Head of School

Summary

Head of School is responsible for the management and day-to-day operations of the school. The Head of School reports to the Board of Directors (the “Board”). The Head of School serves as chief executive of the school and has the authority to carry out his or her responsibilities, in  accordance with the direction and policies established by the Board. In partnership with the Board, the Head of School is responsible for the success of the school. S/he provides direction for implementing the organization's vision and mission; provides leadership for establishing and  implementing its annual goals and objectives; and, enables the Board to fulfill its legal,  fiduciary and moral responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following is a general description of the level of work performed by the Head of School. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties may differ from those outlined and other duties may be  assigned.

1. Educational Leadership

• Implements a high-quality, rigorous, joyful elementary and middle school program that is consistent with Davidson Charter Academy’s mission and vision.
• Sets ambitious school goals for student achievement and performance and holds staff members accountable for achieving results.
• Oversees all School Improvement Plan efforts.
• Foster a Culture of Innovation: Encourage a spirit of creativity and innovation among staff and students, fostering an environment where new ideas are valued and encouraged.
• Promote Academic Excellence: Set high academic standards and provide support and resources to ensure all students have the opportunity to excel academically, regardless of background or ability.
• Enhance Student Engagement: Implement strategies to increase student engagement and participation in the learning process, creating dynamic and interactive classroom environments.
• Support Professional Development: Provide ongoing professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring they are equipped to meet the diverse needs of students.

2. Legal Compliance

• Assures the filing of all legal and regulatory documents and monitors compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

3. Mission, Policy and Planning

• Works with the Board to oversee the growth of the school to its full capacity with grades K-8 and 864 total students.
• Developments enrollment objectives and executes programs to achieve them including recruiting and retaining students in numbers sufficient for sound school finances
• Helps the Board determine the school’s vision, overall direction, and short- and long-term goals.
• Oversees the charter renewal and site visit process and development of the school's Annual Report.
• Develops, implements, and ensures adherence to the school’s accountability plan.
• Keeps the Board fully informed on the condition of the school and on all the important factors influencing it.

4. Management and Administration

• Creates and sustains an environment of mutual respect, high standards, safety, and support for learning.
• Oversee school’s safety and security plans.
• Ensure code compliance with the state/local municipalities including the health department and fire marshal.
• Develops a communication plan and provides transparent, open communication to the staff and the school community.
• Provides general oversight of all school activities, manages the day-to-day operation of the school, and develops an efficient organization through coordination with Board, committees, staff and volunteers.
• Ensures that the Director of Education has the necessary resources and expertise to lead the school’s educational program.
• Oversee recruiting efforts for all staff members and makes recommendations to our staffing and financing committees of the Board. In accordance with Board action, negotiates professional contracts, and sees that appropriate salary structures are developed and maintained.
• Evaluates and supervises designated members of the leadership team. Provide coaching when necessary.
• In collaboration with the Director of Education, identify personnel issues and act in a timely manner.
• In conjunction with the Director of Education, review and approve Parent/Student and Staff Handbooks.

5. Governance

• Attends all Board Meetings and Board Committee meetings.
• Helps the Board establish role and accountabilities for the Board, its committees and members and helps evaluate performance regularly.
• With the Board Chair, develops agendas and reports for meetings so that the Board can fulfill all its responsibilities effectively.
• Assists in developing an annual board meeting calendar to address all crucial issues in a timely fashion.
• Participates in the development of the Board Strategic Plan and assists with monitoring.
• Works with the Policy and Procedure Committee to develop/revise Board Policies.

6. Finance

• Acts as Chief Financial Officer for the school and ensures that we are in compliance with our Finance Policy.
• Prepares and/or reviews financial statements and data presented to the Board to include enrollment, income, expenditures, cash flow, budget variances, and general financial health of the school.
• Works with the Director of Education and the Finance Committee to develop and implement an annual operating budget based on revenue. Inform the finance committee before initiating any variances from the budget.
• Works with the Board to ensure financing to support short- and long-term goals.
• Helps the Board and its committees design, implement and monitor a viable fund-raising plan, policies and procedures.
• Acts as our Federal Programs Director. Writes all grant applications and ensures compliance with implementation.

7. Community Relations

• Encourages the integration of the school within the community by using effective communication and public relations programs.
• Acts as an advocate, within the public and private sectors, for issues relevant to the school.
• Serves as chief spokesperson for the school, assuring proper representation of the school and the Board to the community.

Qualifications

The Ideal Candidate for Head of School:

1. Understands the unique nature of charter schools.
2.  Has strong leadership skills and is willing to give clear, direct, and tough feedback to students, staff, and families.
3. Capable of understanding how policy shifts, fresh ideas, or events will be perceived by others.
4. Demonstrates adeptness in stress management while embracing accountability for addressing challenges and rectifying errors.
5. Inspires and motivates students and staff.
6. Is always searching for a solution to the next problem.
7.  Strikes a balance between confidence in their decisions and the humility to admit there's always

room to do better, setting a tone of continuous improvement.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree or higher in educational field required.
• Professional Educator’s License required; Preferred in Educational Leadership
• Five years of successful experience in education leadership required.