Posted on January 25, 2013

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Executive Director

Community Learning Center Schools, Inc. (CLCS), a successful charter management organization (CMO) in Alameda, California is in search for a new Executive Director. This strategic leadership position reports to the Board of Directors and participates in various leadership committees and boards on behalf of the organization. CLCS has retained Scion Executive Search (www.scionexecutivesearch.com) to support our search.

POSITION OVERVIEW The Executive Director is responsible for all aspects of the leadership, operations, management and growth of the successful charter schools. This work includes staff management, the implementation of policies, annual goals, strategic objectives, financials, programs, and the administrative management of the organization. The CLCS Executive Director also serves the Board of Directors and Alameda community by providing strategic oversight for Board policies and strategic planning for CLCS school educational plans.

We seek a visionary, experienced executive leader eager to grow, steer, and lead this successful educational institution. Executive Director candidates must possess an inspiring belief and passion for the project-based learning model and democratic learner empowerment model, and demonstrate an exceptional drive to empower the school principals (Lead Facilitators) and teaching staff (Facilitators) to offer compelling curriculum that engages growing minds to excel in learning.

ABOUT COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER SCHOOLS, INC. Community Learning Center Schools, Inc. (CLCS) is a non-profit charter school management corporation in Alameda, California. Board members are ambassadors for the CLCS schools’ mission: To empower all youth to take ownership of their educational experience, to celebrate their diverse community and to actively participate as members in a democratic society. CLCS manages two schools, [1] Alameda Community Learning Center (ACLC), Grades 6-12, with a total of 305 student enrollment, and [2] Nea Community Learning Center (Nea), Grades K-12, with a total 522 student enrollment. CLCS schools are based on an educational model of learner empowerment.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership

• Act as the organizations primary motivational team leader, inspiring the management, staff, departments, Board, committees, and programs.
• Implement a well-planned strategic vision to increase the school’s enrollment and standing in the community.
• Serve as liaison between ACLC and Nea (the two schools), the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD), and larger community on behalf of the organization.
• Monitor the ACLC and Nea educational models for adherence to their charters and educational philosophy, and assure the schools have a sound academic curriculum as measured by API scores and other academic indicators.
• Maintain an open and positive relationship with AUSD School Board members and senior AUSD management, and oversee completion of all mandated compliance (SARC, any AUSD compliance reports, Charter Renewal and AUSD MOU Revisions, NCLB compliance, and facilities issues).
• Seek opportunities for community involvement in the greater Alameda community and liaise with other AUSD schools.
• Maintain memberships in charter school professional organizations.
• Maintain positive relationships with the California Department of Education.
• Work with the El Dorado County Charter School SELPA and ACLC/Nea Special Education Directors to have smooth working relationships with SELPA and special education contractors.
• Attend Governing Board meetings and work with the Program Evaluation Committee.
• Consult and mentor ACLC and Nea Lead Facilitators on Board agendas and issues.

Staff Management

• Provide leadership, coaching, mentorship, and management support to the Lead Facilitators, Facilitators, and Learners (students).
• Manage and motivate the internal management and staff to best ensure a positive team environment, fostering growth and professional development.
• Meet weekly with Lead Facilitators to help solve school-wide administrative and educational problems.
• Review, assess, and change current staff hiring levels, responsibilities, work flow, and position duties when needed to best carry out the mission of the school.
• Create personnel policies to ensure professional development of existing staff.
• Oversee all aspects of Human Relations, including but not limited to, employee relations, benefits, and payroll related issues.
• Conduct performance assessments.
• Supervise contractors and non-teaching consultants, except for Special Education and College and Career Counselors.
• Supervise one Administrative Assistant working on operational school matters.
• Attend school staff meetings at least once a month.

