Head of School

About the role

Sola Academy by Fusion is a private therapeutic day school serving students in grades 6–12 (ages 11–18) with a range of learning differences. We bring together expert educators, individualized academic programming, and integrated social-emotional and therapeutic supports so that every student can thrive. Sola is approved to serve students with Specific Learning Disability (SLD), Other Health Impairment (OHI), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Emotional Disability (ED), Hearing Impairment, Orthopedic Impairment, and Speech or Language Impairment, with Mild Intellectual Disability forthcoming. Our students are funded primarily through partnerships with their home school districts.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead your campus team with vision, accountability, and a culture rooted in compassion and excellence.
• Inspire and develop staff through clear expectations, coaching, and professional growth.
• Drive enrollment through strong partnerships with school districts, professionals, and community outreach.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, accreditation standards, and campus safety expectations are consistently met.
• Oversee financial health by managing budgets, enrollment targets, and operational performance.
• Deliver high-quality academic and therapeutic programming that supports measurable student progress and family confidence.
• Build strong relationships with students, families, staff, and district partners to create a supportive and trusted school community.

Requirements

• Master’s degrees required
• Meet the requirements of 23 Ill. Adm. Code 226.800(g) (the Director of Special Education qualifications under ISBE's special education personnel rules), OR hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with one of the following endorsements: General Administrative endorsement, Principal endorsement, or Director of Special Education endorsement
• 3–5 years of successful school leadership experience, ideally in a special education or therapeutic setting.
• Experience managing budgets, P&L, and performance metrics.
• Proven ability to lead teams, build culture, and develop high-performing staff.
• Experience with enrollment growth, admissions, outreach, or partnership development.
• Knowledge of special education programming, IEP compliance, and working with diverse learners.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to balance mission-driven work with operational and financial accountability.
• Florida residents require level 2 background screening through https://info.flclearinghouse.com/.

Qualifications

• Master’s degrees required
• Meet the requirements of 23 Ill. Adm. Code 226.800(g) (the Director of Special Education qualifications under ISBE's special education personnel rules), OR hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with one of the following endorsements: General Administrative endorsement, Principal endorsement, or Director of Special Education endorsement
• 3–5 years of successful school leadership experience, ideally in a special education or therapeutic setting.
• Experience managing budgets, P&L, and performance metrics.
• Proven ability to lead teams, build culture, and develop high-performing staff.
• Experience with enrollment growth, admissions, outreach, or partnership development.
• Knowledge of special education programming, IEP compliance, and working with diverse learners.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to balance mission-driven work with operational and financial accountability.

Skills

• Master’s degrees required
• Meet the requirements of 23 Ill. Adm. Code 226.800(g) (the Director of Special Education qualifications under ISBE's special education personnel rules), OR hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with one of the following endorsements: General Administrative endorsement, Principal endorsement, or Director of Special Education endorsement
• 3–5 years of successful school leadership experience, ideally in a special education or therapeutic setting.
• Experience managing budgets, P&L, and performance metrics.
• Proven ability to lead teams, build culture, and develop high-performing staff.
• Experience with enrollment growth, admissions, outreach, or partnership development.
• Knowledge of special education programming, IEP compliance, and working with diverse learners.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to balance mission-driven work with operational and financial accountability.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Vacation time (for certain positions)
• Accident and life insurance as well as short- and long-term disability
• 401(k) plan with company match, based on eligibility
• Tax-advantaged commuter benefits
• Employee assistance program
• Sick time and paid holidays in accordance with company policy
• Performance bonuses tied to KPI achievement

Pay

USD $110,000.00 - USD $135,000.00 /Yr.