What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of School position at Oceanlight School?
We’re Building Something New, and We Need a Visionary Founding Leader
Oceanlight School (Oceanlight) is a bold new TK–8 public charter school proposed to launch in the Fall of 2026, grounded in a half-century legacy of hands-on, experiential, project-based education.
At Oceanlight, learning is active, interdisciplinary, and deeply connected to the real world. We prepare students with the skills and mindsets they need to lead, innovate, and thrive. Through small-group instruction, collaborative inquiry, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to diversity and social-emotional growth, students develop knowledge alongside confidence, resilience, empathy, and innovation.
We are building a school where all students are seen, challenged, supported, and inspired. We are committed to reflecting the racial, cultural, socioeconomic, and learning diversity of North San Mateo County in the Bay Area, California.
The Founding Head of School will play a central role in shaping Oceanlight’s launch, growth, and long-term success. For our first site, the Head of School will also serve as the organization’s Executive Director, reporting directly to the Board of Directors and leading every aspect of the school. This is a rare opportunity for a builder-leader who wants to leave a lasting legacy.
Responsibilities
Instructional and Academic Leadership
- Design and lead an environmentally-oriented, experiential, project-based, interdisciplinary academic program centered on student engagement, inquiry, and innovation
- Hire, coach, and inspire a mission-aligned, high-performing team of educators and staff
- Build a collaborative professional culture rooted in continuous learning and high expectations
- Ensure students of all backgrounds and learning profiles, including English learners (EL), students with disabilities (SPED), and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, are supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally
- Oversee assessment activities and data collection, including CAASPP, ELPAC, and internal progress monitoring
Culture and Family Partnership
- Build a joyful, inclusive school culture emphasizing social-emotional learning and leadership for environmental stewardship
- Partner with families to foster a vibrant, supportive “family of families”
- Serve as a visible, accessible leader who knows and champions every student
- Lead Student Study Team (SST) processes and ensure targeted supports are implemented effectively
Organizational and Operational Leadership
- Oversee budgeting, financial management, and fundraising to ensure sustainability and growth
- Manage school operations, admissions, facilities, technology, and compliance
- Supervise the school’s special education program in partnership with the SELPA, ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations
- Implement the campus safety plan and mandated child abuse reporting procedures
- Work closely with Oceanlight’s back office provider on payroll, accounting, procurement, and state and federal reporting
- Effectively manage facility issues in terms of functionality, compliance, and alignment to the school’s unique educational program
External Leadership and Advocacy
- Represent Oceanlight with passion and professionalism to families, funders, districts, and community partners
- Build strong partnerships with local organizations, agencies, and schools to advance the mission
- Serve as an advocate for environmental innovation, equity, and educational excellence at the local and regional level
- Ensure compliance with the Brown Act, California Public Records Act, and other applicable education laws and regulations
- Oversee recruitment and retention of students to ensure full school enrollment
Attributes & Qualifications
Required
- Teaching credentials and at least five years of teaching experience
- Master’s degree in education or related field, or bachelor’s degree with substantial relevant leadership experience
- Valid or transferable administrative services credential
- At least three years of school leadership experience
- Expertise in project-based learning, design thinking, or experiential education
- Experience managing budgets and financial planning at an executive level with support from a back office firm
- Strong written and spoken communication skills
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness
- Flexibility, resilience, and willingness to perform a wide range of tasks in a start-up environment
- Successful completion of background check, LiveScan (fingerprinting), and TB clearance
- Must be located in commutable distance to North San Mateo County, CA
Strongly Preferred
- Five or more years of executive school leadership experience
- Experience in and knowledge of environmental literacy and education in a school setting
- Experience launching or scaling a school or educational program
- Familiarity with special education regulations and SELPA compliance
- Knowledge of California education law and regulations, including the Brown Act
- Experience working in diverse urban or suburban communities
- Bilingual or multilingual abilities
- Interests in art, gardening, outdoor activities, and/or music
Success Metrics
- Achievement of enrollment, academic, and financial goals
- Strong student outcomes across all subgroups, including EL and SPED students
- High levels of family engagement and satisfaction
- Teacher and staff retention and professional growth
- Positive, inclusive, and joyful school culture
- Compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements
- Successful launch and growth of Oceanlight School’s first site
Salary : $130,000 - $160,000