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How to Propose Candidates for Alpha Schools Roles

Purpose​

This document outlines the process and criteria for proposing candidates for roles at Alpha Schools. The goal is to ensure we identify and hire individuals who align with Alpha's unique approach to education and can contribute effectively to our mission of cultivating world-changing leaders.

Prerequisites​

1. Role Definition​

Before proposing a candidate, ensure the role is clearly defined:

  • If proposing a candidate for an existing role, reference the approved role description.
  • If proposing a candidate when no role exists yet, first submit a separate "New Role Proposal" document outlining:
    • The need this role would address
    • How this role aligns with Alpha's mission
    • Key responsibilities and objectives
    • Reporting structure and integration with existing teams
    • Required budget implications
    • Success metrics for the role

2. Understanding of Alpha Schools' Mission and Approach​

Ensure you have a clear understanding of:

  • Alpha's educational philosophy
  • The specific objectives of the particular Alpha School for which the role is intended
  • The current challenges and opportunities facing the school

Candidate Proposal Template​

1. Basic Information​

  • Candidate Name:
  • Proposed Role:
  • Current/Previous Position:
  • Contact Information:
  • How You Know This Person:
  • Referral Source (if applicable):

2. Alignment with Alpha Criteria​

Practical Intelligence Assessment​

Practical intelligence is prioritized over traditional IQ metrics for most roles at Alpha Schools

  • Provide specific examples that demonstrate the candidate's ability to:
    • Enter unfamiliar situations and quickly understand dynamics
    • Make decisions that benefit the collective group
    • Adapt to changing circumstances
    • Solve real-world problems effectively

Past Experience Relevant to Role​

  • Detail relevant accomplishments that specifically relate to Alpha's needs
  • Highlight experience working with young people (if applicable)
  • Describe any entrepreneurial or innovative projects they've led
  • Note any experience in educational settings or mentorship roles

AI Literacy and Integration​

  • Describe the candidate's relationship with AI tools:
    • Which AI tools do they currently use and for what purposes?
    • How do they integrate AI into their workflow?
    • How do they approach teaching others to use AI effectively?
    • Do they understand both practical applications and ethical considerations of AI?

Interpersonal Skills and Cultural Fit​

  • Provide examples of how the candidate builds relationships
  • Describe their communication style and approach to collaboration
  • Explain how they handle disagreements or conflicts
  • Assess their ability to connect with and guide young people appropriately

Technical Skills (if applicable)​

  • List specific technical skills relevant to the role
  • Note proficiency levels and experience with relevant tools/platforms
  • Highlight any certifications or specialized training

3. Value Proposition​

Unique Perspective​

  • What distinctive perspective or expertise would this person bring to Alpha?
  • How does their background complement existing team members?

Performance Prediction​

  • Specific predictions for how this person would perform in key aspects of the role
  • Areas where they might need support or development

Alignment with Alpha's Future​

  • How this person could contribute to Alpha's long-term vision
  • Potential for growth within the organization

4. Compensation and Logistics​

Compensation Expectations​

  • Current compensation (if known)
  • Recommended compensation range (considering the guidance to pay generously - potentially double current compensation for exceptional candidates)
  • Any non-monetary benefits that might be important to this candidate

Availability and Timeline​

  • When could they potentially start?
  • Any known constraints or commitments?

Assessment Process Recommendations​

1. Initial Evaluation​

  • Review of written proposal by relevant decision-makers
  • Background research on the candidate

2. Interview Process​

  • Initial conversation with proposer and one other Alpha team member
  • Practical demonstration of skills related to the role
  • AI utilization assessment (observe how they use AI tools in real-time)
  • Meeting with students (if appropriate for the role)
  • Meeting with Joe or other key leaders

3. Decision Criteria​

  • Clear demonstration of practical intelligence
  • Alignment with Alpha's mission and values
  • Technical/specialized capabilities required for the role
  • Feedback from students and team members
  • Cultural fit with existing team

Follow-up and Onboarding​

1. Feedback Loop​

  • Whether the candidate is accepted or not, document the reasoning
  • Share learnings to improve future hiring processes

2. 90-Day Evaluation Plan​

  • Set clear expectations and metrics for the first 90 days
  • Schedule regular check-ins and feedback sessions
  • Document progress and challenges

Example Application​

Below is a simplified example of how this process might look for a hypothetical candidate:

Candidate Name: Alexandra Rivera
Proposed Role: In-house Developer (Student Project Support)

Practical Intelligence: Alexandra demonstrated exceptional practical intelligence when she joined a startup with no established development processes and quickly established systems that increased team productivity by 40% while improving code quality.

Past Experience: 5 years at tech startups, including 2 years mentoring junior developers. Created a weekend coding program for disadvantaged youth that has served over 100 students.

AI Literacy: Alexandra uses GPT-4 daily for code optimization and documentation. She's developed a framework for teaching non-technical people how to leverage AI for basic programming tasks.

Value Proposition: Alexandra would bring both technical expertise and teaching ability, allowing us to support student projects while building students' capacity to work effectively with technical teams.

Compensation: Currently earning $120K. Recommend offering $200K to secure this exceptional talent who could transform our capacity to support student technical projects.

Submitting Your Proposal​

  1. Use this template to create your proposal document
  2. Submit to the appropriate department head or directly to Joe/leadership team
  3. Be prepared to advocate for your candidate and answer questions about their fit