Chief Executive Officer

Northwood is seeking a highly experienced Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) with a demonstrated track record of providing strong, collaborative, and transformative leadership in an urban elementary school setting. In addition, the CEO will have a demonstrated track record of successful change leadership, fiscal responsibility, and deep knowledge of current best practices in elementary education.

The CEO will work with an administrative team comprised of a Director of School Business Operations, Director of Operations, Principal, Assistant Principals, Director of Special Education, Dean of Students, Social Worker, and Human Resources.  The CEO will report to the Board of Trustees and will be responsible for all facets of the school including:

• Championing the vision of the school.
• Effecting transformative change.
• Building organizational culture.
• Supporting development activities.
• Ensuring effective use of the learning framework to drive instruction and school climate.
• Developing and managing the administrative team to meet all performance goals of the school.
• Leading communications and maintaining relationships with all stakeholders.
• Fiscal management and oversight (budgets, vendor contracts, personnel, etc.).
• Partnering with and overseeing all human capital and human resources functions.
• Building relationships with Northwood’s partners and community (charter partners, external affiliates providing services to our students).
• Prioritizing the building of relationships with Northwood families.
• Maintaining a positive relationship with the School District of Philadelphia.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant city, state, and federal regulations.
• Manage and mitigate risks where appropriate.

 Qualifications     

• Experience working for an educational organization or program focused on the “whole child.”
• Skilled educational administrator, with strong leader competence and demonstrated business management experience, including oversight of finances, facilities, legal and risk management, and personnel matters.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to oversee daily operations, holding self and others accountable to desired outcomes.
• Experience working in a multi-faceted organization.
• Demonstrated experience in Special Education required.
• Track record of exceptional communication skills across diverse audiences.
• Experience working collaboratively with a board.
• Teaching experience (especially in elementary grades) preferred.
• Experience working in an urban school (charter school preferred).
• Fundraising experience preferred.

Education

• Advanced Degree in Education related field.
• Principal or Superintendent certification required.

Leadership Qualities

• Exceptional communicator (both written and verbal).
• A passion to positively influence and change the lives of young children.
• An engaged, collaborative, and accessible approach.
• A genuine desire to connect with teachers, students, families, and the broader community.
• Entrepreneurial, motivated, problem-solver who initiates and develops effective partnerships.
• Ability to develop the staff and leadership team through mutual accountability.
• Capacity to manage a diverse workforce in a complex organization.