Board Liaison & Reporting

• Provide leadership and support for the Board members of the organization.
• Meet with, update, and inform the Board on current work, project timelines, and organizational progress.
• Drive organizational growth by creating a consensus among Board members, committees, and staff for needed projects, strategic plans, and/or organizational changes.
• Provide the Board with feedback and make recommendations regarding the schools' staffing needs and structure.
• Report to CLCS Board regularly on Alameda community issues, and draft plans to address them.
• Implement Governing Board decisions as appropriate with Lead Facilitators.
• Provide ACLC and Nea Boards strategic oversight related to the business operation of the schools and corporation.
• Keep the CLCS Board up-to-date on all financial, personnel, and academic matters.
• In collaboration with the Board, staff, and students, create a visionary new strategic plan for the school and lead its execution.

Financial/Accounting Leadership/Budget Creation

• Supervise and directly manage the schools’ financial operations.
• Draft and monitor school budgets.
• Adhere to wise budgeting and spending plans.
• Provide strategic plans for multiyear financial challenges.
• Provide growth and enrollment plans that help overcome organizational challenges.
• Supervise, and work with the Board, to implement the annual budget.
• Ensure proper tax, reporting, and related financial tasks are being done effectively on the schools behalf.
• Head the Financial Committees.

Operations

• Approve weekly purchasing reports, reimbursements claims, and attendance reports to the state; review, sign and monitor all independent contracts.
• Complete Charter School business with state, county, and district.
• Create and execute Learner recruitment plans.
• Interact with the school district on difficult facility maintenance issues.
• Secure appropriate insurance for CLCS, ACLC, and Nea.
• Handle any complaints and or lawsuits if ever brought, and interface with CLCS legal advisors where needed.
• Monitor Lead Facilitator’s Educational Leadership Initiatives, CLCS Facilitator Performance Pay Initiatives, and all business services from EdTec.
• Write school-wide articles for newsletters when possible.

Marketing & Fundraising Strategy

• Provide conceptual oversight for public relations, websites, marketing, etc.
• Seek and guide opportunities to strengthen, build, and share the schools’ educational programs, vision, and success with visitors and public.
• Lead innovative low-cost marketing and PR programs to engage and expand the existing enrollment and reach new audiences.
• Make connections to promote the schools’ educational mission.
• Advise CLCS and the Board of prospective fundraising/development opportunities.
• Assist CLCS in finding appropriate grants to support its programs and mission.
• Serve on parent fundraising boards and support PTSA fundraising efforts.

Communications & Public Speaking

• Represent CLCS at internal staff meetings, committee meetings, school events, community meetings, professional functions, and school board meetings.
• Speak eloquently with the parents, school district, and public on the schools’ behalf.
• Write and speak clearly and effectively to diverse audiences and answer direct questions from parents and learners about the organization’s work.

REQUIREMENTS

• Over eight years of relevant work/leadership experience.
• Prior experience leading an educational institution, charter school, independent school, or youth/educational nonprofit organization.
• A passionate belief in project-based learning.
• Prior experience working with Boards and reporting to executive leadership.
• Strategic planning and budget creation experience.
• A Bachelor’s degree, with a preference for an advanced degree from an accredited university.
• A visionary belief and strategy on how to expand, manage, and empower CLCS.
• A desire to listen and understand the perspectives of diverse audiences and embrace differences.
• The ability to motivate teams, build trust and coach leaders in combination with a true passion for visionary education in Alameda.
• Impeccable business acumen, work ethic, and interpersonal skills.

SALARY & BENEFITS

This position offers a wonderful and energetic working atmosphere, a competitive base salary of $115,000 to $130,000 (depending upon experience), medical, dental, and vision benefits. Participation in the California State Teacher’s Retirement System (CalSTRS.) and a job you will love.

ABOUT OUR FIRM

Scion Executive Search is a retained executive search firm connecting executive nonprofit leadership to nonprofit organizations and foundations across the country. Born out of the nonprofit sector, we provide expert search strategies and leadership for your organization. Our executive candidates are true agents for change, and we are experts at matching their talents, motivations, and passions to your organization’s mission. Scion Executive Search has led hundreds of successful executive searches. Information about our firm and successes can be found online at www.nonprofitexecutivesearchfirm.com.

Application Instructions

Scion Executive Search (www.scionexecutivesearch.com) has been retained to conduct this search. For immediate consideration please send your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to Scion Executive Search via email to clcs@scionstaffing.com.