School Director – Silver City, NM

Job Description

Our School and Community

Aldo Leopold Charter School located in Silver City, New Mexico, rests in the foothills of the Gila National Forest in the southwestern portion of the State. In addition to beautiful mountain views, the climate is noted for its clear mountain air, low humidity and four gentle seasons. The area’s quiet charm and friendly ways combine with a wide range of outdoor recreation options. Silver City provides a vibrant historic downtown, an arts community, and dozens of festivals and events throughout the year. Urban amenities in Tucson, AZ; Albuquerque, NM; and Las Cruces, NM are all within reasonable driving distances from Silver City.

Our school serves approximately 160 students in middle (grades 6- 8) and high school (grades 9-12). ALCS is a tuition-free public charter school that has become an established part of the Grant County community since it was chartered 17 years ago. The school employs a staff of 38, including a Director, Business Manager, a Student Success Coordinator, 22 teachers, 9 educational assistants, and 4 support staff. The school has a general fund budget of approx. $3 million.

In 2022, US News and World Report ranked ALCS the 9th best high school in New Mexico. Aldo Leopold Charter School is an innovative public school that educates motivated learners and future leaders; its program focuses on experiential learning, especially in outdoor and community settings, combining rigorous academics, small class sizes, and community involvement to fulfill its mission. ALCS is chartered by New Mexico Public Education Commission and abides by the policies and procedures set forth by the Public Education Department.

Mission & Vision

Aldo Leopold Charter School Mission
At Aldo Leopold Charter School, the human and natural environments serve as text and lab for learning through direct experience, inquiry, and stewardship.

Aldo Leopold Charter School Vision
Aldo Leopold Charter School graduates will use the skills, perspectives, and information they gain at school to enhance their own lives and to advance social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Position Summary

Aldo Leopold Charter School is seeking a highly qualified candidate with visionary leadership skills and successful experience in education administration to serve as Director beginning July 1, 2023. The Board will offer a competitive compensation package to the successful candidate based on experience and qualifications. The School Director is responsible for the successful operation and management of the school, which includes:

• Establishing school policies and procedures to ensure that students receive a quality education in a safe and healthy environment;
• Communicating with parents about student progress as well as any concerns or issues;
• Overseeing administrative duties such as hiring staff, developing budgets, and managing facilities;
• Managing the day-to-day operations of the school, including overseeing curriculum development and implementation, hiring teachers and staff members, and handling disciplinary issues;
• Developing academic programs that meet state requirements for student achievement;
• Coordinating school activities with parents, community leaders, and other stakeholders;
• Envisioning and implementing long-term plans that outline school goals and objectives; and
• Establishing a rapport with students while creating a positive learning environment that encourages academic achievement.

Minimum Qualities / Qualifications

• Master’s Degree
• Current New Mexico School Administrator Certification (Level 3B Admin.) or ability to obtain this certification
• Prior experience as a classroom teacher and school administrator
• Familiar with and committed to supporting and promoting experiential learning
• Familiar with student learning standards and experienced with instructional leadership
• Demonstrated experience with data-driven planning and assessment processes
• A history of effective leadership and operational management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, including transparent and respectful interactions with students, staff, families, and community members
• Demonstrated exemplary communication skills in listening, speaking, and writing
• Models high standards of professional and ethical behaviors at all times and operates consistently with integrity and transparency

Preferred Qualities/Qualifications

• District level administrative experience in public education
• Prior experience with experiential learning programs and/or schools
• Aware of recent state legislation for public schools and corresponding local impacts
• Experience with organizational development, goal-setting, and implementation
• Experience partnering with community members and local organizations to create and expand learning opportunities
• District or Charter School experience with operations, including financial services, risk management, human resources, transportation, and special education
• District or Charter School experience with facilities planning, maintenance, and grant writing
• Experience on or working closely with a Governing Council or School Board
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and values continuous improvement
• Demonstrated commitment to advocating for policies and funding supporting charter schools at the local, state and national levels

Position Description & Pending Leadership Profile

A detailed position description is included at the end of this announcement.

HYA is currently gathering stakeholder feedback which will be used to publish a Leadership Profile Report which will include present strengths and challenges, and will also summarize leadership qualities and characteristics most desired. This report will be presented to the Governing Council in early March.

Application Requirements, Access & Timeline

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume or C.V.
3. Completed Online Application Form (Frontline)
4. Copies of professional certificates
5. Copies of All Transcripts (Unofficial copies accepted.)
6. Written Letters of Recommendation from a minimum of 3 References (Uploaded into Frontline)

Application Deadline: March 22, 2023
Announcement of appointment: April 2023 (TBD)
Superintendent begins work: July 1, 2023

Compensation & Benefits

The Governing Council will negotiate a competitive salary and benefit package based on similar public charter schools in New Mexico and candidate experience and qualifications.

