Lead a School, Shape a Community

South Valley Academy (SVA) is a public charter school in Albuquerque, NM, serving grades 6-12. Founded on strong South Valley roots and cultural understanding, SVA prepares students to be lifelong learners with a focus on matriculation to college.

High academic standards are achieved through an integrated curriculum, supplemented with student-developed personal learning plans for success. The vision of South Valley Academy was born from its founders’ experience working with students who could excel in many endeavors—when given the proper learning environment, community support, and access to educational opportunities. The school works extensively with community partners to craft and execute its role as a community school, illustrating SVA’s role as a community center and hub of action, ideas, and equity.

South Valley Academy's Five Pillars:

• Academic Excellence and Love of Learning
• Creating Trusting, Enduring Relationships
• Embracing and Celebrating Diversity
• Empowering People
• Transforming Lives and Community

What You’ll Lead

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Lead institutional strategic planning and ensure alignment with SVA’s mission, vision, and charter ensuring high academic expectations, financial health, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Governing Council, overseeing policy development and compliance.
• Oversee budget, financial planning, and long-term sustainability in collaboration with the Director of Finance and Operations.

School Culture & Student Success

• Set the tone for academic excellence, ensuring high expectations for students and staff.
• Lead efforts to further build on a strong, collaborative school culture focused on college readiness, equity, restorative practices, and student achievement.
• Champion advisory programs, mentorship, and service learning to support student growth.
• Ensure data-driven decision-making to improve student outcomes.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Be the face of SVA, building relationships with and representing the school to key stakeholders including families, policy makers, and community partners (e.g., Albuquerque Public Schools, New Mexico Public Education Department, foundations, nonprofits, higher ed institutions).
• Strengthen parent engagement and ensure all families feel welcomed and involved.
• Advocate for policies that benefit first-generation college students and bilingual learners.

Talent Management & Organizational Development

• Inspire, support, and hold staff accountable, fostering a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and academic excellence.
• Ensure hiring, staff evaluation, retention, and leadership development align with SVA’s mission and values, and support SVA’s strategic goals.
• Build a cohesive leadership team and set clear expectations for accountability and excellence.

Operations & Facilities Oversight

• Ensure a safe, efficient, well-managed school environment, working closely with administrative staff.
• Oversee the budget, resource allocation, and financial sustainability.
• Align facilities and technology infrastructure with academic and operational needs.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Secure funding through federal grants, philanthropy, and donor engagement.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies in partnership with the Governing Council.
• Ensure accurate reporting and compliance for grant-funded programs.

Who You Are

• An experienced educational leader with a background in school administration, instructional leadership, or charter school governance.
• A mission-driven professional passionate about equity, student success, and first-generation college access.
• A relationship-builder who can navigate difficult conversations, unite teams, and engage families.
• A problem solver who can balance big-picture strategy with hands-on leadership.

Requirements

• Master’s degree
• Eligible for a New Mexico Administrator’s License upon hire
• 6 years of teaching experience multiple years in school administration
• Strong understanding of curriculum, student assessment, and data-driven decision-making
• Experience managing school budgets and operational oversight
• Commitment to bilingual education, student equity, and inclusive leadership

Preferred

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Charter school leadership experience
• Grant writing skills
• Knowledge of NMPED regulations, Albuquerque education landscape

Why Join South Valley Academy

• A mission-driven school with a deep commitment to student success
• A strong, supportive community where families and educators collaborate
• An opportunity to make lasting impact in a pivotal leadership role

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