Principal or Vice Principal Director of Programs
Job Description
Aspen Academy is seeking a talented education leader for our Director of Programs role. The Programs Division encompasses many of the programs that are key market differentiators in shaping students’ lives including the Essentials (i.e. Spanish, Arts, Fitness and Athletics, STEAM and Innovation) and Electives Program, Extracurricular and Athletics Offerings, LiFE (Leadership, Financial Acumen, and Entrepreneurial Mindset) Program, and Auxiliary Programs. The Director of Programs plays a pivotal role in growing and leading these programs, ensuring a seamless integration with academic programs, fostering student engagement and growth, and strengthening connections within the school community. This position requires strategic leadership, effective team management, financial acumen, commitment to continuous improvement, and a deep alignment with the school’s mission and values.
We live and model the community’s values in thought, word and deed to students, colleagues and parents and the larger community. We are palpably committed to, supportive and co-leaders in the achievement of Aspen Academy’s vision and mission.
- Our values: Be Kind. Do Good. Work Hard. Make the World Better.
- Our mission: We edify and inspire students and educators to grow, learn and lead.
- Our vision: We are a national leader in innovative and transformative education.
If not for life, then what are we learning for? At Aspen Academy, we look at learning as a way to ignite the personal passions and interests of each and every student. Our academics, partnered with a focused leadership development sequence, prepare students for life. Students thrive as they build lasting relationships with peers and teachers through small class sizes and a community focus.
Diversity and inclusion are core to Aspen Academy. We are passionate about building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment. Every member on our team enriches our community by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world. We don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and thrive because of it. Aspen Academy is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and promotes affirmative action. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and military and veteran status.
If this inspires you, please apply to join our team.
Summary of Responsibilities
- Hire, on-board, coach and evaluate program personnel and external vendor program partners ensuring excellence in performance.
- Ensure the strategic vision, financial management and profitability of all programs.
- Develop, manage and ensure continuous improvement and academic integration of essentials and elective offerings, efficient scheduling scheduling, scope and sequence, and academic integration between core and essential courses, content, standards.
- Develop, manage, execute, schedule, promote and ensure continuous improvement in a broad offering of Extracurricular and athletics offerings as well as the enrollments in those programs.
- Develop, manage, execute, schedule, promote and ensure continuous improvement in LiFE (Leadership, Financial Acumen and Entrepreneurial Mindset) Program.
- With Directors of Lower and Middle School, identify, promote and coordinate and expand opportunities for students to participate and excel at state and national level in academic and other educationally related competitions and workshops. (i.e, Geography Bee, Spelling Bee, National Elementary and Junior Honor Society, etc.)
- Promote, coordinate and expand student opportunities to participate and lead in programs including but not limited to student government, mentor/mentee programs, etc. as well as the delivery and inculcation of leadership curriculum into our program division’s units of study and ethos.
- Develop, manage, ensure continuous improvement and develop full enrollment in all licensed programs, including: Pre-K, Bear’s Club (Before and After School Care), and Summer Camp and School Break programs.
- Ensure adherence to all license and health and safety regulations governing programs in conjunction with Aspen Academy’s Colorado Department Human Services licensed director and assistant director.
Qualifications:
- Recognizes and is a proponent of the criticality of the essentials program, extracurricular activities, and early learning programs in shaping children’s lives.
- Proven business, organizational, program, financial, client services and human resources strategic leadership, development and management.
- Collaborative advocate for teachers, programs, and students, skillfully balancing multiple needs and competing priorities.
- Proven success in strategic leadership across various domains, with expertise in continuous improvement and change management. Strong financial acumen.
- Deeply aligned with Aspen Academy’s mission, vision, and values.
- Effective communicator with students, parents, teachers, and admin. Exceptional listening skills, fostering a positive culture and environment of teamwork and shared success within the school, among students and with the larger school community.
- Combines visionary thinking with the ability to integrate strategies into practical and effective solutions. Demonstrates strong systems thinking and utilizes data-driven approaches for effective decision-making and problem solving.
- Possesses flexibility, agility, and strong organizational skills.
- Maintains a positive and joyful leadership approach, coupled with an optimistic and supportive demeanor. Displays self-awareness, humility, and the ability to navigate leadership with grace.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion, constantly seeking growth in leadership acumen.
- Committed to continuous personal and professional growth as a lifelong learner.
- Event management experience a plus.
- Grant permission for background check.
- Meet physical demands to perform essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: Ability to work in person/in the school building. Ability to speak for long periods of time. Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds; occasionally life up to 25 pounds.
Education, Experience, and Certifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s Degree preferred.
- Minimum 5 years education leadership, administration or program management experience. Preferably with significant experience in youth program and personnel leadership and management.
- Minimum of 2 years of teaching experience in K-8
- Visual or performing arts and/or athletics background is a plus
- Fundraising and/or grant experience a plus
- *Note: Candidate is not required to be Early Childhood Director qualified.
Compensation Package:
Aspen Academy offers an excellent compensation package including health, dental, vision, free telehealth, robust EAP, 403(b) with matching and more; wide-ranging opportunities for professional development including generous annual stipend; and a talented and dedicated staff of teaching professionals and supportive administrators.
Salary Range: Starting $80,000-$90,000 (based on education & experience)
