groups using different formats;

  • Demonstrate experience and competence in managing large, complex projects, including those that include in-person and remote event components;

  • An understanding of digital humanities and use of a variety of e-platforms;

  • Have enthusiasm for relationship-building with Upstander Academy faculty and participants, organizational partners, and external stakeholders;

  • Possess at least a master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional, community, or lived experience. Candidates without an advanced degree are encouraged to apply. 

Preferred experience and qualifications include:

  • K-12 education, preferably in the classroom;

  • Curriculum design, professional development creation and facilitation, and/or teacher training; 

  • Proven track record with project administration and reporting;

  • Knowledge of Native history and contemporary realities.

The successful candidate will join the Learning Team and report to Upstander Project’s co-founder and learning director, Dr. Mishy Lesser. This position has potential for career advancement. 

Upstander Project is an organization committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Upstander Project is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Applicants from all underrepresented groups, including Indigenous persons, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION

Salary range: $80,000 to $90,000. Commensurate with experience. 

Benefits: Upstander Project offers full-time employees unlimited paid time off, contribution towards home office set-up, modest monthly Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA), and a 401k with an end-of-year employer contribution after one year of employment.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume/CV, as separate PDF files, to Nessie Ruiz, vice president and operations director, at nessie@upstanderproject.org. Please make the subject line of your email “assistant learning director”.

Applications received by September 1, 2026, will receive priority consideration. However, applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.