Start-up School Director
MN Association of Charter Schools, Roseville, CA, United States
Job Description
The Charter School Start‑Up Director will oversee the planning, development, and launch of a new charter school, managing approvals, building partnerships, recruiting staff, securing funding, and developing a robust academic and operational framework.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Vision Development
Lead the execution of the school's vision and mission, and create an academic model in collaboration with the Board, stakeholders, and future school leadership.
Develop a comprehensive start‑up timeline and milestones to ensure all tasks are completed on schedule.
Ensure alignment between the school's educational goals and the needs of the local community.
Compliance and Approvals
Oversee the process of obtaining necessary steps to open the school, including contracts and regulatory documents.
Stay informed of local, state, and federal regulations related to charter school operations.
Work with legal teams to ensure compliance with all regulatory and funding requirements.
Fundraising and Budget Development
Develop and implement fundraising strategies to secure initial and ongoing funding for the school’s start‑up phase and operations.
Create and manage the school’s start‑up budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
Collaborate with grant writers, philanthropists, and foundations to secure grants and donations.
Facility Identification and Preparation
Identify and secure a suitable school facility that meets educational, safety, and budgetary needs.
Oversee development and renovation of the facility to meet legal and safety standards.
Collaborate with architects, contractors, and vendors to ensure the building is ready for opening.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Build relationships with local community organizations, businesses, and families.
Lead outreach efforts to recruit students, including hosting informational meetings, attending community events, and promoting the school’s unique offerings.
Establish partnerships with local government agencies and educational organizations.
Staff Recruitment and Development
Lead recruitment of teachers, administrative staff, and other key personnel.
Develop onboarding and professional development programs for new staff.
Foster a positive, inclusive school culture from the start.
Curriculum Development and Academic Planning
Collaborate with educators, curriculum developers, and school leaders to create a rigorous, engaging curriculum.
Develop policies for academic excellence, student achievement, and a positive climate.
Implement systems for tracking student progress and outcomes.
Operations Management
Set up enrollment processes, student information systems, transportation, food services, and technology infrastructure.
Develop safety and crisis management protocols.
Ensure compliance with local laws and charter agreement best practices.
Launch and Transition
Oversee smooth launch of the school, ensuring all systems are functional for the first day.
Provide ongoing support in the initial months, troubleshooting issues as they arise.
Guide transition from start‑up to full operational status.
Compensation TBD – Competitive with similar charter schools.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required (School administration license, Nonprofit Management, or related field preferred).
Minimum of 5 years experience in education, school leadership, or charter school operations, with a track record of launching or managing a charter school or program.
Strong understanding of charter school laws, regulations, and funding.
Experience in strategic planning, fundraising, and budget management.
Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including staff, community members, government agencies, and funders.
Strong problem‑solving skills and capacity to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
Passion for education and commitment to equitable, high‑quality opportunities for all students.
Physical Requirements
Ability to travel locally and attend evening or weekend meetings.
Ability to work in an office or school environment and sit or stand for extended periods.
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Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Vision Development
Lead the execution of the school's vision and mission, and create an academic model in collaboration with the Board, stakeholders, and future school leadership.
Develop a comprehensive start‑up timeline and milestones to ensure all tasks are completed on schedule.
Ensure alignment between the school's educational goals and the needs of the local community.
Compliance and Approvals
Oversee the process of obtaining necessary steps to open the school, including contracts and regulatory documents.
Stay informed of local, state, and federal regulations related to charter school operations.
Work with legal teams to ensure compliance with all regulatory and funding requirements.
Fundraising and Budget Development
Develop and implement fundraising strategies to secure initial and ongoing funding for the school’s start‑up phase and operations.
Create and manage the school’s start‑up budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
Collaborate with grant writers, philanthropists, and foundations to secure grants and donations.
Facility Identification and Preparation
Identify and secure a suitable school facility that meets educational, safety, and budgetary needs.
Oversee development and renovation of the facility to meet legal and safety standards.
Collaborate with architects, contractors, and vendors to ensure the building is ready for opening.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Build relationships with local community organizations, businesses, and families.
Lead outreach efforts to recruit students, including hosting informational meetings, attending community events, and promoting the school’s unique offerings.
Establish partnerships with local government agencies and educational organizations.
Staff Recruitment and Development
Lead recruitment of teachers, administrative staff, and other key personnel.
Develop onboarding and professional development programs for new staff.
Foster a positive, inclusive school culture from the start.
Curriculum Development and Academic Planning
Collaborate with educators, curriculum developers, and school leaders to create a rigorous, engaging curriculum.
Develop policies for academic excellence, student achievement, and a positive climate.
Implement systems for tracking student progress and outcomes.
Operations Management
Set up enrollment processes, student information systems, transportation, food services, and technology infrastructure.
Develop safety and crisis management protocols.
Ensure compliance with local laws and charter agreement best practices.
Launch and Transition
Oversee smooth launch of the school, ensuring all systems are functional for the first day.
Provide ongoing support in the initial months, troubleshooting issues as they arise.
Guide transition from start‑up to full operational status.
Compensation TBD – Competitive with similar charter schools.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required (School administration license, Nonprofit Management, or related field preferred).
Minimum of 5 years experience in education, school leadership, or charter school operations, with a track record of launching or managing a charter school or program.
Strong understanding of charter school laws, regulations, and funding.
Experience in strategic planning, fundraising, and budget management.
Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including staff, community members, government agencies, and funders.
Strong problem‑solving skills and capacity to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
Passion for education and commitment to equitable, high‑quality opportunities for all students.
Physical Requirements
Ability to travel locally and attend evening or weekend meetings.
Ability to work in an office or school environment and sit or stand for extended periods.
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