Chief Executive Officer

Position Purpose

The Chief Executive Administrator of Colorado Early Colleges is responsible for the successful execution of CEC’s Mission, Vision, and Belief Statements; ensuring CEC is in compliance with its charters; achieving the goals outlined in CEC’s Strategic Plan and as otherwise set by the CEC Governing; and is the primary link between CEC and CEC’s authorizer. The Chief Executive Administrator reports to the CEC Governing Board, is the sole Board employee, and has several major constituencies, including parents, students, staff, and the community.

Responsibility Breakdown Of CEA

• Vision Setting and Strategic Leadership (20%)
• Academic Success (20%)
• Administrative Oversight (20%)
• Financial Oversight (10%)
• Community Relations (15%)
• Professional Development and Talent Management (15%)
  
  

Job Responsibilities

Vision Setting and Strategic Leadership (25%)

• Attends CEC Governing Board (Board) meetings with other direct reports and provides an administrative update. The Governing Board receives regular updates and reports from multiple executive level staff, and other CEC employees upon request.
• Proactively meets with the Board’s President on a weekly basis to plan Board meetings, annual Board retreat, and to inform the Board President of any unresolved concerns.
• Upholds CEC’s beliefs, employs CEC’s mission and works with the Board and Executive team to set and uphold the strategic vision for CEC Network.
• Develop and communicate a compelling vision and strategic plan for Colorado Early Colleges, in alignment with its mission and goals.
• Lead the development of long-term goals, objectives, and strategies to advance the network's mission and ensure organizational sustainability and growth.
• Upholds the philosophical, educational, and legal aspects of public education, organizational management and coordination of processes, program planning and evaluation.
• Ensures schools and Network are in compliance with all CEC policies and procedures, Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI) requirements and guidance, the Early College definition as defined in statute, and state and federal laws. Carries out responsibilities and duties delegated by CEC Governing Board. Oversees policy creation and revisions through close collaboration with CEC’s general counsel.
• Maintains positive and collaborative relationships with the CSI, Colorado League of Charter Schools, and the Colorado Department of Education. Meets with key staff regularly.
• Meets regularly with and collaborates with the Executive Director team on CEC’s Strategic Plan, including creating new goals, revising existing goals, and celebrating when goal(s) are achieved.
• Supervises and evaluates the performance of direct reports, including Executive Directors and other direct reports.
  
  

Academic Success (20%)

• Ensures that CEC meets all educational standards set forth by CEC’s charters and the Board.
• Meets regularly with the Executive Director of Academics to ensure continuous improvement of the academic model informed by ongoing analysis of student performance data and input from Heads of School and other school leaders.
• Provides leadership and support for academic programming, curriculum development, instructional quality, and student achievement initiatives.
• Collaborates with school leaders and academic staff to implement evidence-based practices and innovative approaches to improve student outcomes.
• Confirms educational equity as a guiding principle across CEC Network and collaborates with CAO to ensure it is reflected in curriculum, instruction, and program offerings.
• Analyzes state assessment data through the SPF and CARS reports.
• Acts as the Board appointed Hearing Officer for potential expulsions.
  
  

Administrative Oversight (20%)

• Provides oversight of administrative functions, including budgeting, financial management, human resources, facilities management, and compliance with regulations and policies.
• Ensures efficient and effective operations across all schools within the network, promoting a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Develops an effective organizational structure with roles and responsibilities clearly defined.
• Performs annual ‘Relative Value to the Organization’ exercise in collaboration with the Executive Director of HR. Collaborates with the Executive Director of HR on all HR-related matters.
• Clearly communicates expectations to all staff and provides leadership that fosters staff professional growth and collaboration. Delegates staff responsibilities and assignments. Resolves conflicts and obstacles for staff by utilizing CEC policies, processes, and procedures.
• Partners with HR to use best practices to hire, evaluate, and terminate staff. Conducts annual performance evaluations for direct reports and provides staff development and training opportunities. Addresses performance concerns in a timely and effective manner and works with HR to ensure all employment practices align with applicable Colorado and Federal Law.
• Oversees and contributes to developing a detailed yearly budget to present to the CEC Governing Board.
• Signs off on monthly PCard purchases and Network payroll.
• Works closely with the Executive Director of Operations to ensure the effective management of all CEC operations, including IT, Food Service, Transportation, and Safety.
• Works closely with the Executive Director of Facility Management, ensuring that all school campuses are safe and maintained.
• Visits each CEC campus at least once a month.
• Reviews each school’s Emergency Operations Plan and ensure staff is trained in crisis intervention and prevention to promote the safety of all students and staff.
• Collaborates with Marketing to develop a student recruitment and marketing plan to support CEC Network-wide enrollment goals.
  
