School Director - DCS

School Director

In-Person interview May 22, 2026 and May 26, 2026 in Escondido, CA Required.

• Employment: At-Will
• Benefits: Comprehensive health and wellness package, CalSTRS, Accrued PTO
• Work Schedule: Full Time; 11-months/year
• Location: Hybrid – required to be on-site majority of time

The School Director is primarily responsible for serving as the school’s educational leader in promoting and implementing the vision of the school. The School Director also serves as a liaison with all stakeholders represented in the school community.

Dimensions Collaborative is known for its innovative practices, strong relationships with families, and model of self-determined learning. As such, it is crucial the School Director establish and maintain an environment which supports experimentation, collaboration, and objective reflection.   The school operates throughout San Diego County with a belief that all the world’s a classroom.  The hybrid workplace includes remote and on-site roles. 

Essential Functions

Personalized Learning Design and Instructional Excellence

• Ensure every student co-designs and continuously refines a developmentally appropriate personalized learning plan aligned to personal goals and state standards.
• Ensure all students are actively monitored based on individual needs and demonstrate measurable academic progress
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a diverse catalog of learning opportunities, including on-campus and virtual workshops and classes, community engagement, and concurrent enrollment.
• Ensure learning plans incorporate diverse, developmentally appropriate instructional practices
• Maintain a broad and rigorous course of study aligned to student goals and state standards
• Build systems for ongoing progress monitoring, feedback, and student reflection
• Conduct regular audits of student learning records to ensure quality, accuracy, and compliance
• In collaboration with Research and Evaluation Manager, analyze performance and other data to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement
• Ensure fidelity to the school’s instructional model, mission, and educational philosophy
• Stay informed of educational, technological, and societal trends to proactively adapt systems and practices

Customer Relations and Results

• Serve as a primary liaison among students, families, staff, and community partners to ensure responsive and effective communication; develop and maintain strong relationships with families and community members to support student success
• Ensure structure for mentorship, advising, and strong student-adult relationships for a “connection first” approach to guidance and learning
• Ensure timely, professional communication and accessibility to all stakeholders; communicate school programs, expectations, and outcomes through monthly parent newsletters, weekly staff newsletters, and other outreach methods
• Cultivate a culture where student voice, choice, and ownership are central to the learning experience
• Model and implement practices which prioritize belonging, motivation, and well-being; ensure fidelity to Positive Discipline mindset and practices;
• Respond effectively to concerns, including high-stress or sensitive situations, with professionalism and emotional intelligence
• Ensure students are not only progressing academically, but developing purpose, identity, and real-world readiness

Partnerships, Pathways, and Public Awareness

• Position the school as a hub for innovative and community-connected learning
• Promote the school through community outreach, events, social media, and informational meetings
• Build and sustain partnerships with community organizations, colleges, and industry professionals to expand learning opportunities (mentors, vendors, field experiences)
• Expand access to mentorships, internships, apprenticeships, and career-connected learning
• Monitor enrollment trends and manage student recruitment to meet target enrollment goals
• Ensure the school’s website, social-media, and other public-facing materials are current, accurate, and compelling
• Represent the school and organization positively in all public interactions

Organization Systems and Process Management

• Oversee the review, adoption, and implementation of curriculum and instructional resources (state-adopted and supplemental)
• Ensure staff are trained and proficient in the use of curriculum, technology, and instructional tools
• Maintain well-resourced learning environments with current, diverse, and effective materials
• Evaluate emerging educational tools, technologies, and innovations for potential adoption
• Ensure equitable access to instructional resources aligned to student needs and learning goals
• Design, evaluate, and refine systems, processes, and workflows to improve organizational effectiveness
• Lead change management efforts, ensuring clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and successful implementation
• Design and publicize master schedule each semester which encompasses all workshops, classes, field experiences, and other activities and programs
• Collaborate with leadership to align processes with organizational goals and strategic priorities
• Monitor the effectiveness of implemented changes and adjust as needed

Learning, Development, and Accountability

• Support educators as facilitators, advisors, and designers of personalized learning experiences
• Build staff capacity through targeted professional learning, coaching, and leadership development opportunities; align professional development with evaluation systems and student outcome data
• Ensure staff proficiency in competency-based assessment and grading
• Facilitate collaborative structures that promote reflection, shared practice, and continuous improvement
• Require and support staff in ongoing self-reflection and professional growth
• Establish clear expectations, measurable goals, and aligned performance metrics for all roles
• Monitor staff performance through observation, data analysis, and feedback cycles
• Provide timely and direct feedback and coaching; address underperformance following organization’s tiered system of support.
• Practice recognition, support, reassignment, and separation as needed to ensure a high-performing team
• Model effective leadership, ethical practice, and commitment to continuous learning

