IDEA Public Schools Careers

Executive Director

Role Mission:

The Executive Director for IDEA Public Schools is responsible for all measures of student outcomes, staff performance, operational stability, financial stewardship, state and federal compliance, and regional board development. The Executive Director sets out the vision for excellence regarding academics, organizational culture, and long-term success across the state by implementing the IDEA Public Schools model with fidelity. They are also responsible for attracting, developing, and setting the tone for adult culture, and managing the interpersonal and Human Resources | Human Assets expectations of the entire region they oversee. They will report to the Area Superintendent and partner closely with senior leaders and national teams across the organization to contribute to the overall success of ALL our students on their path of getting to and through college. They also ensure effective external stakeholder engagement to build and maintain strong support with our state and local constituents.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

·          Directly manage VPs in Region (i.e. VP of Schools, VP of Special Programs, VP of Operations)

·          Supervise Regional Directors (if applicable)

·          Directly manage Executive Assistant and/or Project Manager

Location: This is a full-time position located in (Region). Preference will be given to candidates who live in the region, or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:    

·          Travel within the Region throughout the year as necessary.

·          Travel outside your region to IDEA training events or step-back will be required.

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties

1. Strategic Leadership and Systems Alignment
Establish and execute a clear regional vision and multi-year strategic plan that integrates academics, special programs, operations, culture, and finance, while staying true to the fidelity of IDEA Programs. Design and manage systems for setting goals, tracking progress, and holding leaders accountable to regional and organizational priorities.

2. Systems Creation and Continuous Improvement
Develop, codify, and implement regional systems and standard operating procedures that ensure consistent execution across all campuses and departments. Monitor the fidelity of these systems, use data to identify trends and gaps, and drive continuous improvement through structured reflection and action cycles.

3. Leadership Development and Performance Management
Supervise, coach, and evaluate Vice Presidents and regional leaders, ensuring they establish clear metrics and systems for performance management within their teams to build school leader capacity and effective systems at schools. Create feedback loops and accountability structures that promote strong leadership pipelines and sustained excellence across schools and departments. And lead and manage overall regional team effectiveness, even for those they do not directly manage through influence.

4. Financial Stewardship and Compliance Systems
Oversee and monitor financial systems within the region to ensure responsible resource allocation, compliance with state and federal requirements, and achievement of financial goals. Lead quarterly and annual financial review cycles with transparency and accountability and make critical decisions using influcence to build buy in for financial decisions within the region and schools.

5. Organizational Culture, Engagement, and Accountability
Build a culture of high expectations, inclusivity, and ownership by creating systems for communication, recognition, and feedback across staff levels. Monitor culture indicators, respond to data trends, and hold leaders accountable for maintaining healthy and high-performing teams.

6. External Relations and Growth Systems
Establish and maintain systems for stakeholder engagement—including regional advisory boards, community partners, and philanthropic supporters—to strengthen IDEA’s brand, support regional initiatives, and ensure sustainable growth and replication of the IDEA model.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Additional Duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring – Competencies

·          Make Strategic Decisions: This team member uses data and trends to drive decisions that impact multiple teams, while anticipating risks and planning contingencies for key initiatives. They apply strategic frameworks to clarify challenges and guide coherent action, and they actively support others in strengthening their strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.

·          Manage Work and Teams: This team member leads cross-functional coordination to align efforts with strategic goals, optimizing resource use and minimizing silos. They build accountability frameworks, monitor key performance indicators to guide adjustments, and mentor emerging leaders, while implementing scalable systems that enhance efficiency and team effectiveness.

·          Grow Self and Others: This team member identifies development needs across multiple groups and integrates them into broader strategic plans. They create structures that support ongoing growth, engage in succession planning, and continuously refine development strategies based on outcomes and data. Through this work, they foster a culture where continuous learning is a core part of daily work and leadership.

·          Build a Culture of Trust: This team member builds trust and drives positive engagement across multiple groups, as reflected in strong feedback and survey results. They proactively address concerns, model transparency and authenticity, and foster collaboration through open, honest communication and shared ownership.

·          Communicate Deliberately: This team member communicates a clear and compelling vision that aligns team efforts with organizational goals. They proactively identify and address communication gaps across workstreams, implementing solutions to enhance coordination, while anticipating and resolving stakeholder concerns before they surface.

Additional Skills:

·          Building and maintaining strong relationships across stakeholders, both internal and external

·          Organization, prioritization, follow through, and attention to detail to ensure effective use of time and earn a reputation for delivering on promises

·          Effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing, including ability to engage an audience and inspire confidence

Required Education and Experience:

·          Education: Bachelor’s degree required

·          Experience as a campus principal for at least 3 years

·          Years of experience: 10 years in PK-12 education with significant experience in leadership, management, and supervisory responsibilities

Preferred Education and Experience:

·          Education: Master's degree in educational leadership and or Administration or related

Physical Requirements:

·          The ability to see and respond to dangerous situations

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $161,600 and $198,800, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values