Chief Executive Officer

The K12 Search Group is partnering with Aspire NorCal on their search for a Chief Executive Officer. This role can be based in the Bay Area or Central Valley.

Founded in 1998, Aspire Public Schools has served students and communities across California for nearly three decades. Following Aspire Los Angeles's transition into an independent region, Aspire’s Bay Area and Central Valley regions will come together to form Aspire NorCal, which will operate 22 schools serving approximately 9,830 students across Northern California.

Aspire NorCal seeks a CEO to lead the organization through its formation and into the next chapter. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will set Aspire NorCal's strategic direction and hold overall responsibility for the organization's academic performance, organizational health, and long-term sustainability.

Key Priorities

• Drive stronger student outcomes and academic excellence.
• Build one Aspire NorCal while remaining connected to schools and communities.
• Create organizational clarity, accountability, and disciplined execution.
• Build trust through transparent and consistent leadership.
• Attract and retain a high-performing leadership team.
• Position Aspire NorCal for long-term financial and organizational sustainability.
• Navigate California's charter landscape and strengthen external relationships.
• Lead organizational change while preserving Aspire's core commitments.

Required Experience

• 7–10 years of K–12 senior leadership experience, including leading a complex, multi-site organization through change, with direct experience working in or closely with schools.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing senior leaders, building effective teams, and establishing clear expectations and accountability.
• Experience leading across geographically distinct schools or communities.
• Experience navigating enrollment and financial pressures, including aligning resources with organizational priorities and building financially sustainable operating models.
• Experience using academic, operational, financial, and organizational data to assess performance, establish priorities, and inform decisions.
• Experience navigating complex political and stakeholder environments, building relationships across diverse internal and external constituencies, and serving as a credible and visible organizational leader.

Aspire is offering a competitive salary and benefits package, including a base salary up to $375,000 annually.

Application Deadline: October 25, 2026