Washington Leadership Academy - Executive Director

Washington Leadership Academy (WLA) is an open-enrollment, non-selective public charter high school in the heart of Washington, D.C. Our mission is to prepare our kids to thrive in the world and change it for the better. Our graduates are college-ready, have career-ready tech skills, and lead change in their communities and the world. We are proud to be 1 of 10 original XQ Super Schools in the U.S.! Serving 390 students, the majority of whom are Black and Latino, we are showing what a a culture built on strong relationships and authentic student leadership opportunities coupled with a four year computer science program can do.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director will be Washington Leadership Academy’s first successor, poised to build on the strong culture and tradition of excellence established by its founder over the past 10 years. The Executive Director will take WLA to the next level by leading the strategic direction of one of the country’s most innovative public high schools. This will look like leading WLA to continuously improving outcomes for kids and supporting WLA’s strong strategic plan. This will also include grappling with key strategic questions such as the role of single site school, the path to further grow the academic rigor and mastery of students at WLA, and the process of setting meaningful measures of success with the Public Charter School Board and WLA Board. WLA was founded to not only impact the hundreds of students within its walls, but to have an outsized impact on the broader field of public high school. So far, WLA has made contributions to a national English Language Arts curriculum and to computer science education. WLA is also a leader in experimentation and implementation with AI tools for both leaders, teachers, and students. The Executive Director will have the freedom to innovate and ideate with the Principal, Team, and Board to develop the next phase of public high school in the U.S., and build the tools and systems to get there. WLA is looking for the nation’s best Executive Director to join and lead the team.

Key Responsibilities:

The Executive Director will work with the Principal, Team, and Board to drive the achievement of the WLA Vision, Mission, Model and Values in words and in actions with students, funders, families, philanthropic partners, community members, and all stakeholders. To do this, the Executive Director will be responsible for the duties of managing the strategic direction of WLA, overseeing school operations, and mitigating the risk profile of the organization. These include but are not limited to:

• School Operations and Enrollment: Overseeing all school operations including management of the overall budget and budgeting process, short and long-term facility issues, legal risk and legal challenges in partnership with WLA’s attorneys, and Human Resources. Ensuring that enrollment is strong and meets budgetary requirements each year.
• Partnerships: Creating, stewarding, and leveraging philanthropic partnerships and strategic organizational partnerships.
• School Advocacy: Liaising between WLA and various DC agencies and leaders such as the Deputy Mayor’s Office, the State Superintendent, and the DC Public Charter School Board.
• Board Management: Leveraging the expertise, networks, and passion of the WLA Board of Directors.
• Senior Leadership Management: Supporting senior leadership (Principal, COO, Chief of Strategy, and Chief Innovation Officer) with leadership development and school support, as needed.
• Focus on Students: Serving as a trusted adult for students and a spokesperson for student voice and student leadership and centering the best interests of students in decision-making.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes:

• At least 10 years of professional work experience is required.
• Classroom experience and/ or knowledge of how classrooms, schools, and K-12 organizations operate is strongly preferred.
• Previous success driving a vision related to academic results for students. Experience in a charter school and/ or high school environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience successfully managing adults through multi-layered teams.
• Proven impact driving results within a high risk community.
• Experience working in DC is preferred.
• Unwavering alignment with and commitment to WLA’s mission.
• Willingness to serve as the Executive Director at Washington Leadership Academy for at least 5 years.
• Strategic planning experience, including equitably allocating talent and financial resources. Direct experience managing financial systems preferred.
• Excellent internal and external communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across the organization, within DC communities, and with the Board of Directors. Experience managing a board is preferred.
• Demonstrates integrity in words and actions and encourages ethical behavior and transparent decision-making.
• Ability to form strong, authentic, trusting relationships with students, staff, families, and the school community. Experience building an environment focused on inclusion and equity for all stakeholders.
• Ability to travel occasionally (approx. 2-4 times/ year.)

COMPENSATION: $180-$220,00 base salary, commensurate with experience

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should apply by submitting a resume and cover letter expressing your interest and fit for the role to Recruitment@TheGatheringProject.net with “WLA ED” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed, and upon qualification, we will contact you to determine next steps. For additional questions about this position or to speak with someone about your interest, please contact Stephanie.Kapsis@thegatheringproject.net.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, and use his/her/their hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move heavy classroom materials or equipment. The specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision.

Washington Leadership Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. WLA does not discriminate in its hiring or employment activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability or handicap, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression (including a transgender identity), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. WLA is a drug-free workplace. Salary is competitive and is commensurate with experience. WLA provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a retirement plan.

Washington Leadership Academy reserves the right to amend this job description at any time prior to or during employment.