Executive Director of Academics

About The Role

Flagstaff Academy, a pre‑K thru 8th grade STEM focused public charter school, is seeking an Executive Director of Academics to lead the heart of our work: exceptional teaching, deep learning, and a thriving school culture. This opportunity is designed for a leader who is energized by instructional leadership and wants to focus deeply on academic excellence—curriculum, data, professional learning, and student experience.

Working in close partnership with the school’s executive leadership, this position ensures cohesive, aligned systems that support students and staff. Success requires strong collaboration, clarity of vision, and shared ownership across the organization. The Executive Director of Academics leads and supports the school’s instructional leadership team and academic staff, ensuring alignment from classroom practice to school-wide strategy.

This role offers the chance to shape the academic direction of a high-performing, mission-driven school, while building the leadership capacity of others to deliver on that vision.

About Flagstaff Academy Charter School

Located in Longmont, Colorado, Flagstaff Academy serves grades kindergarten through eighth and offers a tuition‑based full‑ and part‑time preschool program for three‑ and four‑year‑olds. Since its founding in 2005, the school has grown into one of Longmont’s premier science and technology schools and currently serves approximately 730 students.

• Strong financial foundation with over $5 million in reserves and recent enrollment growth outpacing local demographic trends.
• Highly engaged parent community, including an active Parent Teacher Organization.
• Tenured, experienced, and stable teaching team creating consistency in instructional practice.

Our Mission

Flagstaff Academy develops students who are equipped to be well‑rounded, ethical leaders in the world community with a foundation based on science and technology.

We bring this to life by cultivating deep, authentic learning experiences that challenge students to think critically, solve complex problems, and express their ideas with creativity and purpose.

Guiding Principles

• Provide a K‑8 core knowledge‑based education with a science and technology focus that challenges students to achieve their academic potential.
• Provide opportunities for scientific and technological exploration.
• Pursue excellence in every student and employee.
• Promote, value, and recognize academic achievement and creativity.
• Welcome an academically diverse student population.
• Respect the individual, classroom, school, community, and world.

Why This Role Matters

• Three‑time Colorado Trailblazer School to Watch (2019, 2022, 2025).
• Performance‑rated school on the State Performance Framework.
• Colorado Shines Level 5 Preschool.
• Nationally competitive robotics program ranked #1 in Colorado; students advance to World Championships.
• Positive public acknowledgement of our Green Team and Dragon Safety Patrol.

Success Looks Like

• Clear, aligned instructional priorities consistently implemented across classrooms.
• Instructional leaders empowered and effectively leading their teams.
• Measurable progress on the Unified Improvement Plan (UIP) and strategic plan goals.
• A strong, positive culture where staff feel supported and students are deeply engaged in meaningful learning.

What You’ll Do

Lead Instructional Excellence

• Set and drive a clear vision for curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• Ensure a coherent, high‑quality instructional program that promotes deep understanding, critical thinking, and meaningful application of learning, aligned to Colorado standards.
• Lead data‑driven cycles of improvement that translate into measurable gains in student outcomes.
• Oversee assessment systems and ensure results are used to inform instruction and support students.

Execute Strategy and Build Momentum

• Lead implementation of the Board’s strategic plan and the Unified Improvement Plan (UIP).
• Translate priorities into clear actions, systems, and measurable outcomes.
• Monitor progress, remove barriers, and maintain consistent forward momentum.
• Drive focus and follow-through so key initiatives are not only launched, but sustained.

Develop and Empower Leaders

• Coach and mentor members of the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT).
• Build leadership capacity so teams can own and execute strategic priorities.
• Provide clear expectations, feedback, and support to Assistant Principals and academic leaders.
• Foster a culture of accountability, growth, and continuous improvement.

Strengthen School Culture

• Champion a student‑centered culture grounded in respect, belonging, and high expectations.
• Partner with school leaders to ensure strong, aligned systems that support all learners.
• Ensure alignment across MTSS, Special Education, Gifted & Talented, and 504 supports.

Drive Professional Learning

• Design and implement meaningful, job‑embedded professional development.
• Align professional learning to instructional priorities, data, and teacher growth.
• Support recruitment, development, and retention of exceptional educators.

Represent and Elevate Flagstaff

• Serve as a visible and trusted leader within the school and broader community.
• Act as a face of the organization, representing Flagstaff with authenticity and credibility.
• Build strong relationships with students, staff, families, community partners, and PTO leaders to foster engagement, connection, and shared ownership.
• Drive enrollment stability and growth by strengthening the academic program, student experience, and family engagement.
• Position Flagstaff as a leader in innovation and excellence.

Who You Are

• An instructional leader first—you know what great teaching looks like and how to scale it.
• A developer of people—you cultivate leaders and staff alike, building a culture of growth, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• A systems thinker—you connect strategy, instruction, and outcomes.
• A creative problem solver—you navigate complexity, think flexibly, and develop solutions that move the work forward.
• A momentum builder—you bring focus, energy, and follow‑through to the work.
• A relational and supportive leader—you build trust, listen well, and elevate others.
• Relentless in the pursuit of excellence—you hold high expectations and ensure they are met.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree in education or a related field.
• Active Colorado Principal/Administrator license (or ability to obtain).
• 7+ years of experience in education, including at least 3 years in a school leadership role.
• Demonstrated success improving student outcomes and instructional quality.
• Experience leading curriculum, instruction, and professional development.

Preferred

• Experience as a Principal, Assistant Principal, or Chief Academic Officer.
• Charter school experience.
• Elementary leadership experience.
• Experience integrating science and technology into learning environments.

Leadership Structure & Work Environment

• The Executive Director of Academics is one of two executive leadership roles at Flagstaff Academy, working closely with the Director of Operations.
• Both positions report directly to the Board of Directors and are equal in responsibility and accountability.
• Occasional extended workdays, including ten‑hour days when needed.
• Participation in evening or weekend events, meetings, and school functions.
• High need for flexibility, presence, and strong relationship‑building.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary Range: $120,000 – $150,000. 202 Contract Days Annually.

Performance‑Based Bonus: Up to 15% annually, based on achievement of defined goals and organizational priorities.

• Health & Wellness: Medical & Prescription Coverage (two UMR plans), Direct Primary Care, Telehealth, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance.
• Tax‑Advantaged Savings: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Retirement & Financial Security: Colorado PERA Retirement, optional 401(k) and 457(b) plans.
• Insurance & Protection: Life & AD&D Insurance, Short‑Term Disability, Supplemental life, long‑term disability, Aflac accident and critical illness plans, identity protection through Norton LifeLock.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) based on years of service and contract days.
• Free Childcare availability through the Dragon Flight program.
• Employee Appreciation Program and a supportive, mission‑driven environment.

Flagstaff Academy is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive community.

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