Operations Compliance, Reporting, and Accreditation

• Manage and oversee assigned staff (approximately 45 employees)
• Ensure full compliance with Independent study law, state and federal regulations, and charter requirements
• Oversee integration of state standards into all student learning plans
• Collaborate on the development, monitoring, and reporting of the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP)
• Support data collection, analysis, and reporting for accountability systems, including SARC and board reports
• Maintain oversight of WASC accreditation processes ensuring ongoing compliance and improvement
• Maximize the use of data systems to support decision-making and transparency
• Review enrollment and attendance procedures for accuracy and compliance
• Ensure alignment with all organizational plans, including strategic, LCAP, and accreditation plans
• Oversee enrollment, staffing, and budget to sustain a flexible and sustainable model
• Ensure transparency, accuracy, and integrity in all reporting and processes

• Other duties as assigned

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit for an extended period.  Sitting is done at a desk with forward bending from the waist, leaning on the forearms, and looking down which requires neck flexion.  The employee is regularly required to read, speak, see, and hear well enough to communicate by telephone, electronically, and in person.  Employee must also regularly be able to write, file, type and operate a computer, telephone, and general office equipment.  It is necessary to grasp and manipulate pens, markers, scissors, staplers, etc., either occasionally or frequently, depending on the day.  May occasionally have to climb up stairs, stoop, kneel, and/or lift and carry up to 25 lbs. Mental acuity to perform the essential functions of this position in a safe, accurate, and timely fashion and to make and evaluate the results of judgments and decisions. High tolerance for continuing stressful situations. The employee is required to deal with irate members of the public and stressful situations.

The employee must have reliable transportation and be able to attend meetings at various Element Education regions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position works in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, home office, resource centers, and Administrative Office. Normal office working conditions within a collaborative environment. This environment may be expected to include noise level that is quiet to moderate, frequent interruptions, and occasional movement from inside to outside with exposure to elements, stairs, children, and duty hours before sunrise or after sunset. The employee may experience heat or cold extremes as well as fumes, odors, and dust.

Element Education is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer

Employment: At-Will

Reports to: Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer

Classification: Certificated

Salary: As per Director-11 months Administrative Salary Scale

Benefits: Comprehensive health and wellness package, CalSTRS, Accrued PTO

Work Schedule: Full Time; 11-months/year

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Location: Hybrid – required to be on-site majority of time

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of and experience with:
  • Different educational philosophies and current trends, including independent study/homeschool, constructivist, and flex-based learning models
  • Charter School and Independent Study laws and regulations
  • Personalized learning strategies
  • A wide range of K-12 curriculum in all subject areas
  • SST, 504, MTSS, and IEP processes
  • Technology, Microsoft Office 365 and its’ applications, and DocuSign
• Ability to:
  • Regularly practice reflective observation and maintain growth mindset
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships
    • Be approachable and professional
  • Work independently with minimal supervision
    • Be self-motivated and well-organized
    • Manage a home office and flexible schedule
  • Think strategically and independently
  • Accept responsibility and constructive criticism
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
    • Use appropriate language, tone, and English usage
  • Maintain records as directed by Executive Director
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding students, families, and staff
  • Remotely and/or virtually perform duties and attend meetings, as needed
  • Exercise emotional maturity in communicating with students, parents, and colleagues
  • Work under pressure, prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines
  • Deal with stressful situations, including potentially irate and emotionally agitated individuals
  • Work in a complex, ambiguous, and ever-changing environment
• Possess a friendly and approachable demeanor
• Familiarity and commitment to the mission and educational philosophy of Element Education
• Demonstrate good judgement
• Demonstrate willingness to help others and foster a cooperative and positive working environment

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Clear, Preliminary, or Intern California Administrative Services Credential
• Reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license

Strongly Preferred

• Experience in team leadership and mentoring teachers
• Strong written, verbal, and leadership skills
• Knowledge of independent study/homeschooling/personalized learning
• Experience with competency-based assessment

Upon Hire/Offer

1. First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
2. Tuberculosis Clearance
3. Background clearance

* Requires travel throughout San Diego County.  

Salary : $139,880 - $173,923