Jonathan’s work reflects a lifelong passion for improving the life chances of underserved children. 

Jonathan is a consultant to causes that matter, helping them achieve goals crucial to their mission, particularly through communication strategy and writing. 

Until February 2016, Jonathan served in the Obama Administration as Communications Director and Acting Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education. In that role, he was chief communications advisor to the Secretary of Education, and oversaw a 106-member team responsible for the Department’s messaging, media relations, speechwriting, public engagement, intergovernmental affairs, web and digital strategy, photography and video, publications, and recognition programs for schools and students.

Previously, Jonathan served as Partner and Chief of Staff at NewSchools Venture Fund. There he led communication and field-building efforts, including major events such as the annual Summit. In addition, along with other partners, Schorr had responsibility for investment strategy and management. Before NSVF, he served as Director of New Initiatives at the KIPP network of schools, where he led the development of elementary and high schools nationally.

Jonathan has worked as an author, journalist and teacher, writing the critically acclaimed book Hard Lessons: The Promise of an Inner-City Charter School and serving as an education reporter for the Oakland Tribune. His education articles also have been featured in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Education Week and other publications. His writing has won numerous awards, including a national education writers award.

Jonathan has served on the boards of KIPP Bridge Middle School in Oakland, the Five Keys Charter School in the San Francisco County Jail, and the national Education Writers Association.

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Jonathan graduated from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He taught public high school as a member of the founding corps of Teach For America. He lives in Oakland with his wife and two daughters.