Executive Director

The K12 Search Group - Santa Fe, NM, United States

ORGANIZATION: Public Charter Schools of New Mexico

POSITION: Executive Director

LOCATION: Albuquerque or Santa Fe, NM

REPORTS TO: Board of Directors

Background:

Public Charter Schools of New Mexico (PCSNM) is the only statewide professional organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for New Mexico’s public charter schools. PCSNM serves as the central hub for the state’s charter movement, working alongside school leaders, governing boards, and community partners to strengthen quality, sustainability, and access across the sector.

Guided by a vision to drive transformation in education to benefit the diverse needs of students, families, and communities, PCSNM’s mission is to increase student academic achievement by serving charter schools and advocating for charter school quality, growth, and autonomy. PCSNM is a membership-based organization committed to educating charter leaders through timely information, empowering schools through training and individualized support, and advancing the charter sector through strategic communications and legislative engagement.

Today, public charter schools serve more than 30,000 students in New Mexico, representing over 10% of the state's public-school enrollment, making New Mexico the 11th state to reach this milestone. While statewide enrollment is declining and projected to decrease by approximately 1% annually, charter school enrollment continues to grow by roughly 1,000 students per year. New Mexico charter schools support a range of innovative models, including individualized learning, STEM education, culturally relevant programming, arts education, and college credit opportunities for high school students.

Over the past several years, PCSNM has undergone a significant transformation. The organization has:

• Built credibility among policymakers and education leaders
• Strengthened the organization financially and operationally by adding new team members
• Contributed to a more growth-oriented authorizing environment
• Supported policy outcomes focused on protecting charter school growth and autonomy
• Convened charter leaders across the state to collaborate and share best practices

The organization is attracting strong interest and support from national and local partners who believe New Mexico has the potential to expand access to high-quality charter school opportunities.

The next Executive Director will step into a role with strong momentum, committed partners, and growing support for high-quality charter schools across the state. PCSNM is positioned to influence policy, expand high-quality schools, and help thousands more New Mexico families access excellent public education options.

Key Priorities for the First 1-3 Years

1. Strengthen Policy and Advocacy Leadership

• Build strong relationships with legislative leadership, the Governor’s office, and key education policymakers.
• Develop and advance a proactive policy agenda that supports charter growth, access to facilities, and school quality.
• Position PCSNM as a trusted voice on education policy in New Mexico.
• Expand grassroots advocacy among charter school families and supporters.
• Explore the potential development of a separate, aligned 501(c)(4) organization to support expanded advocacy efforts, consistent with legal and governance guidelines.

2. Advance a Forward-Looking Policy Agenda

• Continue evolving the organization from primarily protecting charter schools to proactively advancing policies that strengthen the sector (go on offense, rather than play defense).
• Identify policy opportunities that expand high-quality charter seats and improve the policy environment.
• Work with coalition partners to coordinate strategy and advocacy.

3. Ensure Growth in High-Quality Charter Schools

• Support the expansion of strong schools and high-performing leaders.
• Help develop systems that encourage quality and discourage persistently low-performing schools.
• Work with authorizers and partners to strengthen accountability and outcomes.

4. Strengthen Relationships Across the Charter Community

• Maintain trust with school leaders while helping the sector evolve.
• Elevate the voices of high-performing schools and leaders.
• Continue to convene the field and strengthen collaboration across the state.

5. Build Organizational Capacity

• Strengthen internal systems, staffing structure, and operational effectiveness.
• Develop the team and ensure clear roles across advocacy, member services, communications, and operations.
• Manage and steward philanthropic and partner investments strategically to advance organizational priorities.

6. Increase Public Awareness and Support

• Serve as a compelling public voice for charter schools and educational opportunity.
• Help shift the narrative about charter schools in New Mexico.
• Engage families, community leaders, and the business community in support of high-quality schools.

Qualifications and Desired Attributes

PCSNM is seeking a leader who combines political skill, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to improving educational opportunities for students.

Strong candidates will bring many of the following:

Experience

• Significant experience in public policy, government, advocacy, or public affairs strategy.
• Experience working in education, education reform, or the charter school sector is strongly valued.
• Skilled at navigating complex policy environments with strong relationship-building abilities.
• Experience building coalitions and partnerships across diverse stakeholders.
• Organizational leadership experience, including managing teams and budgets.
• Experience working with boards, funders, and community partners.

Leadership Attributes

• Strategic thinker who can identify opportunities and move initiatives forward.
• Politically savvy with strong relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable operating in complex and sometimes contentious policy environments.
• Results‑oriented and willing to pursue ambitious goals.
• High level of personal drive and work ethic.
• Strong communicator able to represent the sector publicly.

Sector and Community Fit

• Credibility with charter school leaders and education stakeholders.
• Ability to balance the needs of a membership organization with a broader policy mission.
• Commitment to improving outcomes for students across New Mexico.
• Appreciation for the state's unique political, cultural, and community dynamics.
• Connections in New Mexico or the ability to quickly build trusted relationships are highly valued.

Compensation

The starting salary range for this position is $175,000 to $200,000.

#J-18808-Ljbffr