Head of School

Head of School (Dean/Superintendent)

Overview

The Institute for the Creative Arts is the first Performing & Visual Arts High School in Arkansas. As a charter, the school is funded by the state. Our mission is: Empowering students through an intensive arts and academic curriculum that prepares them for higher education, creative careers, and to become future leaders in the performing and visual arts industries.

ICA is seeking an exceptional educational leader to serve as the Founding Dean for this unique Institute. This individual will be highly visible as he/she develops and manages a new high school. The Dean will report directly to the Institute Board of Directors.

The Institute is set to open in the fall of 2024 in the new Center for the Creative Arts, a 40,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility located on a stunning 10-acre campus on Fort Smith’s beautiful Riverfront Drive. Students in grades 9-12 will participate daily in a specific arts program with the inaugural year serving grades 9-11.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience leading a high school and experience working with public school officials and parents. This individual will play a pivotal role in the development and implementation of an immersive arts school where the performing and visual arts are the focus and performances are part of the fabric of the curriculum. He/She will also have a role in the design of the new facility.

He/She will oversee the school’s administrative team and lead a group of diverse instructors and professional artist-teachers to create a premiere Performing & Visual Arts High School. The candidate will possess excellent communication skills and must be able to network with the community and identify students for the program. Developing a community of collaboration within the school between instructors, students, and leaders will be key to a successful launch of the school.

Responsibilities

• To direct, supervise and evaluate the curricular programs of his/her school.
• To direct, observe and evaluate the work of personnel assigned to his/her

school.

• To assist in the supervision of the operation and maintenance of the

buildings, grounds, and other school property assigned to him/her.

• To administer school policies and regulations within the school.
• To promote pupil welfare and desirable school, pupil, teacher, and

community responsibility.

• To assist in the direction and carrying out of an in-service program.
• To serve as the “Face” of the school within the community
• Assist in recruiting and retaining students
• Assist in recruiting and developing the founding team of faculty and staff
• Assist in the design of the educational program
• To strive for self-improvement through participation in activities that

would enhance professional development.

• To work effectively with other administrative, specialized, and

supervisory personnel and their programs.

• Oversee the school’s budget
• Oversee the school’s master schedule
• To direct and ensure that the school’s mission is preserved and carried out
• To secure necessary substitutes for personnel for the school.
• To be responsible for the discipline of students with the authority to

suspend students on a temporary basis. Students may be expelled subject

to review by the Board of Education.

• To be responsible for students during school hours.
• To be responsible for student attendance.
• To be responsible for student activities and organizations.
• To perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A Masters degree in Education, Doctorate a plus
• Principal and Superintendent Licensure
• Team builder, highly organized and possessing excellent customer service/communication skills
• Dynamic and energetic leadership qualities
• Ability to collaborate and involve community partners
• Ability to recruit and mentor students
• Ability to work with instructors and students across all disciplines
• Interest in working in a creative environment where arts education is emphasized
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of

administrators and the general public.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the school community.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely both in oral and written communication. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all Board of Education policies.
• Must meet AR licensure requirements.

Physical requirements*

• Be able to stand for the majority of the school day in order to effectively monitor and supervise students
• Be able to walk short distances to supervise students between classrooms and activities
• Be able to sit, stand, lean, reach, bend, lift and squat to assist students as needed
• Be able to walk on uneven surfaces (playground)
• Be able to walk up and down stairs
• Be outside in all weather conditions for assigned duty (recess, before school drop offs, after school pick- ups and field trips)

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary

Full-time contract. Salary commensurate with qualifications.

Benefits

Full benefits package

Start Date: July 2024

Send vita, unofficial transcripts, and contact info for three references to:

info@csafortsmith.org

or: Dr. Rosilee Russell, Executive Director

Rosilee.russell@csafortsmith.org 479-434-2020

Review of applications will begin in February

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Grade levels:

• 10th grade
• 11th grade
• 12th grade
• 9th grade

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

School type:

• Charter school

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Fort Smith, AR 72901: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person