Organization: South Bay Preparatory Charter School
Job Title: Executive Director
Location: Campbell (San Jose)

Posted: 11/29/07

Job Description:

South Bay Preparatory (South Bay Prep, SBP) is an emerging public charter school that will serve middle and high school students (grades 6-12) in Campbell, CA (near San Jose). SBP seeks an executive director who is a committed and strong leader with progressive vision, a sense of entrepreneurship, and compassion toward and commitment to adolescents.

South Bay Prep is a member of the national network of EdVisions Schools, a nationally recognized, non-profit organization based on the ideals of the Coalition of Essential Schools that creates and supports schools with a highly innovative educational model. The EdVisions Schools approach to education prepares students for college, careers, and global citizenship with an emphasis on personalized, project-based learning in a small school and small class environment.

This is a unique opportunity to assume leadership at the grassroots level stage of the only EdVisions school in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The role of Executive Director calls for a results-oriented professional with proven educational leadership experience, Coalition of Essential Schools sensibilities, and a deep commitment to adolescent education and SBP’s mission to prepare, support, and inspire a diverse community of students for success at a four-year university and in life.

The Executive Director will initially work with South Bay Prep’s five-member Development Team during the planning and start-up stages of the school’s anticipated opening in Fall 2008. Upon opening, the E.D. will work with the school’s staff and EdVisions coaches to establish and maintain a democratic, project-based learning environment that gives all students – from the underserved and underachieving to the gifted – the opportunity to explore their passions and learn and achieve. The E.D. will oversee day-to-day operations of the school and will be accountable to the school’s Board of Directors. The E.D. will also serve as the school’s liaison to the charter authorizer

The Executive Director should be excited about working in a democratic learning community in which all members of the community, students, staff, and parents, have a voice. The Executive Director will be expected to work with the staff to form an Educational Professional Practice (EPP) that enables educators to achieve a new level of professionalism and real ownership of the learning environment.

The South Bay Prep Development Team desires an educator with extensive knowledge of administrative functions, curriculum design experience, understanding of federal, state, and local standards, and corresponding sensitivity to charter school policy. The executive director must also be an effective communicator, hands-on manager, and a compassionate advocate for adolescents.

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree in Education from an accredited college or university (or equivalent)
• Minimum five years of verifiable experience working in elementary or secondary education, with a valid California teaching credential
• Valid Administrative credential or commitment to work toward earning Administrative credential
• Knowledge of project-based learning and/or demonstrated project management skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead effective teams, effectively delegate responsibilities, and a commitment to contribute as a team player in an Educational Professional Practice and democratic learning community
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to the mission of the public charter school system focused on providing equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students
• Positive references from previous employers

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree (M.P.A., M.A., M.B.A, or equivalent) from an accredited college or university, preferably in the fields of Public Policy, Public Administration, Education, or a related discipline
• Visionary leader who can inspire and model effective collaboration that contributes to an entrepreneurial EPP and a vibrant democratic learning community
• Minimum five years of verifiable experience performing program administration and professional-level analytical work
• Working knowledge of current issues in public education

Salary & Benefits:
please inquire

Contact Information:
Dan Ordaz
email: info@southbayprep.org
website: www.southbayprep.org

To Apply:
Please email your resume and, if available, a philosophy statement, if you are interested in working with us.