Chief Executive Officer

About Us

Freedom Preparatory Academy Charter Schools is a network of PreK‑12 free public charter schools serving students in Memphis, TN, and Birmingham, AL. Our mission is to prepare all students in grades PreK‑12 to excel in college and in life. Since our founding in 2009, we have grown from a class of 96 sixth‑grade students to over 1,950 students across multiple campuses.

In 2024 we expanded into Birmingham, AL, starting with grades K‑1, with plans to grow to a K‑5 campus.

The National Board of Directors seeks a strategic, visionary, experienced, and inspirational leader to build on Freedom Prep’s legacy and guide the organization into its next chapter. The CEO will work closely with the Board, staff, families, students, and the communities we serve to ensure the network achieves its mission and vision.

• Achieving organizational and financial stability, including meeting ambitious fundraising goals;
• Building trusting relationships with key stakeholders and deeply understanding Freedom Prep’s history and program model;
• Maintaining a cohesive culture that retains and develops high‑performing leaders, teachers, and staff;
• Continuing to improve academic outcomes for students in Tennessee and Alabama;
• Clarifying the path forward and building the internal conditions to support growth across the South.

• Refine and implement a multi‑year strategic vision and plan for the network in alignment with the Board;
• Ensure accountability by setting clear academic, operational, talent, advancement, and financial goals and priorities;
• Drive continuous improvement efforts to achieve high‑quality educational outcomes;
• Build the staff, systems, and infrastructure necessary for scale and complexity as we potentially expand to new regions in the South;
• Further define the organization’s growth strategy, balancing quality delivery in current regions with opportunities in new states/regions.

• Develop, coach, support, and retain a high‑performing leadership team and manage them toward ambitious goals;
• Clarify the national and regional model and organizational structure, including roles and responsibilities;
• Foster a positive, cohesive, and collaborative culture that reflects core Freedom Prep values while maintaining responsiveness to local communities;
• Provide leadership and professional development opportunities to staff, emphasizing learning, growth, and retention of top talent.

• Externally champion the mission, goals, and values of Freedom Prep, speaking publicly and communicating widely about the organization’s accomplishments;
• Create and execute strategies to increase student enrollment and improve school facilities;
• Ensure a viable and sustainable short‑ and long‑term financial plan; steward the organizational budget of approximately $37 MM;
• Lead fundraising efforts to meet ambitious annual development goals (approximately $4 MM) by identifying, cultivating, and soliciting public, individual, and foundation sources of giving;
• Build and expand community partnerships, including with key local leaders, government officials, philanthropic organizations, and community‑based organizations;
• Interact regularly with charter authorize rs and ensure compliance with all laws, regulations, and charter requirements.

• Develop an engaged and active Board in close partnership with the Board Chair;
• Clarify roles, responsibilities, and governance structures of the regional and national boards;
• Update and strategize with the Board of Directors regularly regarding academic status, policy review, board directives, and fiscal matters;
• Recruit new board members, ensuring diverse perspectives, experience, and community ties;
• Receive and incorporate board feedback on performance annually;
• Partner with the board on fundraising and capital campaign efforts.

• At least 10 years of progressive professional leadership experience in a complex educational organization, school network, or non‑profit with ambitious goals;
• Experience building,…