Position Summer

Arkansas Connections Academy seeks a dynamic, visionary leader and change agent to serve as its next Executive Director. This position ensures all students receive a personalized learning plan by implementing a distance education instructional program with fidelity. The Executive Director is responsible for establishing an organizational culture: putting the interests of students and families first; continuous academic and operational improvement; recruiting, retaining, and developing faculty and staff; and building and growing relationships with key external stakeholders including regulators.

Working from their home office in Arkansas, the Executive Director will lead and manage staff as they work regularly with Learning Coaches and students to ensure each child successfully completes their instructional program. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing overall school operations working with parents, students, support staff, and certified teachers who “virtually” facilitate a home-based student instructional program. The Executive Director is also responsible for working with external stakeholders on matters of policy, budget, academic outcomes, reporting, and supervision. The Executive Director will report to the Director of School Operations.

Key responsibilities include the following:

Set forth and embody compelling mission, vision and value statements that are effectively communicated to the staff, students, parents and applicable stakeholders Oversee the implementation of the proven school curriculum and school operation protocols; Ensure staff exhibit and maintain a high level of professionalism, instructional support, and customer service by implementing a vision for the school; Deliver the academic success and outcomes of the school as defined in the school’s contract and in the state’s accountability system; Develop and maintain a schoolwide culture of continuous academic and operational improvement as evidenced through the creation, implementation, management, and monitoring of a robust School Improvement Plan; Ensure all state reporting is completed accurately and timely; Maintain relationships with the authorizer and the Arkansas Department of Education while staying current on the state’s policies, procedures, and legislation, including Special Education policies and procedures; Attend authorizer meetings (as applicable); Provide the authorizer with regular written and verbal reports and updates (if applicable); Exhibit high quality, timely communication with all school staff, students, and families; Be responsible for establishing, monitoring, and maintaining the School’s budget which includes staffing, budgeting, grants, and contracts in accordance with Arkansas laws and regulations Work closely with Pearson Virtual Schools staff to implement the core Connections Academy operational model; Work with administrative team to implement any program changes processes and procedures, and/or new software application introductions; Handle any student, parent or teacher issues escalated from stakeholders, Oversee the management of, contracting and/or delivery of Special Education services to ensure that the school is in compliance with state and federal laws; Oversee the implementation and coordination of state standardized testing process and ensure high student participation rates meet or exceed state and federal guidelines; Act as the “face of the school” and school advocate at school events and with the Department of Education, the Legislature, or other policy groups. This could include testimony; Help coordinate stakeholders to provide testimony or statements on legislative matters Participate in student recruitment efforts including in-state trips, presentations, Q & A sessions and responding to the press Support a robust “school community” through a program of in-person field trips around the state and virtual activities Manage the network of parent volunteers who assist with community activities known as community coordinators Demonstrate a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Supervise and evaluate school staff; and Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Arkansas administrative credential required Degree in Education and/or Education related field preferred Administrative or management experience required (charter school management is a plus) Arkansas Residency required Strong leadership qualities and a commitment to goal-directed management and accountability Previous leadership experience at a Connections Academy school is preferred Must be able to use a personal electronic device/email to authenticate a 2-step login for system access Excellent communication skills, both oral and written Customer-focused approach Flexible, ability to transition from task to task quickly Demonstrated ability to work well in fast-paced environment Team player Technologically proficient (especially with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite) Travel for state and regional meetings, state testing and Connections Academy Retreats and Conferences required