Head of School & Executive Director
Northwest Arkansas Schools for Advanced Studies is seeking an exceptional Head of School & Executive Director to lead the school's academic, operational, and organizational success.
The Head of School & Executive Director is responsible for advancing academic excellence, developing and retaining exceptional faculty and staff, strengthening school culture, ensuring effective operations, and building strong relationships with students, families, the Board of Directors, Polymath Educational Management Company, and the broader community.
This leader will serve as the primary link between the Board and Polymath, translating the school's mission, vision, and strategic priorities into meaningful outcomes for students and the organization. The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative, and highly visible educational leader with the judgment and experience to lead effectively through complexity and change.
Key Responsibilities
Academic & School Leadership
- Lead the school's academic program and daily educational operations.
- Champion the school's mission, vision, academic goals, and culture of high expectations.
- Lead faculty and school leaders in delivering high-quality instruction and implementing curriculum effectively.
- Monitor student achievement, instructional quality, assessment practices, and academic interventions.
- Use data to identify opportunities and drive continuous improvement.
- Ensure fidelity to the educational model approved by the Board.
- Oversee college counseling, postsecondary readiness, and student advancement initiatives in partnership with Polymath.
Faculty, Talent & Culture
- Recruit, supervise, evaluate, develop, and retain exceptional faculty and school leaders.
- Establish clear expectations for performance, professional growth, and accountability.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, intellectual curiosity, continuous learning, and professional excellence.
- Partner with Polymath's academic, curriculum, and Human Resources teams on recruitment, onboarding, professional development, staffing, and leadership development.
- Promote employee engagement and retention.
Operations, Finance & Organizational Effectiveness
- Lead the day-to-day operations of the school and oversee school directors and administrative personnel.
- Ensure a safe, orderly, and effective school environment.
- Partner with Polymath operational teams on facilities, technology, Human Resources, food services, transportation, safety, and student information systems.
- Establish operational goals, identify risks, and implement solutions that support organizational effectiveness.
- Partner with Polymath finance personnel on budgeting, financial reporting, resource allocation, and long-term financial sustainability.
- Monitor enrollment, staffing, and financial trends to support organizational health and growth.
Board & Polymath Partnership
- Serve as the primary representative and point of connection between the school, Board of Directors, and Polymath Educational Management Company.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with Board and Polymath leadership.
- Partner with Polymath on academic, operational, enrollment, staffing, financial, and strategic priorities.
- Establish annual goals and communicate progress, opportunities, challenges, and risks to the Board and Polymath.
- Prepare and present regular reports to the Board regarding academic performance, operations, enrollment, finances, compliance, and strategic priorities.
- Support effective Board governance and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, authorizer, and Board requirements.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as a highly visible representative of the school within the community.
- Build strong relationships with students, families, faculty, alumni, donors, business partners, and community organizations.
- Communicate effectively regarding school performance, priorities, initiatives, and opportunities.
- Address significant parent, student, and community concerns in a professional and solutions-oriented manner.
- Support enrollment, fundraising, development, and community engagement initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; master's degree strongly preferred.
- Five or more years of progressively responsible educational leadership experience.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams within a school or educational organization.
- Understanding of educational leadership, organizational management, budgeting, and accountability systems.
- Experience presenting to boards, governing bodies, or executive leadership teams.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and lead effectively through complexity and change.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous Head of School, Principal, Executive Director, Assistant Superintendent, or comparable educational leadership experience.
- Experience working with a Charter Management Organization (CMO) or Educational Management Organization (EMO).
- Experience collaborating directly with a governing Board.
- Experience with strategic planning, organizational growth, school improvement, accreditation, or compliance.
- Strong understanding of school finance, enrollment management, and educational accountability systems.
Key Leadership Competencies
- Strategic and visionary leadership
- Commitment to academic excellence and student achievement
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
- Financial and operational acumen
- Sound judgment and decision-making
- Collaborative leadership
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to lead through change and organizational growth
- Integrity, transparency, accountability, and service
- Resilience, flexibility, professionalism, and a sense of humor
Benefits
The position is eligible for the school's benefits package, including:
- Arkansas State Employee Health Insurance options
- Dental and vision insurance
- Arkansas Teacher Retirement System (ATRS)
- Employer retirement contribution
- Paid holidays and school closure periods
- Additional benefits available to eligible employees
Reporting Relationship
The Head of School & Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and works in close partnership with Polymath Educational Management Company to execute the school's mission, vision, strategic priorities, and operational objectives.
This leader serves as the principal link among the Board, Polymath, school personnel, students, families, and community stakeholders, ensuring alignment, accountability, and exceptional outcomes for students and the organization.
EOE
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
