Executive Director

Transition to New School Leadership

The school is currently seeking an Executive Director who will implement the board’s strategic plan in order to achieve the student outcomes envisioned by the school. The board expects the new director to translate the strategic vision into actionable plans, communicate that vision to the school community, and galvanize stakeholders toward the realization of that vision. The Executive Director will report to the board on progress toward the plan’s goals, identify and manage risks, and support the board in making adjustments to that strategic vision and plan. 

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a high-level school administrator. Previous experience within a charter school environment is preferred.

• A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in direct classroom teaching.

• An advanced degree in an academic field of study, in education, or related from an accredited university (MA, MS, M.Ed., Ed.D., PhD).

• Experience in organizational leadership with a proven record of success in leading teams, implementing programs, and improving student outcomes.

• Demonstrated success in working with parents, teachers, and students to achieve educational goals in a school community. 

• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with an ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities effectively.

• Communication skills with an ability to motivate staff, parents, school stakeholders, and community leaders.

• Demonstrated financial acumen, including background in budgeting, audit processes, and financial reporting.

• Instructional Leadership

• Principal Certification

• School Administration

• School Operations

• Teacher Evaluation

• Curriculum Planning and Development

• MTSS

Application Process

• A Curriculum Vitae including names and contact information for three current professional references. Note that, if an applicant’s current direct supervisor has not been listed as a reference in the application, that supervisor will be contacted when an offer of employment has been made and before the execution of an employment agreement.

• A letter of intent that includes a summary of your qualifications and experience as aligned with the qualifications, skills, and experiences described above. 

• A one-page statement of your educational philosophy.
   

Timeline of Application Process

• The school will post this position on its own website and various educational or general websites starting on Friday, May 16, 2025.

• Application review will begin on Friday, May 23, 2025 and continue until final candidates have been chosen.

• A Transition Committee formed by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors will oversee the review of applications, initial interviews, and the recommendation of finalists to the Board of Directors.

• The Board of Directors will make the final selection of a new Executive Director.

• This position will remain posted and open until filled..

• Rockwell Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, parental or marital status, age, or genetic information. Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADA).

Compensation

This position will be compensated starting at $100,000 and may be compensated at a higher salary depending on an applicant’s qualifications and experience.

Job Description

 Supporting the Mission and Vision of the School

Rockwell Charter School’s Executive Director (ED) ensures that all programs and operations align with the terms of the school’s charter; that the school achieves the outcomes envisioned by the strategic plan of the Board of Directors; and that the school is a viable organization.
 

• The ED supports the Board of Directors in its strategic planning efforts to achieve the mission and vision of the school and implements directives for school improvement.

• The ED works closely with the Board of Directors to amend the charter, from time to time, to ensure that the charter reflects the evolving programs, student populations, and practices of the school in seeking to achieve the charter’s mission and vision.

• The ED aligns all management decisions and resource allocation toward the achievement of the school’s mission and vision with fidelity to the school’s charter and the board’s strategic plan.

• The ED ensures that curriculum, programs, assessment, pedagogy, student supports, extracurricular activities, professional culture, and student life coordinate to achieve the mission and vision of the school. 

• The ED establishes performance requirements, necessary training, and evaluations to ensure that staff can support the goals, objectives, and key elements of the school’s charter.

Responsibilities to the Board of Directors

The ED recognizes that the governing authority of the school rests with the Board of Directors. The ED provides guidance and assistance in governance decisions, executives directives from the board, and manages the daily operation of the school.

• The ED serves as the Chief Operating Officer providing leadership to the school’s administration, staff, and other school stakeholders.  

• The ED guides the board’s strategic planning process by proposing relevant priorities and implementing key annual action plans that align with the school’s multi-year strategic plan.

• The ED supports the board’s governance and fiduciary responsibilities by participating in monthly board meetings, preparing monthly executive reports, and developing recommendations for board consideration.

• The ED identifies and informs the board of internal and external issues that affect the school.

• The ED supports the board in reviewing existing policies on an annual basis and recommending changes to the board as appropriate.

• The ED fosters effective teamwork between the board and the ED, as well as between the ED and school staff.

School Leadership and Operational Responsibilities

The ED provides general oversight of all activities at the school, manages daily operations, supervises staff, and ensures a high-functioning, efficient school.
 

• The ED cultivates an atmosphere of trust, collaboration, and openness among staff members in which respectful, professional relationships can be maintained

• The ED maintains program quality, as well as school stability and sustainability, through development and implementation of systems and procedures, standards and controls, and regular monitoring and evaluation. 

• The ED develops and supervises the processes for recruitment, selection, hiring, orientation, training, ongoing professional development, and evaluation of teachers and staff. 

• The ED implements systems, procedures, and protocols that enhance educational programs and reduce risks and liabilities.

• The ED reduces risks to students, staff, the Board of Directors, school operation, and management by ensuring that all required and prudent insurance policies are in place at sufficient levels and that any contractors with the school have listed the school as an additionally insured entity.

• The ED provides that the school’s educational program reflects the best instructional principles, research-based methods, and institutional standards.

• The ED ensures that academic and behavioral intervention processes have been implemented successfully to support students’ success.

• The ED oversees compliance in Special Education, including staffing, adherence to applicable federal and state laws, availability of appropriate and required resources, and LEA attendance and supervision at IEP meetings. 

• The ED represents the school at community activities to enhance the school’s community profile.

• The ED supervises content on the school’s website, electronic communications, and social media properties to promote and protect the school’s brand.

• The ED supports development efforts, including marketing and communication plans necessary to attract a diverse and sufficient student population to the school.

• The ED guarantees that personnel, student, and volunteer files are securely stored, and that privacy/confidentiality is maintained.

• The ED supervises the human resource policies and procedures, administrative policies and procedures, technology, facilities, procurement, and related operational activities.

Financial Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Business Manager, the ED monitors and supervises finances at the school and supports the board by providing required information for the annual audit. The ED works with the school’s Business Manager to make regular financial reports to the Board of Directors. Following the guidance and directives of the board, the ED uses the resources of the school to achieve the goals and objectives of the school’s charter.

• The ED follows procurement processes, accounting practices, and other financial rules required by state and federal law, board rule, and the school’s financial policies.

• The ED develops the annual operational budget in collaboration with the Business Manager, manages the day-to-day finances of the school, and supervises the fiscal stewardship and sustainability for the organization.

• The ED oversees the fiscal health of the school for long-term sustainability and partners with the Board of Directors for the development of adequate revenue sources through fundraising, grants, and partnerships. 

• The ED facilitates, prepares for, and attends annual audits.

• The ED reviews facility needs annually and allocates resources to maintain the safety and functionality of the facility.

• The ED utilizes a reserve study to maintain, improve, and sustain the viability of the school’s assets.

Enrollment, Recruiting, and Retention

The ED develops an operational strategic plan for retention of students, sufficient enrollment, and engagement of families. This plan must consider the needs and demographics of the student population enrolled at the school, potential interest from comparable students outside the school, and enrichment of programs related to community needs. 

• The ED oversees the creation of recruiting materials, promotional items, and related branding that will increase awareness of the school and its programs.

• The ED develops metrics and outcome measurements to drive success for recruiting, enrollment, and retention of students.

• The ED manages open house schedules and other opportunities for families to visit the school to learn more about programs, climate, and culture.

• The ED provides new families with support and communication during their transition to the school.

• The ED forges strong relationships with parents, families, and community leaders to retain current students and families, to drive the marketing and branding of the school, and to advance the potential applicant pool.