Executive Director - Southern Louisiana (Immediate Opening)

Executive Director – Southern Louisiana 

Position overview  

At IDEA Public Schools, we believe in college for ALL and we are committed to ensuring that all our students graduate from college. IDEA has grown from one small school to a large, multi-state network of tuition-free Pre-K-12 public charter schools sending 100% of our students to college with 50% of our students graduating from college in 6 years – that’s 8 times the national rate for students in our communities! As the Executive Director, you will be a member of the Schools Team that lays the foundation and provides the strategic direction for these outcomes to be possible. 

In this role, you will ensure successful outcomes for all students, staff, and leaders in Southern Louisiana, with the partnership and support of functional leaders across the organization.  You will lead the region to accomplish all measures of student success, staff performance and retention, operational stability, financial stewardship, and board development. 

In order to ensure the success of your region, you must be committed to our mission that ALL students are capable of getting to and through college. Additionally, you will be driven by outcomes and results, be willing to make and quickly implement what you learn from mistakes and develop strong cross-departmental relationships. Significant travel will be required across campuses within the region and occasional travel out of region.  

Required skills/Responsibilities  

As the leader in Southern Louisiana, you will be responsible for setting a vision that guides the region to reach the following ambitious goals: 

1. Achieve academic excellence at all schools in the region  

• 100% of campuses receive an A or B and the region an A on end of year academic results   
• Achieve grade level proficiency of 90% for 1st and 2nd grade students in reading and math  

1. Achieve operational excellence and a sustainable organization  

• All schools open on time and fully enrolled   
• Grow waitlist to ensure strong recruitment and enrollment at subsequent campuses  
• Achieve 97.5% Average Daily Attendance  
• 90% overall and new student persistence  
• Ensure successful, timely construction and delivery of new campuses and timely site selection and purchase  

1. Lead a Great Place to Work where staff persist, grow, and thrive  

• 85% teacher and staff retention  
• Schools are 100% staffed with high quality leaders and teachers  

1. Steward community support for IDEA Public Schools in the region  

• Solidify community support for IDEA and secure sufficient philanthropy to meet growth needs  
• Raise all funds necessary to complete IDEA regional build out  
• Earn broad community support for IDEA’s mission and work  

1. Deliver on the promise of College for ALL Children   

• The Executive Director will be working toward 100% of IDEA seniors are accepted and matriculate to college in the fall after their senior year   
• Senior Class 21 Average Score on the ACT composite and 30% of seniors at each school earn AP Scholar Status  

Required experience  

•                    Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s degree preferred  

•                    At least ten years of experience in PK-12 education, including at least two years of classroom teaching experience and at least two years of principalship with demonstrated effectiveness in student academic growth required  

Compensation & Benefits  

Salaries for this role typically start between $139,554 and $178,629, commensurate with relevant qualifications and experience. This role is also eligible bonus compensation up to 25% based on individual and organizational performance and goal attainment.    

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, vision, and supplemental benefits as well as retirement plans and a generous vacation package. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.  

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.  

Diversity statement  

At IDEA we recognize that racism, bias, and privilege exist in society. We are committed to an organizational culture that promotes awareness, kindness, and inclusivity for our students and staff, and supports their path to positively impact our broader society. We are committed to recognizing the impact of racism and privilege, and commit as an organization to have equitable practices, policies, and structures.