Head of School

About the role

The Head of School (HOS) serves as the operational and administrative leader of Pathfinder Career Academy, Virtual Preparatory Academy of Ohio, and Jefferson Classical Academy of Ohio. In conjunction with the leadership team, the HOS is responsible for the implementation and achievement of the school’s academic vision, student advancement, and daily operations within the school.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership exhibiting professionalism and high academic standards that celebrate student and staff achievements
• Manage and lead the school leadership team in the day-to-day operation of the school
• Collaborate with the School Board on implementation of school vision and mission, school decisions, and policy creation
• Oversee Career Technical Education programming to implement unique career pathways such as Arts/AV, IT, Business, Health Science, skilled trades, work-based learning, and post-secondary opportunities
• Collaborate with industry and higher education partners to execute post-secondary opportunities for students
• Manage regulatory complexities and political sensitivities with the board, state department of education, and local, state, and national political stakeholders
• Develop plans and policies for the educational program and ensure policies and programs are carried out appropriately by all students, parents, and staff
• Avoid compliance with all local, state, and federal laws
• Serve as public relations liaison between ACCEL and the school community; engage community and civic groups to support school programs and the school community
• Ensure school programs are in alignment with authorizing agency requirements
• Recruit, hire, and retain highly qualified staff; develop effective staff members through an ongoing evaluation process and professional development
• Create and foster a positive school culture by involving school staff, community leaders, students, and parents
• Serve as the school's instructional leader and ensure data is being used to drive all academic decisions
• Ensure teaching staff implements the instructional model, curriculum, supplemental curriculum, effective assessments, and targeted instruction to meet the individual needs of each student in collaboration with national team members
• Maintain current knowledge of state specific school report card/accountability components and ensure all needed programming is in place to support achievement of those components
• Create and consistently review/updating of parent and student manuals, policies, and handbooks
• Effectively communicate the school's mission and vision and solicit input from parents and families about school performance, areas for improvement, and their needs
• Engage and build strong professional relationships with parents, characterized by timely and regular communications, involving parents, wherever possible in the life of the school
• Coordinate special projects, such as peer mentoring, service learning and community involvement
• Conduct home visits as needed

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Education or a closely related field or Education Administrative Experience
• Current Ohio Administrative and Teacher licenses required
• At least 10 years of experience in Education, 5 years’ experience as K-12 administrator
• Three or more years of experience working in an online school in an instructional role
• A fundamental understanding of Career and Technical Education (CTE), its indicators as measurements of success, and the pathway approach in which CTE is implemented
• Three or more years of experience with OH CTE, including creating and maintaining external partnerships
• Experience in research-based instructional practices for project-based learning
• Knowledge of State Standards and Common Core Standards
• Knowledge of State School Accountability/Report Card Components
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and effectively prioritize and execute tasks to meet deadlines consistently
• Understanding of and ability to manage confidential information
• Understanding of best practices for instructional strategies
• Prior experience in online learning and research
• Understanding of distance learning methodology, measurement, and implementation
• Prior experience in employee evaluation in a corporate / non-profit setting
• Superb communication and community-building skills
• Deep knowledge of curriculum development and program design
• A record of success in operating not / for profit business
• A record of success in building community partnerships and fundraising
• Entrepreneurial passion
• Knowledge of school / non-profit management
• Ability to pass state and federal background checks

Compensation and Benefits

The annual starting salary for this position is between $105,000 – $115,000 annually. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This is a bonus eligible position. We offer the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, 10 paid holidays annually. Paid Time Off: Paid Time Off to cover sick, vacation, and personal absences. We offer 4 unique health insurance plans to choose from that cover a wide range of deductibles and co- insurance levels. Our goal is to provide you with maximum choice in finding a plan that meets you and your family’s needs. Employees can choose from co-pay or High Deductible Health Plans. Equal Employment Opportunity: It is our policy to abide by all federal, state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination based solely on a person’s race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status, veteran status (including protected veterans), marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other protected status except where a reasonable and valid occupational qualification exists.