Head of School/CEO – Chester, PA

Job Description

Located in the vibrant and diverse community of Norristown, Pennsylvania—just outside Philadelphia- Norristown Academy Charter School is a newly approved K–8 public charter school committed to educational excellence, innovation, and whole-child development. Grounded in the nationally recognized Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) developed by Dr. Joseph Renzulli, the Norristown Academy Charter School educational philosophy focuses on talent development, differentiated instruction, and empowering every student to pursue their unique strengths and academic potential. 

The Board of Trustees seeks an innovative, visionary, and student-centered Head of School/CEO to launch, operate, and advance the school’s mission and culture. The ideal candidate brings a proven record of educational leadership, strategic planning, and operational management, paired with a deep commitment to talent development and whole-child education. 

Essential Functions

Visionary & Instructional Leadership

• Provide visionary leadership to launch, operate, and advance the school’s mission, vision, strategic priorities, and culture.
• Lead the implementation of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) through expertise in curriculum development and developmentally appropriate educational programs, ensuring rigorous, differentiated instruction, teacher development, and a talent development approach for all students.
• Oversee curriculum, instruction, and student assessment systems to drive continuous improvement, support teacher development, and ensure high-quality educational outcomes.
• Foster a positive, continuous improvement culture while monitoring student achievement and overall organizational performance.

Operational & Financial Management

• Oversee all school operations, including academics, finance, HR, and facilities.
• Drive organizational growth and long-term sustainability through strategic fiscal management, resource allocation, innovative budget prioritization, and effective partnerships.
• Establish operational systems, policies, and practices that fulfill all charter, state, federal, and accreditation requirements, including special education and English Language Learner regulations.

Governance & Community Engagement

• Build and lead the organization by recruiting, hiring, developing, supervising, and evaluating the leadership team and all school staff while fostering a strong sense of community and high team morale.
• Partner with the Board of Trustees by providing strategic leadership, organizational updates, financial oversight, and recommendations.
• Build strong relationships with families, community partners, and stakeholders while leading enrollment, marketing, and community engagement.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s in Education Administration or related field; Doctorate Degree preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience as a Principal preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of management/administrative/supervisory experience.
• Letter of Eligibility for Superintendent issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education required.
• Must possess or be eligible to obtain all required Pennsylvania clearances.

Demonstrated Knowledge of

• Federal and state laws, including Pennsylvania Charter School Law.
• Special education and English Language Learner needs. 
• Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) and Social/Emotional Learning programs.
• Pennsylvania Leadership Standards and Response to Interventions (RtII).

Demonstrated Ability to

• Plan, coordinate, and direct work of teaching professionals.
• Manage budgets and prioritize expenditures innovatively.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral forms to engage diverse community stakeholders.
• Lead large employee groups while fostering a culture of community and morale.

Compensation is competitive, with a salary range of $175,000 – $215,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Link to: Norristown Academy Charter School Website

Application deadline: October 1, 2026.