ABOUT MERIDIAN
Meridian Public Charter School is located in the nation’s Capital serving about 650 students in preschool to grade 8. We are a rigorous PreK - 8th grade school, that academically and socially prepares its diverse student population to be successful in an increasingly global society. Our goals are to provide a thorough foundation of knowledge and create a lifelong love of learning. Founded in 1999, Meridian PCS is entering its 20th year undertaking a strategic visioning process to define the school’s long-term success.  

Meridian PCS is split between two campuses in the Shaw/Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC. The Director of Early Childhood will oversee approximately 325 students in PreK-2nd grade and approximately 25 staff.

For additional information about Meridian PCS visit mpcs-dc.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION
The Director of Early Childhood is a member of the school leadership team and reports to the Principal. The Director of Early Childhood will partner with the two other Principals and the Head of School to design, implement, and manage the academic vision and program at the school. 

The Director of Early Childhood will report the Head of School and serve on the academic team with support from a TenSquare School Improvement Leadership Coach to ensure that academic learning standards and results are achieved. This is a pivotal role in a school undergoing rapid school improvement. 

The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated experience mentoring adults, designing early childhood curriculum, and increasing student achievement, as well as an interest in personal growth and development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the guidance of the Head of School, s/he will perform specific responsibilities that include, but are not limited to: 

Instructional Leadership

• Model excellence in teaching and leading;
• Implement an instructional vision and maintain school-wide focus on high standards of student achievement leading to defined student achievement outcomes;
• Oversee the implementation and evaluation of the curriculum and instructional program;
• Equip staff to use student performance data to set achievement targets, strengthen instruction, and improve student outcomes; and
• Collaborate with key staff to administer interim assessments and seamlessly implement CLASS, TS GOLD, and MAP assessments, and drive revision of instructional plans in response to assessment data.

Talent and Culture

• Develop, monitor and maintain high academic and behavioral expectations for all early childhood students and teachers;
• Work cooperatively with the Head of School and TenSquare to coach, supervise, and evaluate staff through informal classroom visits, formal and informal classroom observations, lesson plan review, and written evaluations for instructional staff;
• Identify professional development priorities and design plans for instructional staff;
• Facilitate Professional Learning Communities (PLCs);
• Participate in the recruitment and hiring of academic staff (teachers and instructional assistants).

School Operations

• Collaborate with the Head of School and operations team to manage, supervise, and evaluate effective procedures for the day-to-day operation of the school consistent with its philosophy, mission, values and goals;
• Support the school’s compliance with external parties including the Public Charter School Board (PCSB), Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE), and all federal and local policies and laws;
• Collaborate with school leadership on HR, budgeting, facility management, and compliance to fulfill the school’s academic goals.  
• Communicate the message of standards-driven teaching and learning to parents/guardians, staff, and students;
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with students and their families through communication, outreach, and collaboration; and
• Complete other duties as outlined by the Head of School.

QUALIFICATIONS
Successful candidates will possess the following qualifications:

Educational Background and Work Experience

• A minimum of three years of academic leadership experience; previous experience as a Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean, or academic lead required;
• At least two years of classroom teaching experience;
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; an advanced degree in K-12 school administration, curriculum & instruction, or a related field, preferred. 

Skills and Characteristics

• A performance and results-driven approach to school leadership and student outcomes;
• A desire to intentionally grow in his/her leadership abilities through a dynamic partnership with a school improvement team;
• Experience coaching school staff to instructional excellence;
• Familiarity with Common Core State Standards for PreK - 2nd grade and the CLASS, TS GOLD, and MAP assessments;
• Comfort synthesizing and prioritizing data to solve problems and develop strategies to achieve ambitious academic goals;
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytic skills;
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills and the ability to present information to large groups of adults;
• Ability to establish a team-building, facilitative rapport with peers, staff, students, parents, and external stakeholders;
• Willingness to collaborate around instructional decisions;
• Experience with local, state, and federal compliance;
• A demonstrated passion for advancing educational opportunities in low-income communities; extensive knowledge of the charter school movement, while extremely valuable, is not required for this position.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or ancestry, marital status, veteran’s status, or any other factor, which would constitute a violation of the D.C. Human Rights Act or other applicable laws or court order.