High School Director

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is seeking a School Director (Principal).

Great Oaks Legacy is seeking an experienced, like-minded urban educator to lead its expanding high school campus in Newark, NJ. The School Director is responsible for setting a powerful vision for student achievement, motivating others to follow that vision, and strategically implementing the school’s mission through effective leadership and management of the students and staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

LEADERSHIP: 

Instruction & Support Services for Students

• Articulate, steward, and operationalize a clear vision for learning for all students and implement a strategic plan to accomplish that vision.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, improvement, innovation, and academic excellence. 
• Oversee the implementation of the school-wide curriculum, ensure teachers are following the pacing guides, submitting lesson plans and differentiating instruction. 
• Use disaggregated data to inform academic interventions, reteach plans and levels of support for teachers. 
• Conduct weekly meetings with each direct report on instructional strategies, content, feedback based on observations and holding them accountable to goals. 
• Co-facilitate academic progress monitoring meetings at the school, through the on-going analysis of student achievement data;  collaborate with the Academic Deans and GLLs/DCs to adjust strategy and determine teacher needs.   
• Support general education teachers and administrators in implementation of appropriate strategies to meet the needs of students with IEPs.
•  Support implementation of accommodations and modifications for students with IEPs in the general education classroom and during Special Education service time.
• Analyze assessment results to drive instruction and IEP development.
• Develop and assist with appropriate behavior management techniques for students with special needs.
• Gather and analyze data from multiple sources to inform decisions for the Academic RTI program. 

Observation/Feedback & Coaching

• Manage the performance of teachers directly and through the Instructional Leaders to drive strong outcomes for students through coaching, observation/feedback and professional development. 
• Oversee the efficacy of IPP meetings, progress towards goals, action steps and the overall development of teachers. 
• Individually and in collaboration with the instructional team, conduct regular classroom observations of teacher and school-wide walkthroughs. . 

TALENT MANAGEMENT

Recruitment & Talent Development

• Oversee the coordination and conduct interviews for instructional staff and select instructional staff with high potential for growth, in collaboration with the hiring manager, in order to staff the school with the best talent. 
•  Identify and cultivate high-potential talent and develop accordingly, manage performance with the support of the Instructional Leader, manage the growth and capacity building of potential leaders (GLCs, GLLs, and high-potential teachers).
• Act as the primary contact to constructively and effectively manage conflict by taking the lead on resolving challenges
• Analyze survey data to further develop staff and address areas in need of improvement

Leadership Team

• Build strong teams characterized by trust, cohesion, investment in goals, and accountability. 
• Conduct weekly one-on-one meetings with the members of the leadership team focused on upholding the vision for the school, 
• Create and manage accountability systems to ensure progress towards annual goals and priorities (including school operations, school culture and outcomes for students, teachers and families). 
• Actively engage in and prepare for Leadership development events and activities.
• Conduct weekly team meetings with a focus on progress towards the goals, priorities and WIGs (including school operations, school culture and outcomes for students, teachers and families).
• Effectively lead a professional and inclusive school environment for all.
• Maintain a strong influence and collaborative relationship with members of your Leadership team who report to members of the network team.

Professional Development

• Conduct teacher-driven professional development to build effective teacher practice and observable changes in teacher practice & student achievement.
• Lead professional development for teachers on highest leverage strategies for academic systems and effective lesson execution. 
• Organize and facilitate summer institute and weekly professional development. 
• Conduct weekly development meetings with Leaders individually and and collectively
• Engage leaders in data analysis, goal setting and metric evaluation meetings. 

Evaluation

• Conduct a rigorous evaluation process for leadership team members and all instructional staff members.
• Support the creation of individualized goals and conduct twice yearly performance evaluations. 

Staff Retention

• Develop and implement comprehensive staff engagement strategies to enhance job satisfaction, motivation and overall well-being. 
• Utilize and analyze data from TNTP, Big Picture Survey, Bi-Monthly surveys to identify trends, areas for improvement and implement data driven strategies to address retention challenges.
• Identify high-potential staff and invest in their development to ensure a pipeline of talent within the network of schools.  

STUDENT RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

Communication, Outreach & Monitoring

• Drive student recruitment by participating in recruitment events, generating ideas for student recruitment activities and devising a recruitment plan.
• Actively monitor student enrollment to ensure enrollment goals are sustained.
• Strive to meet student retention goals, including meeting with families to identify potential areas of contention and respond with a plan to support and address areas of concern. 

SCHOOL CULTURE

Staff & Students

• In collaboration with the culture team, cultivate a strong school environment. 
• Be proactive, supportive & respond to challenging situations with families/students/staff members.
• Model strong staff and student culture and manage school-wide character development and behavior management systems.
• Encourage, guide and assist student leaders and teachers.
• Ensure a safe, secure and orderly environment for learning.

