Operations / Administration Superintendent
Job Description
This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a meaningful environment and lead a charter management organization serving the needs of a unique and deserving student population.
The New America School empowers new immigrants, English language learners, and academically underserved students with the educational tools and support to maximize their potential and live the American dream. The Superintendent oversees all organizational activities for a charter management nonprofit and its three schools in Colorado. The Superintendent is responsible for developing a clear strategy for New America School-Colorado and executing those strategies.
The Superintendent of New America School provides direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization’s philosophy, mission, strategy, and its annual goals and objectives; implements the strategic goals and objectives of the organization; and with the Chair of the Board, enables the Board to fulfill its governance function effectively and professionally.
Essential Job Functions
The Superintendent’s primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Operational
o Serves as the primary spokesperson and advocate for New America Schools-Colorado, strengthening the organization and schools’ reputation and relationships with its authorizers, potential funders, educational policymakers at the local and state level, community members and other key stakeholders
o Understands and supports the unique student body of the New America Schools-Colorado, including understanding the differences between the three schools
o Identifies strategies to positively impact the policy environment for New America Schools-Colorado, including but not limited to advocacy around accountability for Alternative Education Campuses and policies that protect the student population that includes a significant number of immigrant and refugee families
o Strengthens a robust organizational culture that attracts and retains high quality staff and anticipates future organizational needs
o Oversees the management of the nonprofit office
o Provides leadership in the pursuit of grants and other fundraising opportunities and oversees the financial and programmatic compliance of all grants
o Ensures that the organization is compliant on all chartering district requirements
o Consults and supports the work of the Controller in all areas of budget preparation and budget execution
o Manages human resource issues beyond the principal’s control
o Assists and consults with the director of marketing and recruitment in all areas of student recruitment and retention
Educational Leadership and Curriculum
o Ensures the successful academic achievement and renewed authorization of the three schools in Aurora, Lakewood and Thornton;
o Stays informed of current and emerging curricular and educational thinking, trends and best practices
o Plans, develops and implements coherent and consistent policies and procedures in the areas of assessment and evaluation, student supports, safe schools, professional development and training, recruitment and retention, and curriculum design
o Assures continuous study and revision of curriculum guides and courses of study
o Monitors and supports instructional practices to improve student achievement
o Supervises and supports principals, assistant principals and staff
o Regularly visits schools to interact with staff, students and parents and understand the needs of each campus
o Designs, monitors and supports successful implementation of School Improvement Plans at all sites
o Acts as primary spokesperson on all school matters with media, authorizing school districts, the Colorado Charter School Institute, policymakers, and the New America School Board and consistently seeks opportunities to build relationships and reputations
o Examines and adjusts existing practices to align with federal, state and local district standards in the areas of curriculum, safe schools, graduation requirements and external assessments
NAS Board
o Prepares Board agenda and inform all members of key meeting dates
o Prepares recommendations or options to the Board on all matters related to the organization in order to make informed decisions, including the nonprofit organization
o Prepares annual school and system goals and monitor their progress
o Keeps the Board informed on key academic, personnel, authorization, accreditation and financial matters
o Plans for an annual Board retreat to plan and implement key objectives for the next year
o Presents an monthly list of accomplishments and achievements for the organization
o Recommends training opportunities for Board Members
Personnel
o Manages three school principals in serving the educational needs of their students and managing their teaching and administrative staff
o Plans and provides professional development opportunities for teachers and support staff
o Ensures that school performance evaluation of teachers and support staff are conducted and that necessary action is taken for those deemed to be unsatisfactory
o Holds regular meetings with the leadership team
o Holds meetings with school staff to discuss matters related to student achievement, and school issues or concerns
o Conducts a search process for all new principals and assistant principals
o Ensures the hiring of qualified and competent teachers and support staff
o Oversees all employee relations in the organization
Key Success Factors
o Appreciation, skills and sensitivity for diverse populations, cultures, perspectives and socioeconomic backgrounds
o Understanding of the impacts of trauma on students and the supports needed to drive academic achievement among high-needs student populations
o Outstanding relationship builder with demonstrated experience navigating political environments
o Strong written and oral communications skills and experience serving as spokespersons
o Spanish proficiency a plus
Direct experience with the following is required:
o Multi-cultural and multi-lingual educational environments
o High-need student populations with multiple risk factors
o Colorado’s educational environment, charter environment, and political landscape
