Professional Learning Specialist - Los Angeles-Based position

Position Description The Professional Learning Specialist supports the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of CharacterStrong’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), with a primary focus on serving partners in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). This role requires demonstrated expertise across Tiers 1, 2, and 3, with the ability to design and facilitate high-quality professional learning that supports implementation at every tier of support. Working in close partnership with the Director of Professional Learning Content and the broader Professional Services and Curriculum teams, the Professional Learning Specialist contributes to the development of professional learning content, facilitates engaging virtual professional development, and provides coaching and follow-up support to educators and school teams. This role serves as a primary service provider for LAUSD and select partner districts, ensuring coherent, aligned, and impactful MTSS implementation. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in multi-tiered systems of support, including the integration of PBIS, SEL, and academic practices, and is skilled in translating complex systems into actionable practices for educators. This role is well-suited for an experienced facilitator and coach who is passionate about adult learning, MTSS implementation, and supporting educators at scale while maintaining a strong local presence in the Greater Los Angeles area. Preferred candidates will also have experience in educational leadership or school-based roles—such as principal, assistant principal, district leader, instructional coach, counselor, or similar positions—and a strong understanding of the day-to-day realities, challenges, and opportunities within K–12 systems. CharacterStrong's Background & Mission CharacterStrong, a FullBloom Company , is a fast-paced, tech education company that makes PreK-12 digital, social-emotional learning curricula and offers professional learning opportunities to support schools with implementation. There’s currently a team of more than 130 full-time employees and over 40 contractors and interns collaborating to bring this work to life. Our mission is to create a more loving world by equipping educators with tools to teach the critical social, emotional, and character skills necessary to foster a more empathetic, connected, and generous world. In less than 10 years, our aim is to have reached 50 million students and over 2 million educators. We were ranked by INC. as the 449th fastest-growing private company in the country. At CharacterStrong, you will have the opportunity to positively impact education, both in the United States and internationally. CharacterStrong employees offer their innovation, dedication to excellence, and compassion to help produce transformational curricula and professional learning for educators. CharacterStrong’s Company Values & Norms We Produce Excellence - Producing timely, quality results and consistently asking the question, “How can we make this 1% better?” We Take Full Ownership - Taking the initiative to drive work forward, demonstrating responsibility when things do not go according to plan, and proactively closing identified gaps. We Practice Kindness - Exercising inclusion, care, and empathy with others, balancing honesty with compassion, and cultivating the well-being of self and others. We Problem-Solve - Identifying issues, analyzing for understanding, and taking action to implement the best possible solution. Key Responsibilities Professional Learning Delivery & Coaching Facilitate engaging, high-quality in-person and virtual professional learning sessions aligned to CharacterStrong’s curriculum (Tiers 1, 2, and 3) and implementation practices Provide virtual coaching calls and follow-up support to educators and school teams to strengthen implementation fidelity and impact. Serve as a lead Professional Learning Specialist for LAUSD partners, building strong relationships with school and district leaders. Support in-person sessions or district events within the greater LA area. Content Development & Continuous Improvement Collaborate with the Director of Professional Learning Content to design, refine, and improve CharacterStrong professional learning content, materials, and session structures. Contribute to the development and updating of content for CharacterStrong’s On-Demand Professional Development platform. Partner with Curriculum and Product teams to ensure PD content aligns with curriculum updates and educator needs. Share field insights from LAUSD and other partners to inform ongoing improvements to content and services. Implementation & Partnership Support Support schools and districts in understanding adult readiness, implementation stages, and effective PD structures. Help customize professional learning experiences to meet district goals while maintaining alignment to CharacterStrong frameworks. Act as a thought partner to educators around MTSS Tier 1, 2, and 3 practices and whole-staff engagement. Collaboration & Team Contribution Work closely with the Professional Services team to align facilitation practices, tools, and messaging. Participate in team meetings and reflective improvement cycles. Model CharacterStrong’s values in all interactions with educators, partners, and teammates. Knowledge, Skills, & Dispositions Skilled facilitator and coach of adult learners Strong collaborator and communicator Self-driven with integrity to commitments Growth-oriented mindset (1% better) Organized, detail-oriented, and responsive Empathetic, culturally responsive, and student-centered Work Environment & Travel Remote role with consistent virtual facilitation and meetings. Local travel within the greater LA area for district or school support as needed. Occasional regional or national travel for team and in-person professional development events. Other Duties Performs other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Must reside within approximately 40 miles of the greater Los Angeles area and be able to support LAUSD partners. 3+ years of experience facilitating professional learning for educators, including virtual delivery. Experience as a school or district administrator, instructional coach, counselor, classroom teacher, or in a similar school-based role. Strong understanding of adult learning theory and facilitation best practices. Demonstrated ability to build relationships and trust with educators and school leaders. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. High level of organization and ability to manage multiple projects and timelines. Comfort using virtual platforms and tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, Google Slides, Google Workspace). Experience working with large urban districts, particularly LAUSD. Background in social-emotional learning, MTSS, PBIS, or whole-child initiatives. Experience contributing to professional learning content development or curriculum design. Familiarity with implementation science or coaching for fidelity. Experience using project/content tools such as Notion or a learning management system. Benefit Package New laptop computer and other needed equipment Annual Individual Budget for Professional Development of $1,000 401k Savings Plan with employer contribution Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program, Mental Health Support, and Well-Being Programs 3 weeks Company-Paid Parental Leave (after 6 months of active employment) Flexible Time Off, 6 Paid Sick Days, 11 Paid Company Holidays CharacterStrong views diversity and the unique ways team members establish connections with our student and educator populations as an asset. Our goal is to ensure we have a team at CharacterStrong which reflects the diverse student population we serve. CharacterStrong is an equal opportunity employer. We provide for fair treatment of all employees based on merit. In accordance with applicable law, race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and transgender status), marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law does not affect employment opportunities or practices such as hiring, promotion, development opportunities, pay, or benefits. CharacterStrong complies with all applicable federal, state, and local labor laws. Learn more about us at CharacterStrong.com!