Executive Director

Executive Director

• Private K-12 School Organization Overview A private, non-profit STEM school located in Hartford County is seeking a new Executive Director to spearhead its strategy, operations, fundraising, and student enrollment goals.

With a decades-old mission to provide an excellent academic environment for children, this recognized school provides STEM-infused, holistic education for students in its community. The school offers an extended school day, personalized instruction, and a comprehensive support system that nurtures the academic, social, and emotional growth of each student. Position Overview The Executive Director will serve as the exclusive authority for all strategic, fundraising, and growth objectives. The role will support the overall leadership, management, and strategic direction of the institution in accordance with its mission and vision. This role encompasses academic oversight, operational and financial management, institutional advancement including student recruitment, and external relations. The position will report directly to the Board of Trustees and will be charged with ensuring that the school's mission is fulfilled with excellence, integrity, collaboration and long‑term sustainability. The Executive Director will be expected to growth the school's annual budget of $750,000 to $1M within three to five years while supporting the school's operating budget and strategic priorities. Primary Responsibilities 1. Strategic Leadership Provide clear, mission‑aligned leadership for the school's academic, operational, and financial priorities. Develop and implement strategic plans in collaboration with the Board of Trustees. Serve as the primary representative and spokesperson of the school to internal and external stakeholders. Ensure institutional compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards. Maintain transparent, timely communication with the Board and support effective governance practices. 2. Institutional Advancement and Fundraising Lead all fundraising efforts, including annual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, and special events. Achieve annual revenue goals of $650,000

• 750,000 to support the school's operating needs. Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, foundations, and community partners. Oversee advancement strategy, donor communications, and reporting. Engage the Board in fundraising strategy and prospect development. 3. Academic and Program Leadership (Grades K-4)
• Collaborate with the Head Teacher to ensure the design, implementation, and evaluation of a rigorous, developmentally appropriate K-4 academic program.

Identify and recruit the targeted number of students for enrollment Oversee faculty recruitment, hiring, supervision, evaluation, and professional development. Maintain high standards for teaching, learning, student support, and academic outcomes. Promote a positive, mission‑aligned school culture that supports student growth and character development. 4. Operations and Finance Oversee day‑to‑day school operations, including scheduling, safety, facilities, transportation, and food service. Manage the school's budget in partnership with the Board's Finance Committee, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long‑term sustainability. Ensure effective enrollment management, including admissions, retention, and family engagement. Maintain accurate institutional records, policies, and compliance documentation.

• Oversees complete school records relating to enrollment, attendance, grading, health, Lead risk management, emergency preparedness, and crisis response.

5. Community and External Relations Build and sustain strong relationships with families, alumni, donors, community organizations, churches, and civic leaders. Represent the school at community events, public forums, and partner engagements. Strengthen the school's visibility and reputation within Hartford and the broader region. Foster an inclusive, welcoming environment consistent with the school's mission and values. 6. Leadership and Personnel Management Lead and support all administrative and instructional staff. Establish clear expectations, accountability systems, and performance evaluation processes. Promote a collaborative, mission‑driven professional culture. Ensure effective internal communication and organizational alignment. Directly supervises the Head Teacher and Administrative Staff Qualifications Demonstrated leadership experience in education, nonprofit management, or independent schools. Proven success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and community engagement. Strong strategic planning, organizational, and financial management skills. Deep understanding of K-4 education and child development. Exceptional communication and relationship‑building abilities. Master's degree in education, School Leadership, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred. Leadership Attributes Mission‑driven and committed to educational equity. Strategic thinker with strong execution capability. Professional, composed, and effective in representing the institution. Skilled in building trust with diverse stakeholders. Results‑oriented, collaborative, and reflective. Performs other duties as assigned by the Board of Trustees.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Ability to effectively utilize job-related software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, database, and internet development tools. Familiarity with social media and its uses is critical.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to write and interpret reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from staff, public officials, neighborhood residents, youth, adults, and the staff of various community-based organizations. Effective public speaking and public relations skills required. Must be able to represent institution to all types of audiences.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL

Physical:

Sitting:

75% Standing 25%

Lifting:

Some boxes weighing between 10-20 lbs

Vision:

Normal Ability to climb stairs Presenting Driving Work ethic: Drive to succeed; creativity and ability to communicate professionally in corporate setting; desire to continually improve performance; goal-achievement oriented; willing to work hard and occasionally put in long hours; able to self-manage and work independently and remotely, able to collaborate effectively; flexibility in approach to challenges and teamwork.

COMPENSATION AND CULTURE

Salary Range:

$80,000

• $105,000 depending on experience Expected hours: 40/week (8am
• 4pm) 401(k
• matching Healthcare and phone stipend Relaxed, passionate, and welcoming environment All offers of employment are contingent upon background check.

The institution offering this position is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). Qualified applicants ae considered for employment without regards to age, race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.

Pay:

$80,000.00

• $105,000.

00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching Paid time off

Work Location:

In person