MCA Executive Director

Montrose Classical Academy

FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education. – Martin Luther King Jr.

OVERVIEW & WHO WE ARE

Montrose Classical Academy (MCA) stands at a pivotal moment. In Fall 2026, we'll open our doors to our founding school of K-5 students, growing to serve 440 K-8 students by 2030. But this isn't just about numbers; it's about transformation. We're building a school where:

For Our Students:

• Every child discovers their unique brilliance
• Academic excellence meets joyful learning
• Curiosity and confidence flourish daily

For Our Families:

• Every family is a valued partner
• Parents help shape our community's future

For Our Teachers:

• Teaching means focusing on students, not paperwork
• Work-life balance isn't just a phrase - it's our promise
• Support systems free teachers to teach
• Professional growth fits within the workday

For Our Community:

• Diverse perspectives enrich learning
• Strong relationships build lasting impact
• Together, we create tomorrow's leaders

This is your chance to build more than a school. It's an opportunity to create a transformative community that will impact generations of students in Montrose County.

WHAT YOU'LL BUILD

In this founding role, you'll create the operational foundation that enables educational excellence. By handling all business and operational aspects, you'll free our School Leader to focus entirely on curriculum, instruction, teacher success, and student success.

Startup Leadership & Financial Management

• Manage MCA's startup budget and grant implementations
• Oversee facility renovation and preparation for 2026 opening
• Create sustainable financial models for growth to 440 students
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets
• Lead fundraising and resource development initiatives
• Establish efficient purchasing and procurement systems

Operations & Systems

• Design and implement all operational systems (transportation, food service, safety, etc.)
• Create efficient administrative processes that reduce teacher paperwork
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Develop technology infrastructure and support systems
• Handle facilities maintenance and operations

Human Resources & Staff Support

• Create competitive compensation packages that attract top talent
• Establish HR systems and benefits administration
• Develop policies that support work-life balance
• Handle non-instructional staffing and management
• Build efficient administrative support structures

External Relations & Growth

• Manage authorizer and district relationships
• Lead student recruitment and enrollment strategies
• Build community partnerships and stakeholder relationships
• Handle marketing and communications
• Oversee growth and expansion planning

Board Relations & Compliance

• Work with Board to develop and execute strategic plans
• Ensure all legal and regulatory compliance
• Manage charter contract requirements
• Provide regular financial and operational reporting

Your Impact

• Build a school designed for long-term success
• Establish operational excellence that supports school, teacher, and student achievement
• Develop sustainable structures for community impact

WHO YOU ARE

A Community Builder & Connector

• You believe in the power of relationships to transform education
• You create environments where every voice matters and everyone belongs
• You build bridges across diverse perspectives and experiences
• You understand that strong communities create stronger schools

A Champion for Your Team

• You build systems that enable every team member to focus on their core mission
• You create a culture where work-life balance is valued and protected
• You remove operational barriers that hinder effectiveness
• You develop support structures that help all staff thrive
• You understand that strong operations enable educational excellence

A Student-Centered Leader

• You see the unique potential in every child
• You balance high expectations with joy and wonder
• You create spaces where curiosity and confidence flourish
• You make decisions based on what's best for students

A Growth-Minded Partner

• You see families as essential collaborators in their children's education
• You create authentic opportunities for parent voice and leadership
• You build trust through transparency and follow-through
• You understand that the best ideas can come from anywhere

A Strategic Implementer

• You turn bold visions into daily reality
• You build systems that create clarity and remove chaos
• You thrive in startup environments, making smart decisions with imperfect information
• You know when to move quickly and when to slow down and listen

A Results-Driven Leader

• You balance ambitious goals with sustainable execution
• You make data-driven decisions while honoring human needs
• You hold high expectations while providing needed support
• You never lose sight of our vision and mission

WHAT YOU BRING

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business, Education, Public Administration, or related field
• 5 years leadership experience in education or nonprofit management
• Proven track record of financial and operational management
• Experience with budgets of $5M
• Strong background in systems development and implementation
• Excellence in relationship-building and communication
• Demonstrated success in staff management and development
• Grant management and fundraising success
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Data-driven decision-making ability

Preferred Experience

• Charter school operations or startup experience
• Facilities planning and management
• Experience with school compliance and reporting
• Background in HR systems and benefits administration
• Spanish language proficiency

This is your chance to:

• Create something lasting in a community hungry for educational excellence
• Lead a founding team united by a strong vision
• Impact generations of students in Montrose County
• Build your legacy as a founding leader

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary: $110,000-$120,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Participation in PERA
• Participation in FAMLI
• Generous paid time off
• Professional development support
• Performance bonus opportunity

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What is your approach to building strong relationships with authorizers, boards, and community partners, and can you share an example of how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder relationships?
• As a founding Executive Director, you'll need to establish all operational systems from the ground up. Describe your experience designing and implementing operational infrastructure (HR, facilities, compliance, etc.) in a startup or growth environment.
• Describe your experience managing startup operations and budgets of $5M in an educational or nonprofit setting. What systems did you implement to ensure financial sustainability?

Experience:

• Leadership: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $110,000 - $120,000