  

Financial Oversight (10%)

• Meets regularly with the CFO, participates in internal financial audits, monitors adherence to CEC financial policies, and recommends changes as needed.
• Ensures CEC’s long-term financial health by working closely with the CFO and the Board Finance Committee.
• Maintains a positive relationship with CEC’s bondholder(s) and related entities.
• Monitors returns on investments from all programs.
• Analyzes and reviews budgetary and financial data; controls and authorizes expenditures in accordance with established limitations set by the Financial Controls Policy and the law.
• Approves applications for potential grants, ensuring the grant requirements align with the CEC mission, vision, and belief statements.
  
  

Community Relations (15%)

• Represents and promotes the interests of CEC with outside organizations, including legislative representatives and lobbyists for charter schools in Colorado. As the face of the organization, models the CEC Character and the Leadership Competencies while representing the organization.
• Develops relationships with potential philanthropic donors and other foundations for programmatic gifts in collaboration with the Director of Philanthropy and Strategic Partnerships.
• Communicates effectively with all stakeholders' pertinent information and makes effective presentations to diverse groups.
• Represents CEC at community functions to promote, develop, and grow community partnerships.
• Works closely with PR and the Marketing department to approve all external (public) communication.
• Invites key media and community contacts to the school and keeps apprised of school events and news, including regular press releases, as applicable.
• Networks with legislators and state leaders to ensure the regulatory environment furthers the needs of students.
  
  

Professional Development and Talent Management (15%)

• Develops and implements a comprehensive professional development program that addresses the needs of staff members at all levels, including teachers, administrators, and support staff.
• Facilitates opportunities for ongoing learning, collaboration, and skill development through workshops, seminars, conferences, and online resources, ensuring that staff members have access to the latest research and best practices in education.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation by encouraging reflection, feedback, and peer learning among staff members and recognizing and celebrating achievements and contributions to the network's success.
• Implements effective performance evaluation processes and provides constructive feedback and support to staff members to help them achieve their professional goals and maximize their potential.
  
  

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• PERA Retirement.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Travel Reimbursement at IRS mileage reimbursement rate.
• Possibility of 0% - 6.5% merit pay.
  
  

Conditions Of Employment

• Candidate MUST reside in the state of Colorado or be willing to relocate to the state of Colorado within two (2) months of accepting the position and be able to travel to all CEC school locations.
• All offers of employment are conditional upon a successful background check and references.
• As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), the selected applicant must verify, within 72 hours of employment, their legal right to be employed in the United States.
• All offers of employment will be made contingent on satisfactory completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.
• Please be advised that CEC may choose to contact work references other than those listed on your application.
• The position is exempt from overtime and will require work outside of normal office hours.
  
  

Colorado Early Colleges is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, business, or related field preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in finance-related job duties is preferred.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the Early College model and/or concurrent enrollment, including academics, advising, and college readiness standards, is preferred.
• Strategic planning experience that demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and success working with and through people to establish goals, objectives, and action plans that produce the desired ends/results.
• Understanding of curriculum frameworks and standards, assessment practices, instructional materials, and current instructional research.
  
  

Desired Skills

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in educational leadership roles, with a proven track record of success in school administration or network leadership.
• Strong understanding of charter school regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.