Submitted: December 15
Closing: January 31
Contact
Tami Cummings
Director of Human Resources
Salary Range: Salary Range Commensurate with Experience
Salary Notes $145,000 - $165,000
Work Commitment: Full-Time
To Apply
Click the apply button to be taken to the application website.
Areas of Responsibility
The Executive Director will:
- Communicate clearly, transparently, and proactively with students, staff, families, and the broader community.
- Inform and advise the Board of Directors about LILA’s programs, practices, and problems, keeping the Board of Directors informed of the activities operating under their authority, and explain LILA’s needs to the Board of Directors, recommending necessary new and/or revised policies for their action.
- Work with the Upper and Lower School Principals and other building leaders as appropriate, to provide the best possible learning environment for students through the development of LILA’s staff and educational programming.
- Establish/maintain a climate of trust and collaboration among staff and a positive learning environment for all LILA students, staff, and families through the framework of the International Baccalaureate.
- Act as liaison between LILA and its internal stakeholders, delivering regular communication to students, staff, and parents to inform them, engage them, and assure them that school priorities are being addressed, as well as responding to their concerns in order to increase understanding of school policies and practices.
- Develop, implement, communicate, and continuously refine a comprehensive strategy that supports both short-term targets and long-term institutional growth.
- Oversee the financial operations of LILA, supervising student recruitment to meet annual enrollment goals, and working with the Finance Office to prepare budgets and reports for presentation and recommendation to the LILA Board of Directors.
- Present employee proposals to the Board, maintain responsibility for all employee policies and consultant contracts, recommend adjustments to employee policies as appropriate, and oversee HR Department’s management of terms of employment, professional licensure and international work visas.
- Delegate responsibility and authority to LILA employees as appropriate, collaborating on individual and department purpose and direction and effectively evaluating management staff.
- Oversee Public Relations, Marketing, and external communications efforts, to communicate LILA’s purpose and priorities and to build LILA’s positive reputation locally, nationally, and internationally, establish and maintain working relationships with agencies and people outside of LILA (e.g. legislators, international partners, other schools, local government leaders, foundations, businesses) to promote LILA’s best interests.
- Continue professional development while maintaining knowledge of best practices in language acquisition and the International Baccalaureate through professional networking, participation in meetings, courses and conferences, and memberships in professional organizations as appropriate.
- Ensure all required charter authorizer, state, and federal reports are completed in a timely manner; and
- Assume the ultimate responsibility for all aspects of LILA’s operations.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Education, Administration, Business or related field
- School administration or executive leadership experience in education
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minnesota K-12 Principal or Superintendent’s License
- Experience in language immersion education
- Experience with International Baccalaureate Standards
- Teaching experience
- Advanced Degree in Education, Administration, Second Language Teaching, or Language Acquisition
- Experience in Charter School administration
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
- This position is primarily office-based with regular movement throughout school buildings and attendance at meetings and events. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Institution Description
About LILA:
Lakes International Language Academy is a PreK–12 public charter school serving more than 1,400 students in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Founded in 2004 and expanded to include grades 7–12 in 2015 and 2016, LILA is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). LILA provides Spanish and Mandarin immersion pathways in grades PreK–5, with a robust immersion continuation program and additional entry points for non-immersion students in grades 6–12. As a language-rich, globally focused learning community, LILA prepares students to become compassionate, curious, and capable citizens of the world.
LILA Mission Statement:
LILA prepares tomorrow’s critical thinkers and global citizens through language acquisition and inquiry-driven study.
LILA School Board Strategic Plan Pillars:
Dynamic Student Experience
Collaborative Community
Professional Excellence
Advancing LILA’s Future
Application Instructions/Comments
Please complete the application on the LILA website at mylila.org and upload the following materials:
- Cover letter
- Resume/CV
- Three professional references
- Any additional required documents
- Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2026.
Click the apply button to be taken to the application website.
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