Position Purpose:

The Executive Director of Academics plays a pivotal role in overseeing and advancing the academic excellence and educational programming within the organization. Reporting directly to the Chief Education Administrator (CEA), the Executive Director of Academics collaborates closely with various stakeholders to ensure the development, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality curricula, policies, and practices that support student success and achievement.
Job Duties and Responsibilities

Policy Development and Implementation:

• Oversees, maintains, updates, and enforces Academic and Advising Operational Policies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and best practices.
• Collaborates with the CEA, legal team, and HR to uphold and update Governing Board and Operational policies that impact the educational program.

Curriculum Design and Implementation:

• Leads the design, review, and implementation of academic curricula in collaboration with Heads of Schools and relevant directors, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and standards.
• Analyzes current and emerging instructional technologies for viability within instructional settings.
• Ensures Heads of Schools adhere to the process for parental/guardian approval of curriculum and reading material requiring discretion, and oversee the development of Course Curriculum Guides each semester, disclosing any discretionary content for parental/guardian approval.

Educational Programming and Outcomes:

• Oversees educational programming and outcomes in collaboration with various stakeholders, including Heads of Schools, directors, and other academic leaders.
• Confirms that 100% of CEC graduates earn a college degree, industry certification, or 60 college credits. Collaborates with Heads of School to help develop and update each school’s Unified Improvement Plan (UIP) by utilizing student achievement data and assists with successfully achieving UIP goals.
• Oversight of all academic-related submissions to CSI to include Unified Improvement Plans (UIPs) and Mental Health Program Plans (MHPPs).
• Oversees the implementation and accountability of the Congressional Award or other approved character development program at each campus recognizing initiative, service, and achievement in our students.

Quality Assurance and Accountability:

• Develops and oversees school and programmatic annual goals, as well as Academic Network Strategic Plan Goals, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Acts as a liaison between CEC legal team and Heads of School regarding student expulsions, exceptional student services accommodations and escalated student circumstances.

Leadership and Mentorship:

• Mentors, trains, coaches, and evaluates Heads of Schools, Directors of academic programs, and other academic leaders to ensure effective leadership and professional growth.
• Supports the recruitment of students and staff in collaboration with relevant departments.

Budget Oversight and Resource Allocation:

• Collaborates with Heads of Schools, the CEA, and CFO to develop and oversee school budgets, ensuring alignment with academic priorities and financial sustainability.
• Collaborates with Executive Director of Facilities to support the acquisition of new equipment obtained through grants and ensure alignment between the equipment and physical classroom space for educational activities.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:

• Networks with educational organizations, attends conferences, and stays informed about innovative educational practices to enhance organizational programming and outcomes.
• Collaborates with various departments, including Facilities and Operations to ensure optimal learning environments and support services for students and staff.
• Compliance and Conflict Resolution:
• Oversees compliance with educational regulations and policies, including the submission of academic-related documents to regulatory bodies.
• Serves as a designated mediator and liaison with parents/guardians, school employees, and legal teams in problem-solving and conflict resolution situations.

Continuous Improvement and Evaluation:

• Conducts regular visits to all CEC schools and programs to assess and monitor academic quality, provide feedback, and support continuous improvement efforts.

Oversees expulsion recommendations, clubs and associations approval, and charter renewal processes in collaboration with the Heads of Schools (HOS) and the Chief Executive Administrator (CEA), ensuring alignment with CEC policy and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field;
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in educational leadership roles, with demonstrated success in curriculum design, program development, and staff supervision.
• Strong knowledge of early college model and/or concurrent enrollment, educational policies, regulations, and best practices.
• Experience working in a charter school or similar educational setting preferred.
• Understanding of curriculum frameworks and standards, assessment practices, instructional materials, and current instructional research.