Executive Director - Baxter Academy for Technology and Science

Company: Baxter Academy for Technology and Science
Location: Portland
Posted on: June 15, 2022

Job Description:

Baxter Academy for Technology and Science
Portland, Maine
June 10, 2022
Baxter Academy is seeking to hire an Executive Director who is a visionary and mission-driven leader, alliance builder, organizational champion, and operational health and compliance manager to lead one of the most exciting and innovative public charter high schools in Maine.
MISSION
Inquiry leads learning at Baxter Academy for Technology and Science, a 400-student public charter high school free to Maine students. Our project-based STEM curriculum emphasizes real-world problem solving and is paired with a humanities program that connects ideas across disciplines and cultivates strong communication skills. Students design innovative projects through Flex Friday, a unique program requiring initiative, perseverance, and collaboration, as well as reflection on the work and its impact in the community.
POSITION
The Executive Director leads the mission, communications, finances, development, and strategy of Baxter Academy, the most exciting high school in Maine. The work demands big-picture thinking paired with operational agility to manage academic and budget imperatives, compliance requirements, and obligations to many stakeholders. The ED understands that all parts of the organization are important, yet each must remain balanced in service to the health and well-being of the whole institution. The ED holds a deep commitment to the school's mission and can advocate capably for why it matters to the students, the community, and the state. To that end, the ED directs outreach and develops strategic alliances toward organizational sustainability of the school and develops communications to tell its story, both internally and externally. -The ED maintains rigor and quality in teaching and learning, operations, and accountability.
INTERNAL ROLE
The ED supervises the nonprofit organization's finance and operations team and manages the $4M budget, enrollment, compliance reporting, data collection, human resources, emergency management, and daily operations. The ED supervises and works closely with the Head of School to best strengthen student experience and to provide teacher support. -
In leading Baxter Academy's nonprofit, the ED reports to the 7-member governing board and guides mission priorities aligned with the board's perspective, policies, and strategic plan for the school. The ED prepares the agenda for monthly Board of Directors meetings and keeps the board informed of the school's financial, academic, and operational performance.
The ED guides governmental and private fundraising efforts to secure resources for the school's STEM mission and its obligations as a public school.
EXTERNAL ROLE
The ED advocates for the school and its dynamic mission within the community, state, and country. The ED identifies partnerships, leads development efforts, guides recruitment and enrollment, promotes alumni relations, and tracks compliance with the Maine Charter School Commission, the Maine Department of Education, the US Department of Education, and other entities doing business with the school. The ED is the lead public relations spokesperson for the school and maintains open communications with parents, students, the community, and the Maine State Legislature. The ED sets communication strategy and tells the story of the school's successes and challenges in context. -
REQUIREMENTS
A strong candidate will be a proven leader with relevant experience. The role requires a clear, confident communicator who can listen, be responsive, and lead through conflict with clarity, always steering toward collaboration that can embrace diverse perspectives. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to innovation in education and a working knowledge of nonprofit organizational structure, budgeting, and best practices. -Candidates should have knowledge of the educational ecosystem and how charter schools bring potential for opportunity through flexible problem solving and innovation. -
Successful applicants will have:

• A desire to work in an innovative school committed to STEM excellence, experimentation, and industry partnerships
  
• Substantial experience in school or nonprofit settings, with thorough and transparent compliance - -
  
• Skill in data-informed decision-making toward school improvement -
  
• A demonstrated record of improving educational outcomes for diverse learners
  
• Experience in leveraging resources, including state and federal grants, to advance student outcomes
  
• Knowledge and experience of high school curricula and STEM subjects
  
• At least 5 years of relevant experience preferred
  
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required
  Salary (range: $105,000-$125,000) commensurate with experience, and competitive benefits.
  Interested applicants should supply a CV and cover letter addressed to the "Board of Directors of Baxter Academy" by July 13, 2022, via email to Search@baxter-academy.org. The desired start date is August 15, 2022. -
  Baxter Academy is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.
  To learn more about the benefits of Living and Working in Southern Maine, click .
  

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