School Director

The School Director is a certificated, exempt position with Dimensions Collaborative, which is operated by Element Education. The School Director reports to the Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer and is primarily responsible for serving as the school’s educational leader in promoting and implementing the vision of the school. The School Director also serves as a liaison with all stakeholders represented in the school community.

Dimensions Collaborative is known for its innovative practices, strong relationships with families, and model of self-determined learning. As such, it is crucial the School Director establish and maintain an environment which supports experimentation, collaboration, and objective reflection.   The school operates throughout San Diego county with a belief that all the world’s a classroom.  The hybrid workplace includes remote and on-site roles. 

Essential Functions

Customer Service

1. Ensure a wide range of instructional practices are incorporated into learning plans in accordance with student learning styles and developmental stages (independent reading, internet, field experience, credit by exam, college courses, vendor instruction, resource center instruction, etc.)
2. Ensure a broad course of study is offered to all students
3. Ensure various forms of technology are utilized for student learning
4. Provide avenues for one-on-one and small group instruction to support learning plans
5. Ensure all students enrolled are being monitored according to their needs and making academic progress
6. Support and model positive discipline philosophy and practices

Employee Management and Support

1. Monitor learning centers through review of schedules, observation of instruction, review of policies and procedures, and collaboration with the Regional Managers to ensure quality student-led learning
2. Ensure staff is trained on the use of various forms of technology and commonly used and/or recommended curriculum for student learning
3. Ensure all staff is proficient in the implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English-Language Arts, Math, and Science
4. Ensure staff engage in formal self-reflection a minimum of twice per school-year
5. Meet with Leadership team and all certificated staff monthly to keep abreast of what is occurring throughout the school, to provide training, and to facilitate collaboration
6. Work with the Director of Human Resources to monitor staff development plans and portfolios

Process Management

1. Analyze, evaluate, and propose recommendations to improve processes, protocols, procedures, and workflows
2. Implement necessary changes to align with Organization’s objectives and goals; Effectively introduce changes and make improvements
3. Drive process improvement initiatives with the cooperation of and by liaising with directors, leadership, and staff, as appropriate, including effective communication to staff
4. Monitor and assess the progress of any changes
5. Keep abreast of innovation and education and incorporate as applicable
6. Manage student enrollment to meet student population target

Operations Compliance and Reporting

1. Ensure integration of state standards in student learning plans and the provision for appropriate levels of support
2. Work with appropriate staff to collect and evaluate performance data at least quarterly and report to the Executive Director and Governing Board
3. Monitor and update, as necessary, a school-wide assessment plan which reflects a wide range of assessments including, but not limited to, CAASSP, ELCAP, portfolios, rubrics, performance-based exams, and criterion-based testing
4. Direct regular audit of learning records for appropriate learning activities and compliance
5. Keep abreast of state requirements and current trends in the areas of curriculum and instruction
6. Review enrollment procedures for completeness
7. Keep abreast of all changes to Independent Study laws and regulations
8. Ensure compliance with Independent Study regulations
9. Maintain accreditation
10. Follow charter document and all formal plans including, but not limited to, the Element Strategic Plan, School Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), and accreditation study

Accountability and General Administration

1. Work collaboratively with Managers to ensure Learning Center is well-stocked with effective, varied, and up-to-date materials
2. Work with Executive Director and CBO on development and maintenance of school budget; Adjust staffing programs, or other expenses as necessary, to ensure operation within approved budget
3. Review and update job descriptions and handbooks as needed, at least annually
4. Attend and participate in all required meetings, trainings, and school functions; Promote and participate in the creative exchange of ideas
5. Observe confidentiality
6. Return all correspondence, including phone calls and emails, in a timely manner; Be accessible during business hours and respond to administrative needs and inquiries

Marketing

1. Work with Executive Assistant to promote school to the community
2. Review website regularly to ensure it is up to date and contains thorough information

