Executive Director

The SCSC is currently searching for an Executive Director to lead the organization and execute the SCSC vision, mission, and strategic plan adopted by the SCSC Board of Commissioners.

The Executive Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities and functions of the SCSC and disseminating information related to SCSC activities to the public. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of performance that encompasses strong management skills, leadership experience, financial & data analysis understanding, fundraising expertise, communication skills, and documented experience with the legislative process and educational reform.

The Executive Director of the SCSC will be based in Atlanta, Georgia and will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide leadership in formulating policy and procedures related to achievement of the SCSC's vision, mission, and strategic plan based on state goals, priority objectives, legislative mandates, and other policy and procedural directives related to Georgia's charter schools.
• Understand and implement best practices in charter school authorizing.
• Authorize and oversee high quality charter schools.
• Direct the operation of the SCSC as guided by state and federal laws, rules and regulations, appropriations, and policy directives.
• Leverage effective working relationships with Georgia's governor's office and General Assembly as well as national and state stakeholders, policy groups and researchers, and other states.
• Oversee dissemination of public information and complaint responses.
• Utilize monitoring and policy compliance systems to provide academic and financial accountability for SCSC charter schools.
• Utilize and maintain information systems, including a website that provides information on SCSC charter school performance, accountability standards, links to SCSC schools, and available public education programs for SCSC schools.
• Serve as liaison and key policy contact for advocacy groups, constituents, task forces and other forums on issues related to the SCSC and its charter schools.
• Oversee the provision of targeted technical assistance to prospective and operating SCSC schools, including training, conferences, and technical assistance papers.
• Travel as needed to educate the public about the administration, monitoring, and evaluation of SCSC charter schools.
• Collaborate with the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) and report to the State Board of Education as needed.
• Work directly with GADOE staff and leadership to assure timely funding for SCSC charter schools as set forth in state law.
• Plan and coordinate the effective utilization of available financial resources, including the SCSC operational budget and administrative fees from SCSC charter schools.
• Promote a positive and growth-minded organizational culture through the oversight and evaluation of staff members.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the SCSC Board of Commissioners.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or advanced degree in education or a related field (such as public policy or law) is required. Strong leadership and organizational skills and at least 5 years work experience in a leadership position.

• Excellent writing skills; able to produce accurate and concise briefings that do not require outside editing.

• Excellent communication skills; able to communicate ideas, concepts, and programs to instructional and non-instructional employees, policymakers, charter school stakeholders, students, and parents.

• Proven ability to interact professionally and effectively with high-level community and government leaders.

• Experience working as a charter school authorizer or in a charter-related environment; preference may be given to those who have experience as an authorizer.

• Familiarity with financial analysis and public education funding calculations.

• Knowledge of grants management and administration.

• Knowledge and experience in areas such as: education reform, charter school development, accreditation, federal grants, education law and policy, and procurement.

• In-depth understanding and experience with state education accountability mechanisms and student information systems.

• Proven ability to navigate challenges at the federal, state, and local levels.

• Understanding of the topical social, political, and educational issues about which Georgia stakeholders are concerned.

• Ability to design, implement, and evaluate educational procedures and programs.

• A personal performance track record that demonstrates a strong commitment to quality outcomes for charter school students.

Preferred Qualifications

•  An advanced degree in educational policy, public policy, law, or finance.

• Established, effective working relationships with Georgia policymakers and education stakeholders.

• Candidates with executive experience and experience running a successful organization.

Compensation

The SCSC will offer a competitive salary, as well as health insurance and vacation benefits. Salary will be commensurate with experience and competitive with salaries paid to lead executives of charter school authorizers across the country.

How to Apply

To ensure consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume no later than April 14, 2023. Application materials may be submitted via email or mail:
Email: [email protected].
Mail: Nexus at NACSA
1 East Erie Street
Suite 525, #380
Chicago, IL 60611

The State Charter Schools Commission does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices.

The State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia is partnering with Nexus at NACSA to spearhead our search efforts. Please direct all applications and questions to [email protected].