Wonderful College Prep Academy is a free public charter organization dedicated to the success of every student. High-tech classrooms, caring teachers, and hands-on learning help our 1,700 preschool through 12th grade students prepare for college and ultimately pursue promising careers. And, our students can earn free college credit on campus before graduating! The Academy is located on two new state-of-the-art campuses in Delano and Lost Hills, CA.

The Role:

This is an exciting point in The Wonderful College Prep Academy’s growth. As we build upon 9 years of consistently improving student outcomes and expand our campuses to eventually accommodate up to 2,500 students, we are seeking a mission driven, strategic Superintendent to lead us to new levels of excellence.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Superintendent will have oversight for a sizable operating budget and directly manage a team of seven administrators and a total staff of 165. This is a unique opportunity to lead an innovative, high-performing Charter Management Organization through the next phase of its evolution. And, because of the sponsorship of The Wonderful Company, the focus can be entirely on preparing students in the Central Valley for the best universities and not on the constant fundraising demands so common in other charter organizations.

Here’s what you’ll do:

Strategy and Development

• In collaboration with the Board of Directors and the senior leadership team, determine strategic priorities for the Academies and effectively communicate these to stakeholders.
• Ensure a high-quality implementation of Wonderful’s education design, including standards, assessments, instructional guidelines, and culture; refine the Wonderful model to improve student outcomes.
• Manage opening of new schools to meet growth targets while maintaining exceptional student academic outcomes.
• Recruit highly qualified principals, educators, and home office staff; effectively develop staff; address performance as necessary on a timely basis; consult with Human Resources as appropriate.
• Coach, develop, and empower Principals and home office leaders, in their roles as instructional leaders and site/regional managers.

Wonderful-wide Leadership

• Exemplify Wonderful College Prep Academy’s mission, vision, standards, policies and procedures, and code of ethical behavior.
• Assess and communicate results, progress on goals and growth targets, and action plans designed to build success.
• Represent the Academy within the Wonderful Company and Wonderful Education, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision, mission, core values, and education program priorities.

Community Outreach

• Represent Wonderful College Prep Academy externally, championing college readiness and college going culture for all youth in the Central Valley.
• Cultivate relationships with local districts, city officials, colleges and community leaders to further Academy’s goals.
• Establish and manage a network of external partners in alignment with the school’s mission and vision.

Government Affairs and Legal

• Manage relations with charter authorizer, Kern County.
• Apply for and oversee major grants.
• Advocate for Academy interests with local, state, and federal government representatives.
• Oversee all legal and human resources matters impacting the Academy.

Here’s what you’ll bring to the table:

The ideal candidate will be an experienced administrator with a proven record of academic success.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of leadership experience, either at the school or district level, charter school experience preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience, preferably across multiple levels
• Minimum of 2 years of principal (or equivalent management) experience
• Experience in rural setting and/or serving high risk populations
• Graduate of a recognized college or university with a master’s degree or higher
• A valid California Administrative Services credential preferred, but not required
• Bilingual Spanish speaker preferred

Skills/Traits

• Passion for working with traditionally underserved communities in high performance settings
• Entrepreneurial spirit capable of managing many complex tasks with competing priorities
• Proven track-record developing and delivering rigorous academic programs within challenging student settings
• Strong leadership and execution abilities including goal-setting, strategic planning, prioritization and capacity-building
• Excellent problem-solver
• Organized and self-managed, able to drive toward outcomes
• Dependable with excellent follow-through
• Proven ability to collaborate and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, orally and in writing
• Self-reflective leader who is committed to ongoing learning and growth of self and others