Public Relations

1. Communicate all activities to the school community through regular written newsletters and/or other forms of communication
2. Serve as a liaison between the students, parents, Educational Facilitators, instructors, and administrative staff
3. Connect with community resources regularly to continually increase the number, diversity, and quality of mentors, activities, and field experience opportunities available to students
4. Seek partners within the community who bring value and support to the staff and/or student learning
5. Creates collegial relationships, facilitates collaborative decision-making, nurtures and sustains the school culture and instructional program, and ensures staff development in a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment 
6. Develop positive relationships with parents and the public associated with the organization
7. Communicate and support the school’s mission, policies, and procedures
8. Represent the school and Element Education in a positive and professional manner through regular, professional, and timely communication and actions

Professional and Organizational Development

1. Work with Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer to establish annual organization-wide and school-wide goals
2. In collaboration with the Executive Director, plan for own career growth and ongoing professional development
3. Seek innovative approaches to self-directed learning and formal training

*All other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

1. Understanding of the Independent Study Model and laws
2. Knowledge of and experience with current homeschooling trends
3. Understanding of Personalized Learning Strategies
4. Ability to manage a home office and flexible schedule
5. Familiarity and commitment to the mission and educational philosophy of Element Education
6. Ability to maintain records as directed by the Executive Director
7. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding parents, families, and staff
8. Ability to remotely and/or virtually perform duties and attend meetings, as needed
9. Ability to exercise emotional maturity in communicating with students, parents, and colleagues
10. Demonstrate considerable knowledge of technology, Microsoft Office 365 and its applications, and DocuSign
11. Demonstrate ability to work under pressure, prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines
12. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Use appropriate language, tone, and English usage
13. Demonstrate good judgement
14. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships; be approachable and professional
15. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; be self-motivated and well-organized
16. Ability to think strategically and independently
17. Demonstrate willingness to help others and foster a cooperative and positive work environment
18. Ability to accept responsibility and constructive criticism
19. Ability to work in a complex, ambiguous, and ever-changing environment
20. Ability to deal with potentially irate and emotionally agitated members of the public and stressful situations 

Requirements

1. Bachelor’s Degree
2. Possess a current, Clear or Preliminary, California Administrative Services Credential
3. Phone, internet, and scanner for school business
4. Experience in team leadership and mentoring teachers
5. Strong written, verbal, and leadership skills

Upon Hire/Offer

1. First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
2. Proof that employee is free of active tuberculosis (i.e., TB risk assessment, TB test, X-ray, etc.)
3. Successful background clearance

FT Salary: $108,890 - $168,924 per year

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package (FT Only); CalSTRS; Accrued PTO

Work Schedule: 240 days over 12 months

FLSA Classification: Exempt

* Requires travel throughout San Diego County.  

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit for an extended period.  Sitting is done at a desk with forward bending from the waist, leaning on the forearms, and looking down which requires neck flexion.  The employee is regularly required to read, speak, see, and hear well enough to communicate by telephone, electronically, and in person.  Employee must also regularly be able to write, file, type and operate a computer, telephone, and general office equipment.  It is necessary to grasp and manipulate pens, markers, scissors, staplers, etc., either occasionally or frequently, depending on the day.  May occasionally have to climb up stairs, stoop, kneel, and/or lift and carry up to 25 lbs. Mental acuity to perform the essential functions of this position in a safe, accurate, and timely fashion and to make and evaluate the results of judgments and decisions. High tolerance for continuing stressful situations. The employee is required to deal with irate members of the public and stressful situations.

The employee must have reliable transportation and be able to attend meetings at various Element Education regions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position works in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, home office, resource centers, and Administrative Office. Normal office working conditions within a collaborative environment. This environment may be expected to include noise level that is quiet to moderate, frequent interruptions, and occasional movement from inside to outside with exposure to elements, stairs, children, and duty hours before sunrise or after sunset. The employee may experience heat or cold extremes as well as fumes, odors, and dust.

Element Education is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.