Confidential Inquiries Please Contact

John Bash, HYA Associate; johnbash@hyasearch.com; Phone: 360-269-8224

Detailed Position Description

Responsibilities:

The primary responsibility of the ALCS Director is to carry out the school’s stated mission. The Director works in partnership with the ALCS Governing Council to support and refine the school’s mission; articulates the mission to all constituencies – students, faculty and staff, parents, alumni, and the community; and advances the mission in working with all  onstituencies of the diverse population of this area.

The Director:

• Ensures that every element of school life reflects the principles of equity, justice, and the dignity of each individual within the school community.
• Establishes an effective manner of leadership and appropriately involves members of the school community in decision-making
• Is responsible for maintaining a student-centered focus in all aspects of ALCS decision-making, and developing a safe learning environment.
• Is accessible, within reason, and communicates effectively with all constituencies.
• Works in collaboration with the faculty in developing the school’s educational program.
• Is responsible for recruiting, retaining, and developing qualified faculty and staff.
• Is responsible for faculty and staff supervision, management, and evaluation.
• Is responsible for compliance with rules and regulations to which ALCS is subject
• Is alert to his or her role within the broader networks of schools, including Silver Consolidated and the NM Public Education Department.

Governance Role – The Director:

• Is a non-voting member of the ALCS Governing Council and a member ex officio of all standing committees of the Governing Council.
• Is the representative of the Governing Council in its relations with the faculty, staff, students and community stakeholders.

Specific Duties – The Director:

Climate and Values

• Embodies, manifests, and advocates the mission of the school.
• Articulates the vision for the school and its future.
• Monitors and addresses all matters of school climate and multicultural leadership, ensuring consistency with applicable policies and procedures.
• Is sensitive to the sometimes competing demands of the various constituencies of the school, and works with those constituencies to recognize and balance competing needs, and works toward resolution of issues of concern to the school community.

Student & Staff Relations

• Has direct supervision of the faculty and staff and coordinates the activities of the entore organization, with Governing Council approval.
• Works with the ALCS Governing Council, its chair, and its committees in carrying out established school policies; reviews those policies and makes recommendations for changes; attends meetings, prepares reports, maintains Governing Council records, and keeps Council informed on all aspects of the school’s operation.
• Prepares for and submits reports to Council and external agencies at least three days prior to meeting date.

Policy/Administration

• Makes recommendations regarding employment, retention, licensure, waivers and dismissals of personnel; as per personnel handbook policy; salaries and contracts; job assignments and performance evaluation; and coordinates faculty hiring, orientation and training.
• Prepares employee handbooks, and maintains appropriate personnel records, with Governing Council approval.
• Represents the school in its relations with state and federal agencies and with local, state, regional and national educational organizations and accrediting agencies.
• Acts as liaison with organizations such as WNMU and others, to ensure fulfillment of the school’s contractual and legal obligations.
• Coordinates procedures, agreements, and schedules with other organizations, including WNMU, with which ALCS shares facilities or activities and area schools.
• Supervises and/or assists with all other aspects of the school’s operation, including (but not limited to) facilities maintenance and operation,lunch program, transportation, summer programs, and other duties as assigned.

Discipline/Counseling

• Consistently applies disciplinary policies and standards of conduct and appropriately documents disciplinary actions/decisions.

Conflict Management

• Works to resolve conflicts following the grievance procedures established in the employee and student handbooks.

Public Relations

• Develops and implements the annual student recruitment program.
• Represents the school to all of its constituents including community, parents, students, alumni, business community, donors, faculty and staff.
• Coordinates with individuals involved in development activities to ensure that program needs are reflected in development requests.
• Participates in development efforts, grant writing and representation of the school to potential donors.

Faculty Development/Recruitment

• Selects and hires properly qualified persons to serve as members of the faculty and administration.
• Designs and leads ALCS’ professional development program.

Strategic Planning/Charter Renewal

• Shares expertise in support of development of the Strategic Plan to prepare for charter renewal.

Curriculum/Instruction

• Oversees the curriculum and recommends modifications to meet student needs, support the mission of the ALCS Charter and support state and ALCS standards.
• Monitors curriculum, grading, testing, and reporting to parents.
• Teaches classes as needed.

Finance

• Supervises the Business Manager in the fiscal management of the school.
• Provides program inputs from which budget will be developed.

General

• Performs other duties as required.