Executive Director

Prairie Crossing Charter School (PCCS) is a public school that transforms our children through academic discovery and interaction with our unique natural, ecological, and community resources. Offering an integrated environmental curriculum that uses an innovative and experiential approach to learning, PCCS develops students who demonstrate environmental stewardship and global citizenship.

Position Overview:

With the support of an administrative staff, the Executive Director will be responsible for leading, articulating, inspiring and promoting the School's environmental charter, management of School operations, compliance with regulatory agencies, optimization of finances, fundraising growth, and expanding the visibility of the school to the larger community.

Responsibilities:

Specifically, the Executive Director will work in concert with the Board of Directors to uphold the school's Charter through the following:

Leader of School:

• Articulate the unique aspects of the environmental Charter
• Promote our environmental mission and values as the core of the School
• Inspire, lead and promote students, staff, parents and community to carry out the environmental components of the Charter contract.
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate the Principal and other Administrative staff.
• Direct the development and implementation of the School's Strategic Plan, in concert with the Board of Directors.
• Work closely with Board and Committees.
• Ensure compliance with all requirements of the Chartering Authority and other regulatory agencies.

Finance and Fundraising:

• Direct development and implementation of an annual school budget.
• Establish a plan for ensuring long-range fiscal sustainability, in concert with the Board of Directors.
• Direct fundraising activities that meet or exceed established goals.
• Cultivate relationships with donors or other funding sources.

Community and Professional Outreach:

• Direct and conduct outreach activities designed to promote the mission of the School within the larger community.
• Establish partnerships with schools and agencies for the purpose of promoting environmentally-focused educational practices.
• Direct internal and external communications that effectively promote the mission and activities of the School.
• Direct activities related to informing families in surrounding districts of the School's mission, programs and enrollment procedures, and ensuring accessibility for all eligible families.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Qualifications:

Required Professional and Personal Qualifications:

• Knowledge and understanding of the importance of charter schools.
• Experience in environmental education (preferred).
• Proven ability to work in partnership with a Chartering authority and/or other legal entities.
• Experience working directly with a Board of Directors (or comparable entity).
• Proven experience carrying out strategic plans on behalf of an organization.
• The ability to identify new sources of funding from foundations, corporations, individual donors and the skills required to secure these resources through relationship-building.
• Proven ability to attract, recruit, retain and develop staff who share the vision of the School.
• Management and team-building experience to create an efficient and effective work environment.
• Leadership presence to inspire confidence in the school and its mission.
• Advanced degree.
• General Administrative Certificate (preferred).

Compensation: Salary and Benefits competitive and commensurate with experience

Timeline:

• November/December 18, 2009: Receipt of qualified applications and credentials.
• December, 2009: Selection of finalists for interviews.
• January, 2010: Board interviews finalists.
• February, 2010: Board appoints Executive Director.
• July 1, 2010: Executive Director assumes post.

To Apply:

Applications should be submitted electronically, prior to Friday, December 18, 2009. Applications should include a letter of interest and a current resume. Applications or inquiries about the position or search process should be directed to: Board President Geoff Deigan.

Please visit the Prairie Crossing Charter School for more information.

PCCS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates in this search.