Operations / Administration Executive Director
Job Description
OUR ORGANIZATION
Vanguard Classical School (VCS) is a tuition-free, public, charter school with two campuses in Denver and Aurora serving 1,200 students in grades K-12. VCS is a pioneer in the 4-day model of instruction in the Aurora/Denver Metro Area. VCS develops well-rounded world citizens of exceptional character who are academically prepared to contribute to and improve their communities.
THE VANGUARD PHILOSOPHY
The Vanguard Philosophy emphasizes the importance of providing every child with the opportunity to learn through a broad, rigorous, content-based curriculum. We prioritize creating an inclusive environment that values all students’ abilities and integrates character development throughout the curriculum. We recognize the critical role of active family involvement and hold our education team accountable for each student’s achievement. At Vanguard, we believe that English literacy is fundamental to success in all subjects and that student success is achieved through hard work, perseverance, determination, and commitment. Our defined curriculum ensures clear expectations for student progression, with promotion earned based on demonstrated proficiency. Upholding a consistent and equitable Code of Conduct is central to maintaining a structured and safe learning environment for all students.
THE OPPORTUNITY
VCS seeks an Executive Director to provide on-site leadership for the school campuses, implement and manage all aspects of a welcoming and engaging school culture, and ensure each student the safety and security needed to thrive and engage in an outstanding educational environment. Additionally, the Executive Director will oversee the academic vision and curriculum content, development, and evaluation, as well as personnel management, facilities maintenance, fiscal oversight, and the strong operational outcomes of each campus.
Critical Responsibilities of the Executive Director
- Develop and implement a strategic vision that extends beyond immediate objectives, thinking several steps ahead to anticipate future challenges and opportunities.
- Define high-level goals aimed at achieving excellence in academic growth and outcomes.
- Create and facilitate extensive opportunities for student enrichment and engagement, fostering an environment to support their holistic development.
- Oversee facilities management, enrollment strategies, and authorizer compliance processes (including charter renewal)to ensure organizational continuity and growth.
- Maintain financial stability and management of the school’s operating budget.
- Lead stakeholder engagement efforts, fostering a positive organizational culture and building strong relationships with staff, parents, students, and community partners.
- Position the organization as a leader in the charter sector by building strategic alliances with relevant entities and leveraging Vanguard’s potential to play a significant role in shaping the sector’s future.
Outcome for the Executive Director
In the short term (3-6 months), the Executive Director will focus on solidifying school staffing structures, spearhead the charter renewal process, and establish annual goals and create a 3-year strategic plan in collaboration with the board. Relationship building with key stakeholders, such as the authorizer, Aurora Public School Board, staff members, direct reports, and leaders in the charter sector, will also be a priority.
Looking ahead (1-2 years), defining an instructional vision for both campuses to drive academic outcomes, fostering a strong culture, improving retention rates, and establishing a diverse pipeline of educators representative of the student population will be key goals.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Qualified candidates should demonstrate a passion for classical education and a dedication to serving diverse student populations. They should have a proven track record of effectively managing and leading educational programs, ideally with experience in implementing CORE Knowledge curriculum and practices. Additionally, candidates should possess at least 5 years of experience in successfully managing and leading high-performing teams, whether within schools, school districts, private schools, or non-education organizations, with a focus on strategic development and operations.
Required Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to build strong, mutually supportive relationships across lines of difference, including identity, power, and position.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage direct reports and their teams in a culturally responsive, effective manner to achieve goals .
- Commitment to disrupting systemic inequities and foundational knowledge and skills in working across lines of difference and creating and sustaining culturally responsive and equitable practices, systems, and environments.
- Capacity to work well with people at all levels within the organization and at key external agencies and organizations.
- Excellent business skills including financial management, personnel administration, vendor relations, and regulatory compliance.
Preferred Experience
- Teaching and leadership experience in Classical-based learning environments.
- Demonstrated success in raising funds and managing large budgets.
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE ED
Vanguard Classical School provides a positive work environment that supports our staff in delivering instruction that facilitates individual academic achievement and character development through a safe, equitable, global content-rich learning environment. VCS’s vision is to develop well-rounded world citizens of exceptional character who are academically prepared to contribute to and improve their communities.
Our team and school community are diverse and we embrace that diversity as an encouraging, friendly, open, and supportive team and school. We invest in our team members by providing a balanced, growth-oriented, and supportive work environment, while helping you achieve your career goals within and beyond Vanguard. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- A competitive annual starting salary range of $140,000-$160,000 commensurate with experience.
- Medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance and AD&D plans
- Participation in the Colorado Public Schools Retirement System PERA
- PERA 401K, 457B, and Roth IRA retirement options
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
- Voluntary life insurance for employees and dependents
- Short and Long Term Disability
- AFLAC add-ons to include accident, critical illness, and hospital plans
- Employee Assistance Program
