Founding High School Director

The Opportunity - Monarca Academy is a community of social justice-minded and equity-oriented educators working to provide an identity-safe, and affirming, space that embraces and lifts up the brilliance of all students. At Monarca Academy, we eliminate barriers to success for all students; recognizing that our systems are what need to be "fixed" rather than our students. We recognize that these deficit perspectives have too long impacted the way in which we serve our students and communities.

Inspired by the Latinx and immigrant experience, we develop leaders through high academic standards (Ganas), cultural responsiveness (Orgullo), and community building (Comunidad). We are eagerly seeking a founding team to exemplify this model and build the culture to live out our mission. If you are interested in a collaborative environment that combines an asset-based philosophy with high expectations for learning, we hope you will consider applying to join our professional learning community in service of our students.

School Model - At Monarca, we utilize the three values of Ganas (Perseverance), Orgullo (Pride), and Comunidad (Community) as our foundation. We want these values to be not only how we build our model for culture and academics, but how we operate and our way of being in all interactions, with our students, families, each other, and within ourselves. We use these three values to constantly reflect on how we show up for our students, how this is shaped by our lived experiences and identities, and how we shape the sense of belonging we create for students.

Please visit our website at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). to learn more about each of the core components of our school model.

GOAL - Alianza Community Schools, Inc., is seeking a Founding High School Director for Monarca Academy. Monarca Academy is governed by Alianza Community Schools, a nonprofit educational organization in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Founding High School Director will work alongside the Founding Principal, Felicia Sears, who oversees the full 6-12 program. The Director is a full‑time employee hired, supported, and evaluated by the Principal and/or the Founder/Executive Director.

This role is central to launching Monarca's inaugural 9th grade class and establishing the systems, culture, and academic excellence that will define the high school for years to come.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - The Founding High School Director:

Academic Program & Instruction

* Designs a rigorous, culturally affirming 9th grade academic program aligned to Monarca's mission and state standards.

* Ensures vertical alignment with grades 6-8 in partnership with the Founding Principal.

* Selects instructional materials, assessments, and enrichment opportunities.

* Partners with Founding Principal to plan long‑term academic expansion for grades 10-12.

Talent, Hiring & Team Development

* Drafts job descriptions and hiring timelines for founding high school staff.

* Leads recruitment, interviewing, and selection of teachers and support staff.

* Co‑designs onboarding, coaching, and professional development rooted in Monarca's values.

* Builds a collaborative, inclusive, identity‑affirming staff culture.

Student Recruitment & Enrollment

* Partners with leadership to design and execute a recruitment strategy for the founding 9th grade class.

* Hosts family information sessions, school tours, and community events.

* Ensures bilingual, accessible, and culturally responsive communication.

* Supports enrollment systems and coordination with the main office.

Operations & Logistics

* Assists in securing classroom space, furniture, technology, and materials for the high school launch.

* Coordinates with IPS, and the Founding Principal, on transportation, scheduling, and facilities.

* Develops daily schedules, bell times, and operational systems aligned with the middle school.

* Supports procurement and vendor coordination.

School Culture & Student Experience

* Co‑creates identity‑affirming traditions, rituals, and student leadership opportunities.

* Designs advisory structures, discipline systems, and SEL supports.

* Ensures inclusive practices for multilingual learners and students with disabilities.

* Builds a joyful, safe, and empowering school culture from day one.

Family & Community Engagement

* Builds strong relationships with families, community partners, and local organizations.

* Creates feedback loops and advisory groups to inform school design.

* Supports partnerships for internships, mentorships, and enrichment opportunities.

Charter, Grants & Compliance

* Assists in drafting the high school charter and expansion documents.

* Contributes to grant applications and reporting requirements.

* Ensures compliance with IPS, state, and authorizer expectations.

* Supports documentation, progress monitoring, and communication with the Board.

Other duties as assigned

* Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

* 403(b)

* PTO