ORGANIZATION

Achievers Early College Prep Charter School (AECP) is New Jersey's first public charter school for students in grades 6-12 that provides them with the unique opportunity to take a two-year course of study in STEM fields following the 10th grade, enabling them to redefine the high school experience and graduate with skills, experiences, and content mastery that's significant to them in the market place and the world beyond.

AECP wants to make it possible for students in Trenton to earn, at no or low cost:

1. A High school diploma
2. Up to 60 transferable college credits
3. An associate's degree
4. Workplace learning, credentials and internships

This alternative to a traditional middle and high school is founded on the belief that many underserved minority students are not prepared early enough for college and competitive STEM studies. They tend to need more emotional and financial resources to apply to, enroll in, and complete degrees of study that will be professionally and financially rewarding in the long run. Achievers Early College Prep benefits from the leadership and experience of New York and New Jersey-based charter school operators, teachers, college professors, community leaders, and early college school leaders.

OPPORTUNITY

Quality school leadership contributes significantly to student achievement. The Chief Academic Officer for Achievers Early College Prep will supervise and support middle and high school. The right candidate is expected to promote high-quality instructional practices; provide instructional leadership direction; and coach, mentor, and support principals as they grow their leadership skills. The work of the Chief Academic Officer is an integral part of the school's effort to ensure that all students are given an education that allows them to thrive, succeed and lead in a global society. The Chief Academic Officer is responsible for helping to select and assign Principals, supporting differentiated professional growth, and building the middle and high school leadership capacity. Collecting, analyzing, and using multiple sources of data to guide the continuous improvement of the middle and high schools within their purview is an important function of this job. The Chief Academic Officer is also expected to help assess the school climate and assist Principals with developing plans to achieve the Goals and Guardrails of Achievers Early College Prep over the next five years.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Belief in student potential
  • Have the core belief in the potential of all students, demonstrated by a relentless focus on meeting the needs of all students, especially our students with special needs and English Language Learners
  • Organizational shared vision and goals and the grit to do whatever it takes to live up to Achievers Early College Prep mission and core values
  • Commitment to equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students and a willingness to model and reinforce this expectation for all Leaders and Students
  • Commitment to the craft of learning and teaching as the most crucial lever for supporting students in reaching their potential and establishing school communities that reflect the same
  • Commitment to action and individual agency, especially when faced with challenges or complexities
• Provide instructional leadership, direction, and mentorship to school leaders:
  • Commitment to STEAM-focused model and building an effective adult professional practice
  • Personal investment in guiding the success of others and building the growth mindset and collective leadership capacity of all leaders
  • A commitment to staying in "coaching" mode with direct reports as often as possible
  • Develop and plan year-round professional development for Principals, directors, and coaches
  • Review and assess the effectiveness and efficiency of professional development
  • Provide frequent informal feedback before more formal mid-year and annual evaluation
  • Enable Principals, directors, and coaches to evaluate teachers for competencies needed to implement curriculum and deliver exceptional instruction effectively
• Provide and promote high-quality instructional practices by:
  • Regularly review data to drive instruction, resulting in 95% or higher of our students meeting or out-performing their expected growth goal targets, as specified on NWEA (MAP) diagnostics, from Fall to Winter and Winter to Spring
  • A strong focus on time management and the ability to maximize time, matching effort to the highest-priority actions
  • A commitment to high expectations and-when they are achieved-celebrate them
  • Use data and daily observations to evaluate curriculum implementation, assessments, and achievements
  • Integrate tools and frameworks of Get Better Faster and Teach Like a Champion
  • Ensure the consistent implementation of practices across middle and high schools
  • Ensure coordination of student services with instruction and culture
  • Remain informed of trends, research, and legislation that affects AECP school and the community
  • Ensure that year-round academic functions and school activities are executed in accordance with AECP policies, mission, and values
• Foster growth and develop the leadership capacity of middle and high schools by:
  • Helping to select, promote, and develop future Principals, directors, and coaches
  • Supporting the hiring and recruitment of Principals, directors, coaches, and teachers
  • Building a personal and professional network to cultivate future leaders and instructors at AECP
  • Develop and maintain partnerships that enhance the academic experience of students and staff and support the mission of AECP

PRIORITIES

A successful first year in this role for the new Chief Academic Officer will include the following:

• Cultivate a sense of pride and joy in equitable, diverse academic curriculum for students and staff
• Teachers' and leaders' work and practice are aligned with the instructional priorities of AECP's mission and goals
• Build a team of leaders that are aligned and prepared to carry out the goals and mission of AECP to support all students with academic and personal success

REQUIREMENTS
To fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Chief Academic Officer candidate will be:

• Record of student growth and instructional improvement
• Experience with change management within complex organizations
• 21st-century high school experience is strongly preferred
• STEAM instruction and content background are strongly preferred
• Knowledge of Relay Leverage Leadership practice as a norm for teachers strongly preferred
• Knowledge of how to build interventions into the curriculum
• Excellent direct manager who can coach and delegate when needed
• Demonstrate ability in critical thinking, problem-solving, strategic planning, and detailed data analysis
• Ability to create and maintain a collaborative work environment
• Advanced relationship-building and conflict-management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive situations with tact
• Adaptable, proactive, fast learner who thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Adept interpersonal and communication skills with diverse audiences
• Strong organizational skills, careful attention to detail, and commitment to follow-through
• Shows grit and encourages the same in others

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in education, educational administration, or a related field
• Minimum of (7) years of full-time, salaried educational experience, at least three of which have been in a public school administrative or supervisory capacity
• Three years of verifiable student growth data from an urban educational setting required
• NJ Principal or Superintendent Certification

BENEFITS

This position offers a competitive salary range starting at $120,000 and robust medical, dental, and retirement benefits. More details can be provided upon request.For additional questions about this position or to speak with someone about your interest, please contact Mara Cooper at mcooper@edgilityconsulting.com.

Achievers Early College Preparatory is an equal-opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. Recruiting staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications to perform the work required. #LI-MC1