Head of School

Pathfinder Career Academy (PCA) is Ohio’s first virtual school dedicated to career development and preparation for ALL students. PCA will serve grades 6-12 and offer career exploration and pathway programs that will ensure students are started on a path to success on their college and career goals. A robust set of industry and community partners will inform students’ learning experiences and provide opportunities to students in communities across the state.

The Head of School (HOS) serves as the operational and administrative leader of the virtual school. In conjunction with the leadership team, The HOS is responsible for the implementation and achievement of the school’s academic vision, student advancement and daily operations within the school. The HOS will work collaboratively to ensure successful academic outcomes for all students while employing long-term instructional sustainability measures involving professional development, teacher quality assessment, curriculum, and pedagogical advancement.

• OHIO RESIDENCE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION**
• Provide leadership exhibiting professionalism and high academic standards that celebrate student and staff achievements
• Manage and lead the school leadership team in the day-to-day operation of the school
• Collaborate with the School Board on implementation of school vision and mission, school decisions and policy creation
• Oversee Career Technical Education programming to implement unique career pathways such as Arts/AV, IT, Business, Health Science, skilled trades, work-based learning, and post-secondary opportunities.
• Collaborate with industry and higher education partners to execute post-secondary opportunities for students
• Manage regulatory complexities and political sensitivities with the board, state department of education, and local, state, and national political stakeholders
• Develop plans and policies for the educational program and ensures policies and programs are carried out appropriately by all students, parents, and staff
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws
• Collaborate in the development and management of the school budget with the ACCEL Finance team
• Oversee implementation of the school marketing and enrollment plans directed by ACCEL to achieve and maintain enrollment capacity
• Serve as public relations liaison between ACCEL and the school community; engage community and civic groups to support school programs and the school community
• Ensure school program are in alignment with authorizing agency requirements
• Effectively recruit, hire, and retain highly qualified staff; develop effective staff members through an ongoing evaluation process and professional development
• Create and foster a positive school culture by involving school staff, community leaders, students and parents
• Serve as the school's instructional leader and ensure data is being used to drive all academic decisions
• Ensure teaching staff implements the instructional model, curriculum, supplemental curriculum, effective assessments, and targeted instruction to meet the individual needs of each student in collaboration with national team members
• Ensure maintenance of school census data, attendance data, and other reporting requirements as mandated by the state and/or school sponsor
• Coordinate school level response to any audits
• Ensure school and office security and emergency plans meet requirements
• Coordinate school technology efforts and make recommendations for improvement in collaboration with national team
• Maintain current knowledge of state specific school report card/accountability components and ensure all needed programming is in place to support achievement of those components
• Ensure creation and consistent review/updating of parent and student manuals, policies, and handbooks.
• Effectively communicate the school's mission and vision and solicit input from parents and families about school performance, areas for improvement, and their needs
• Engage and build strong professional relationships with parents, characterized by timely and regular communications, involving parents, wherever possible in the life of the school
• Contribute to a positive climate and culture by exhibiting high professional standards
• Understand, accept, abide by, and implement the school's philosophy and mission statement in all school activities
• Coordinate special projects, such as peer mentoring, service learning and community involvement
• Ensure student orientation and onboarding programs meet the needs of students, family, and staff
• Conduct home visits as needed
  
  

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Education or a closely related field or Education Administrative Experience
• Current OH Administrative and Teacher licenses preferred
• At least 10 years of experience in Education, 5 years’ experience as K-12 administrator
• Three or more years of experience working in an online school in an instructional role
• A fundamental understanding of Career and Technical Education (CTE), it’s indicators as measurements of success, and the pathway approach in which CTE is implemented
• Three or more years of experience with OH CTE, including creating and maintaining external partnerships
• Experience in research-based instructional practices for project-based learning
• Knowledge of State Standards and Common Core Standards
• Knowledge of State School Accountability/Report Card Components
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and effectively prioritize and execute tasks to meet deadlines consistently
• Understanding of and ability to manage confidential information
• Understanding of best practices for instructional strategies
• Prior experience in online learning and research
• Understanding of distance learning methodology, measurement, and implementation
• Understanding of employee evaluation in a corporate / non-profit setting
• Superb communication and community-building skills
• Deep knowledge of curriculum development and program design
• A record of success in operating not / for profit business
• A record of success in building community partnerships and fundraising
• Entrepreneurial passion
• Knowledge of school / non-profit management
• Ability to pass state and federal background checks
  
  

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is our policy to abide by all federal, state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination based solely on a person’s race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status, veteran status (including protected veterans), marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other protected status except where a reasonable, bonafide occupational qualification exists.