What are the responsibilities and job description for the North Star Fellowship position at The Mind Trust?
Growing Great Leaders
The North Star Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for exceptional school leaders to develop and launch new charter schools for Connecticut families. According to a report from the Connecticut Charter Schools Association, during the 2023-2024 school year, more than 5,000 Connecticut students were on a waitlist to enroll in a public charter school. The fellowship supports the growth of new school models, replication of existing models, or expansion of existing schools.
Like the Indiana Charter School Fellowship, North Star Fellows will have the opportunity to sharpen their leadership, perfect their school model, and collaborate with other leaders to create a high-quality public school. Fellows receive tailored support to design a school that meets real community needs, delivers strong academic results, and has sustainable operational and financial systems. Through one-on-one coaching, visits to high-performing schools across the country, access to expert partners, and protected time to plan, North Star Fellows leave the program with a clear path to launching or growing a great school.
The Mind Trust has supported the growth of some of Indianapolis’ largest and most effective charter school networks, including Christel House Indianapolis, Herron Classical Schools, KIPP Indy Schools, Paramount Schools of Excellence, and Purdue Polytechnic High Schools.
North Star Fellowship experience
North Star Fellows are paid one or two full years of a competitive salary with healthcare and benefits. Additionally, Fellows have access to a wide variety of supports, including:
- Personalized coaching and support from a network of educational and executive leaders.
- Collaboration with a cohort of education leaders who care deeply about community, possess similar goals, and come from diverse backgrounds.
- Opportunities to travel and engage with leaders at some of the nation’s most innovative schools.
- Access to expertise and feedback on the school development, Connecticut charter approval, launch, and local community engagement processes.
- Opportunities for ongoing support once the school is launched.
Qualifications
The North Star Fellowship is looking for applicants who are ready and excited to engage in a charter school development and launch process in Connecticut. A candidate for the North Star Fellowship will possess these qualities:
- Experience managing teams of adults to achieve outstanding results for students.
- An ambitious, laser-like focus on academic achievement for all students
- An unwavering belief that all students and communities deserve the opportunity to thrive.
- An entrepreneurial drive that uses resilience, fortitude, and visionary solutions to overcome challenges
- Able to live and work in Connecticut by the start of the fellowship in late summer 2026.
North Star Fellowship selection process
The North Star Fellowship application process is now open. Click here to begin your application. The deadline for applications is January 4, 2026.
- Letter of Intent (LOI)
- Full Application (by invitation following LOI)
- Panel Interviews
- Final Selection Committee for Recommendations
- Offers to Selected Fellows
Compensation:
$125,000 - 150,000 based on experience
Salary : $125,000 - $150,000