Executive Director

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Contract:

FY  Salary Range: $145,000 - $165,000 Additional Opportunities (Year 2+):
Performance bonuses and salary increases Benefits:
Competitive package including health, retirement, and professional development opportunities Position Start:
July 1, 2026

Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) is seeking an inspiring, mission-driven Executive Director to lead our vibrant, multilingual International Baccalaureate community. This is a rare opportunity to guide a school where global-minded learning, language immersion, and student belonging are at the heart of everything we do. As LILA’s chief executive, you will build trust through transparent communication and deep collaboration with students, staff, families, and the broader community.

You will partner closely with the Board of Directors and administrative leaders to advance academic excellence and an inclusive, joyful school culture. You’ll shape the future of LILA through strategic leadership of programming, enrollment, operations, finance, HR, and community engagement cultivating partnerships that expand our local and international impact. If you’re a visionary leader who thrives in dynamic environments and is energized by serving students through strong systems, inspired teams, and bold long‑term planning, we’d love to meet you.

About Lakes International Language Academy LILA is a PreK-12 public charter school serving more than 1,400 students in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Founded in 2004 and expanded to grades 7-12 in 2015 and 2016, LILA is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the PYP, MYP, and DP. We provide Spanish and Mandarin immersion pathways in PreK-5 and multiple entry points for non-immersion learners in grades 6-12.

Our language-rich, globally focused school prepares students to become compassionate, curious, and capable citizens of the world.

Mission: LILA prepares tomorrow’s critical thinkers and global citizens through language acquisition and inquiry-driven study.

Strategic Plan Pillars:
Dynamic Student Experience, Collaborative Community, Professional Excellence, Advancing LILA’s Future.

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive officer of LILA and the professional advisor to the LILA Board of Directors. Reporting directly to the Board Chair, the ED guides all operations and activities of the school, grounded in LILA’s mission and Strategic Plan. The ED directly supervises building principals and department heads and ensures that all programs, personnel, communications, and operational systems work together in service of students.

Leadership & Governance:
Communicate clearly, transparently, and proactively with students, staff, families, and the broader community. Inform, advise, and support the Board of Directors on school programs, policies, needs, and compliance. Recommend new or revised policies and ensure faithful implementation of Board directives.
School Culture & Academic Excellence:
Partner with principals and program leaders to maintain strong academic programming aligned with IB philosophy. Foster a climate of trust, collaboration, and belonging for students, families, and staff. Serve as liaison to internal stakeholders, ensuring consistent communication and responsiveness.
Strategic Planning & Operations:
Develop, implement, and refine strategic plans supporting short- and long-term goals. Assume ultimate responsibility for all aspects of school operations, including facilities, safety, and instructional support.
Finance, HR, & Enrollment:
Oversee financial operations, budget development, and reporting in partnership with the Finance Office. Lead student recruitment efforts to meet enrollment goals. Oversee HR policies, staffing structures, licensure requirements, and international visa processes. Present employee proposals and policy recommendations to the Board.
Community Engagement & Public Relations:
Lead PR, marketing, and external communication efforts to elevate LILA’s reputation locally and globally. Build and maintain partnerships with legislators, community organizations, businesses, international partners, and other schools.
Professional Growth & Compliance:
Maintain knowledge of best practices in immersion education, language acquisition, and IB programming. Ensure timely completion of all authorizer, state, and federal reports. Engage in continuous professional development and networking.

Seniority level:
Executive

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:
Business Development and Sales;
Industries:
Primary and Secondary Education