Head of School

Description

*Please note that we may begin reviewing applications and make hiring decisions prior to the application deadline. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Position Purpose 

The Executive Head of School (HOS) serves as the senior instructional and operational leader for a Colorado Early Colleges (CEC) campus. This visionary role ensures academic excellence, operational efficiency, and strategic alignment with the CEC mission. The Executive HOS is accountable for implementing network-wide priorities while addressing the unique needs of the school community, promoting innovation, managing budget and resource allocation with fiscal responsibility, and serving as the lead ambassador for community engagement and enrollment growth. 

Core Leadership Competencies 

CEC leaders are expected to model the following competencies: 

• Mission-Driven Leadership 

• Strategic and Innovative Thinking 

• Effective and Empathic Communication 

• Team and Talent Development 

• Trust, Transparency, and Accountability 

• Student-Centered Decision-Making 

• Data-Informed Leadership 

Key Responsibilities 

Mission and Vision Alignment 

• Embeds the CEC mission and vision into all aspects of school life and decision-making. 

• Upholds CEC’s core beliefs and ensures alignment with network priorities and state/federal requirements. 
   

Strategic Leadership & Academic Excellence 

• Leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of innovative, learner-centered educational programs aligned with college and career readiness pathways. 

• Partners with leadership and faculty to use data analytics to improve student outcomes and meet Improvement Plan goals. 
   

Fiscal Responsibility & Resource Stewardship 

• Develops and manages the school’s annual budget with transparency and strategic alignment to organizational priorities. 

• Implements systems for monitoring spending, maximizing resources, and ensuring budget fidelity to support student success and school sustainability. 

• Partners with CEC’s finance team to prepare financial projections and funding strategies. 
   

Talent Management & Professional Culture 

• Hires, coaches, and evaluates staff in partnership with HR and CEC leadership. 

• Builds a collaborative and inclusive team culture, leveraging distributed leadership and coaching for continuous staff growth and leadership pipeline development. 

• Addresses conflicts constructively and fosters a culture of professionalism, belonging, and high expectations. 
   

Operational Excellence 

• Ensures the campus meets CEC, CSI, state, and federal compliance requirements, including instructional time, safety, and applicable standards. 

• Leads the implementation of operational protocols related to transportation, nutrition, facilities, and technology in partnership with the CEC central office. 
   

Community Engagement & Enrollment Growth 

• Serves as the face of the school, cultivating strong relationships with families, local businesses, and community organizations. 

• Leads student recruitment and retention efforts by collaborating with the CEC marketing team to develop and execute localized strategies. 

• Actively participates in School Accountability Committee (SAC) meetings, town halls, and family engagement events. 
   

Systems-Level and Collaborative Leadership 

• Collaborates with fellow Heads of School and CEC network leaders to share best practices and contribute to network-wide innovation and improvement. 

• Provides strategic input in shaping CEC-wide initiatives and decision-making frameworks. 
   

Conditions of Employment 

• Successful completion of a background check and reference verification. 

• Verification of the legal right to work in the United States in accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). 

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Education or related field required.
• Principal or School Administrator licensure required.
• Experience with fiscal management/leadership, marketing/community relations, growth mindset, and emphasis on growth of the school required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a high school principal or other position substantially like the CEC Head of School position or has a minimum 3 years of experience within Colorado Early Colleges Network of Schools.
• In depth knowledge and understanding of Early College high school readiness, academic advising and college readiness standards preferred.