Selected Impact

• Led multi-year systems transformations producing a 21% → 93% performance turnaround

• Reduced organizational risk indicators by 65% through culture and workflow redesign

• Secured governing board authorization for complex organizational launches across distinct regions and operating contexts

• Directed accreditation, audit readiness, and compliance processes resulting in six-year approval cycles

• Secured $7M in funding and built partnerships replicated across sites and regions

• Launched and scaled cross-functional systems supporting academics, operations, HR, compliance, and external partnerships

What I'm Known For

Bringing Clarity to Complex Systems

So teams can move from analysis and ideation to execution without fragmentation or burnout.

Aligning Strategy & Operations

Ensuring initiatives don't stall after approval, but translate into sustained, on-the-ground impact.

Navigating Governance & Accountability

Working effectively at the boundary between decision-makers and operators in high-scrutiny environments.

Designing Systems That Last

Building structures that hold beyond individual leaders, funding cycles, or moments of urgency.

How I Work

I operate as a steady, embedded partner--balancing strategic perspective with hands-on execution.

My approach is grounded in:

• Sequencing work so teams can move forward without overload

• Translating vision into clear operating structures and decision pathways

• Using data and narrative together to support sound judgement

• Designing systems that respect people while meeting performance demands

I'm especially effective in environments where:

• The work is cross-functional and politically complex

• Stakeholders hold differing priorities or authority

• The cost of misalignment is high--humanly, reputationally, or operationally

Who I Work With

I work with organizations navigating complexity, transition, or growth--especially when the stakes are human and the margin for error is thin.

My work is a strong fit for leaders and teams who need to:

• Bring clarity to fragmented or fast-changing systems

• Align people, strategy, and execution across multiple stakeholders

• Move initiatives from approval to implementation

• Navigate governance, accountability, or organizational change with steadiness

Much of my experience sits within education, workforce, and social impact, but the work itself is sector-agnostic. The throughline is helping organizations hold under pressure and build systems that last.

Next Steps

If you're looking for a steady operator who brings clarity, structure, and humane execution to complex work, I'd welcome a conversation.

Whether you're:

• Hiring a senior leadership role

• Exploring a strategic transition or expansion

• Seeking an executive partner to stabilize and align systems

The next step is a conversation—to clarify context, assess fit, and determine whether working together is the right move.

• Founding School Leader & Senior Administrator

• District, State, and Cross-Sector Leadership

• Founder, Searchlight Studio, LLC

• Nationally Recognized Arts Administrator
  Program finalist for President Obama's Committee on the Arts & Humanities
  National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards

EDUCATION

MAEd, Education Administration - California State University, Stanislaus

MFA, Theatre: Acting - University of Delaware

BA, Theatre - University of California, San Diego

BA, Communication & Culture - University of California, San Diego

CERTIFICATIONS

CSM, Certified Scrum Master - Scrum Alliance

CSPO, Certified Scrum Product Owner - Scrum Alliance

CA Clear Administrative Services Credential

CA Clear Single Subject: English Teaching Credential

CA Clear Designated Subjects Credential: Arts, Media & Entertainment

Leading for Equity - National Equity Project

Liberatory Leadership Design - Los Angeles Education Partnership

Restorative Practices & Conferencing - International Inst. of Restorative Practices

Art of Coaching Teams - Bright Morning, LLC

Design Thinking for Innovation - University of Virginia, Darden School

Affiliations

ACSA, Association of California School Administrators

ASCD, Association of Supervision & Curriculum Development

AFSA, American Federation of School Administrators

AASD, Administrator's Association of San Diego

CAAPLE, California Association of Asian & Pasifika Leaders in Education

PKA, Phi Kappa Phi

AEA, Actors' Equity Association

LAEP, Los Angeles Education Partnership, Equity & Belonging Advisory

Credentials

Experience Highlights

Connect

RJ@rjmabanta.com