Executive Director

At Element Education, we believe that exceptional leadership is the cornerstone of transformative student experiences. As a mission-driven nonprofit operating two innovative charter schools, we are dedicated to fostering equity, creativity, and academic excellence in every learning environment. We are currently seeking a visionary Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter—someone who is passionate about education, skilled in strategic leadership, knowledgeable about the charter school environment, and committed to empowering both students and staff. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our schools, cultivate a thriving organizational culture, and drive meaningful impact in the communities we serve. If you are an inspiring leader ready to make a lasting difference, Element Education is where your vision can become reality.

The Executive Director (ED) position is a certificated, exempt position with Element Education. The ED provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for the charter management organization, ensuring fidelity to the schools’ missions, compliance with California charter law and authorizer expectations, and strong academic, organizational, and financial performance. The ED is accountable to the Governing Board and serves as the chief executive and educational leader of the organization. 

Essential Functions 

Vision, Mission, and Culture 

• Serve as the primary steward of the school’s vision, mission, and core values. 
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and mission-aligned organizational culture that supports students, staff, and families. 
• Translate vision and mission into clear priorities, goals, and day-to-day practices. 
• Model ethical leadership, integrity, and commitment to equity and student success. 
• Communicate the school’s purpose and direction clearly to internal and external stakeholders. 
• Develop and monitor organization growth and expansion plans. 

Research, Development, and Innovation 

• Keep informed of developments in public education reform, the charter school movement, and non-profit management.  
• Lead research-informed decision-making related to instructional models, programs, and organizational design. 
• Oversee the development and implementation of innovative practices aligned to the school’s educational goals. 
• Monitor emerging trends, data, and best practices in education, charter policy, and organizational leadership. 
• Support pilot programs, continuous improvement cycles, and data-driven refinement of systems and strategies. 
• Encourage a culture of learning, experimentation, and reflective practice. 

Governance, Compliance, and Strategic Planning 

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Governing Board; keep board apprised of operational issues and collaborate on strategic solutions.  
• Support effective governance; Coordinate annual and as-needed board training.  
• Implement and monitor board-adopted policies and strategic initiatives. 
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including California charter school requirements. 
• Lead the development, execution, and monitoring of the organization’s strategic plan. 
• Prepare and present reports, data, and recommendations to the Governing Board to support informed decision-making. 

Authorizer Relations and Charter Stewardship 

• Act as the primary point of contact with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) as the charter authorizer. 
• Ensure compliance with the charter petition, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and authorizer expectations. 
• Lead charter-related processes, including renewals, amendments, reporting, and oversight reviews. 
• Maintain transparent, collaborative, and professional relationships with authorizer representatives. 
• Safeguard the long-term viability and integrity of the charter.

Financial Leadership and Profit and Loss Accountability 

• Ensure strong financial leadership and accountability for organizational performance and financial planning aligned to strategic priorities 
• Ensure responsible stewardship of public funds and long-term fiscal sustainability. 
• Monitor revenue, expenses, cash flow, and reserves; take corrective action as needed. 

Organizational Management and Delegated Leadership 

• Lead, support, and evaluate senior leaders and key staff through clear expectations and accountability systems. 
• Build effective organizational structures, systems, and processes to support scaling and sustainability. 
• Delegate authority appropriately while maintaining overall accountability for outcomes. 
• Oversee human resources strategy, including hiring, development, evaluation, and retention. 
• Promote collaboration, clarity of roles, and operational excellence across the organization.

Public Relations, Advocacy, and External Influence 

• Serve as the primary public representative and spokesperson for the charter management organization.  
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, community partners, educational organizations, and public agencies. 
• Communicate the schools’ missions, outcomes, and value proposition to internal and external audiences. 
• Lead strategic communications efforts, including messaging around programs, performance, and organizational initiatives. 
• Advocate for the schools’ interests within the broader educational ecosystem while maintaining nonpartisan and compliant practices. 
• Respond effectively to public inquiries, community concerns, and issues that may impact the schools’ or organization’s reputation or operations. 
• Strengthen the organization’s visibility, credibility, and influence at county, state, and national levels. 
• Connect with community partners and philanthropists. 

Facilities, Resources, and Enrollment Oversight 

• Provide executive oversight of facilities planning, management, and long-term sustainability. 
• Ensure learning environments are safe, functional, and aligned with instructional and programmatic needs and are compliant with applicable requirements related to facilities, safety, and student access 
• Oversee resource allocation to ensure effective and equitable use of physical, technological, and instructional assets. 
• Lead or supervise enrollment strategy, projections, and systems to support organizational stability and growth. 
• Monitor enrollment trends and capacity to inform budgeting, staffing, and facilities decisions.

Professional Learning and Development 

• Assess and address the learning needs of employees 
• Build a culture of self-determined learning 
• Align learning programs with organization strategy; evaluate effectiveness and revise as necessary