Executive Director K–Charter School

Overview

Ivy Preparatory Academy is the first single-gender, K-8 charter school for girls in Georgia, educating families in DeKalb County, Clayton County, South Fulton, and Atlanta Public Schools.

Ivy Prep Academy is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead our high-performing K–8 charter school. This is a unique opportunity for an equity-centered leader with strong instructional and operational expertise to partner with our Board and leadership team to drive exceptional outcomes for scholars and staff.

We seek a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter of success.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive leader of Ivy Prep Academy and is responsible for driving exceptional academic outcomes, cultivating a strong and values-driven culture, and ensuring operational excellence across all aspects of the organization. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED advances the school’s mission and strategic direction while maintaining accountability for results.

While key responsibilities may be delegated, the ED retains ultimate accountability for:

• Board and governance relations
• Curriculum and instructional performance
• Student life and school culture
• Business and operational management
• Enrollment and admissions
• Advancement and external relations
• School Leadership & Organizational Management
• Recruit, develop, evaluate, and retain a high-performing leadership team
• Cultivate a professional culture characterized by clarity, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Lead leadership team and staff meetings focused on alignment and execution
• Establish effective systems that support staff performance and organizational consistency
• Promote staff engagement and ensure a positive climate that supports retention
• Maintain transparent communication with the Board regarding progress toward academic, operational, and strategic goals
• Partner with the Board to develop and monitor mission, vision, goals, and policies
• Support governance through strategic planning, accurate reporting, and informed recommendations
• Collaborate with the Board on a five-year strategic plan and annual goal setting
• Ensure compliance with charter requirements and maintain a strong relationship with the authorizer
• Ensure exceptional academic outcomes aligned to school goals
• Partner with the Principal and instructional leaders to establish benchmarks and improvement plans
• Monitor and respond to school wide performance data; ensure strong data-driven practices
• Lead performance management for instructional leadership (LKES or equivalent)
• Ensure instructional leaders have support and development to execute a strong K–8 academic program
• Foster a culture of instructional excellence across all grades
• Finance, Operations & Sustainability
• Partner with the CFO to develop and manage a sustainable operating budget aligned to school priorities
• Ensure effective resource allocation across staffing, systems, time, and finances
• Provide regular financial reporting and strategic updates to the Board
• Oversee operational effectiveness and compliance; ensure strong internal systems
• Collaborate on identifying funding sources and long-term financial sustainability
• Advancement, Community Relations & External Affairs
• Represent and advocate for Ivy Prep Academy with authorize rs, partners, donors, and the broader community
• Maintain a visible presence with families, students, staff, and stakeholders
• Partner with the board on the development and fundraising efforts to expand resources and advance the mission
• Strengthen partnerships that support student outcomes and organizational stability

Required Skills & Abilities

The ideal candidate demonstrates:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders
• Strong leadership in a high-accountability environment with measurable outcomes
• Relationship-building and coalition-building skills
• Strategic planning and systems-building capability; ability to execute priorities effectively
• Strong political acumen and ability to navigate complexity
• Professionalism, integrity, and commitment to transparency
• Deep…