Families

• Build relationships with students and families across the school; ensure an inclusive school environment where students feel known, valued and loved. 
• Manage the partnership between the school and the families to ensure open lines of communication via weekly phone calls about student progress towards their goals, strategic plans for the school to support students, and avenues to support students at home.
• Support with the development of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), ensuring recurring monthly families meetings to solicit feedback and input on campus initiatives and progress.
• Articulate the school vision to families with a focus on student academic achievement and social/emotional development.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND SYSTEMS

Calendar

• Monitor the shared yearlong calendar that is aligned to school goals and prioritize data-driven instructional cycles, professional learning sessions and leadership team meetings. 

Data

• Implement systems to track and analyze disaggregated data to monitor, track and review progress, systematically adjusting strategies where needed.
• Use data from staff surveys and other sources of data to develop and implement strategic plans. 

Reporting & Operations 

• Ensure timely reporting periods for progress reports, report cards, progress monitoring forms, parent/teacher/tutor conferences.
• Collaborate with the Operations Leader to implement a consistent school day schedule for students.
• Support with testing logistics and completion of all exams.
• Serve as stewards of the school spending account, actively tracking spending alongside the Operations Leader and raising concerns as they arise

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP & EVALUATION 

The School Director reports to the Chief Schools Officer and Executive Director and will receive ongoing leadership support and three formal evaluations per year.

QUALIFICATIONS

The School Director (Principal) must:

• Be relentlessly committed to preparing every student for college and beyond
• Possess strong leadership and team management skills
• Be self-aware and treat all members of the school’s community with respect and dignity.
• Accurately discern the strengths and areas of development for staff and support them along their growth journey 
• Demonstrate superb organizational and self-management skills and be able to handle multiple responsibilities effectively; have strong planning and execution skills; be a goal-oriented and effective problem-solver
• Be dependable
• Be driven to improve the minds and lives of students
• Exhibit dedication to doing whatever it takes to help all the school’s students achieve academic success
• Be passionate about academic learning and bothered by insistent progress against academic excellence and rigor at all times

 Candidates must have:

• Possess a New Jersey Principal Standard Certificate (or) demonstrate you meet the eligibility requirements for a Principal’s certification.
• Demonstrate successful building level administrative and supervisory experiences.
• Demonstrate success in increasing student achievement and effective staff development at the building level in partnership with other Network leaders.
• Demonstrate a variety of approaches that emphasize inclusion and acceptance.
• Minimum of three years of relevant Principal (or Vice Principal) experience.
• At least five years of successful experience teaching and leading in an urban school environment; Grade level leader, department chair, or instructional leadership experience preferred.
• A clear record of elevating student achievement in an urban classroom, with a strong understanding of pedagogy that drives results
• A relentless work ethic and commitment to achieving the school's mission.
• Excellent strategic planning, leadership, management, and communication skills, with a proven ability to lead instructional and non-instructional staff.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent skills of organization and follow-through
• A strong academic record, including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

An advanced degree from a competitive university is strongly preferred. Alumni of Teach For America, Education Pioneers, The New Teacher Project, and New Leaders for New Schools are strongly encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans w/ comprehensive network coverage.
• Up to $5,250 per year in tax exempt student loan and tuition reimbursement.
• Reimbursements for external professional development aligned to your role.
• Wellness reimbursements including gym memberships, spa services, and more.
• Online counseling services - for staff and their dependents - via top-rated therapy app.
• Pre-tax state pension plan benefit w/ addl. options available via voluntary retirement plans.
• Pre-tax dependent care, health, and transit flexible spending plans available.
• Convenient health screening and telemedicine support via VitalCheck Wellness platform.

ABOUT GREAT OAKS LEGACY CHARTER SCHOOL

The Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is a high-performing, innovative charter public school in Newark NJ, serving students from Pre-K to 12th grade on campuses across the city of Newark. Our mission is to prepare Newark’s students for success in college and beyond.

Our model is based on the following guiding principles that guide our work daily –

1. Creating a community that is built upon genuine and meaningful relationships. GOLCS staff rate our commitment to students as the #1 reason they teach/work at our schools.
2. Being surgical in our approach to differentiation of instruction and support for all students and team members. Our students receive daily tutoring embedded into their school schedule - facilitated by our AmeriCorps team members. Staff members receive individualized coaching and support in their roles.
3. Setting and exceeding high expectations for academic growth and character development for all students, in preparation for success in college and beyond. Currently, the historical college matriculation rate for GOLCS is 79% - nearly twice the national average for economically underrepresented students.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY

GOLCS is committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. Furthermore, we believe that racial justice and equity is critical to our mission of preparing students for success in college and beyond. We strive to be an organization that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and elevates our student voices in preparing them for life and college.

GOLCS VACCINATION POLICY & COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is committed to ensuring healthy and safe working and learning environments, and maintaining our educational commitment to GOLCS students and families - with minimal disruption to instruction. With this in mind, as of October 2021, Great Oaks Legacy requires vaccination against COVID-19 for all employees. Candidates who would like to apply for a reasonable accommodation from this policy based on a qualifying disability or sincerely held religious belief should reach out to HR@greatoakslegacy.org for more information.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Great Oaks Legacy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.