Chief Executive Officer

As the world changes and becomes increasingly more complex, global citizens will need to be equipped with skills that allow them to be flexible thinkers, creative problem solvers, and effective leaders. The Environmental Charter School (ECS), located in a vibrant urban area of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, serves 1080 students from 43 zip codes and offers a K-12 program that develops students into critical thinkers, thoughtful innovators, and well-rounded scholars. They provide students with the tools and educational foundation to become tomorrow's global citizens, and strive to teach students how their choices impact the world around them. By using environmental content as a lens for instruction, ECS provides students a context in which to explore ideas and observations, to practice inquiry, and to actively problem-solve. Throughout their academic career at ECS, students build core skills across all disciplines, and then actively apply these skills to support the impact of learning. The Environmental Charter School's faculty and staff are passionate, talented, and uncompromising with a mission to make sure all students succeed at a high level. Every aspect of the organization and program is designed, and continually refined, to ensure that goal. The ECS working environment is highly collaborative, reflective, and progressive. To learn more, visit https://ecspgh.org/.

The Environmental Charter School is seeking an innovative visionary to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer and Head of School. ECS is excited for a decisive and tactical leader to guide the organization with forward-thinking strategies and a commitment to their mission. The CEO will establish organizational vision and strategies that fully support and further the ECS mission. They will manage a staff of 250, four facilities, and in collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer, manage and develop sustainably-minded and data-informed decisions for a $29M annual budget. The CEO be responsible for academic outcomes across the district, play a crucial role in overseeing operations and will bridge the gap between the academic and operations teams. The CEO's actions and behaviors will reinforce a common organizational culture rooted in the ECS mission, with a deep commitment to sustainability, ecoliteracy, and the built, natural, and social worlds. The CEO will cultivate a highly skilled senior leadership team that supports mission-focused academics and experiential learning, relationship development with families and community members, development of a culture of learning for staff, and sustainable (green and financial) decision-making for all aspects of organizational operations. The CEO also serves as the internal and external face of the organization, modeling front-facing, enthusiastic, and compassionate leadership through intentional relationship development with the community, local political leaders, fiscal supporters, families (both current and potential), and other key stakeholders. The CEO will manage eight direct reports and report to the board of directors.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Strategic Leadership and Management

• Uphold and support the school's commitment to strong academic outcomes, environmental sustainability, global citizenship, and educational innovation by supporting teachers, students, and community members in ongoing learning and growth in these areas
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, including all board sub-committees, to perpetuate and protect the ECS reputation of educational innovation and excellence
• Lead, coach, evaluate, and retain ECS's senior leadership team (Superintendent, Chiefs, and Executive Directors) with an emphasis on individual and organizational capacity development; oversee the district's academic outcomes in close partnership with the Superintendent
• Work closely with the ECS Board of Trustees toward the creation and periodic review of the ECS strategic plan, including development of a system for tracking and reporting on the progress of the strategic plan
• Ensure that employees' individual and collective goals align with the organizational vision and strategic plan
• Act as an inspirational leader - externally and internally - who actively engages, energizes, and emboldens ECS students, families, staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters
• Foster an inclusive workplace that not only values and is responsive to the diversity of students, staff, and the community that ECS serves, but elevates all voices and identities across its work
• Provide effective and inspiring leadership through active involvement in ECS programs and services
• Develop systems and protocols to measure the efficacy of ECS programming
• Create and support leadership opportunities for faculty and staff in the areas of sustainability, program development, and innovative instructional practice

Fiscal Oversight, Fund Development, and Communications

• Ensure legal, fiscal, and governmental compliance in all areas of the organization
• Manage a $29M budget in collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer, ensuring both short and long-term fiscal sustainability
• Develop annual budgets in conjunction with the ECS Board of Trustees and the senior executive leadership team
• Establish a baseline annual external revenue goal and meet or exceed it
• Nurture existing partner relationships including schools and districts, charter schools/networks, politicians, and funders to build new, strategic partnerships to support growth and sustainability, and to advocate for field-level issues in the region
• Represent and promote ECS locally, regionally, and nationally

Operations Management and Leadership

• Ensure sound operations and provide responsive collaboration with the technology, food service, enrollment communications, and community relations teams
• Oversee facilities decision-making, district realignment, enrollment, and human resources
• Promote systems and structures that lead to effective working partnerships across the academic and operations teams

Studies have shown that leaders from underrepresented groups only apply to jobs if they feel they meet 100% of the qualifications. As no individual candidate meets every qualification, we encourage candidates who meet most of these requirements to apply.

• 10+ years of professional experience in education or related non-profit, with at least 5+ in executive and/or senior leadership positions; experience in managing and leading high performing teams, schools, school districts, independent schools, or non-education organizations
• Graduate degree in education, business, or related area preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience as a seasoned organizational leader
• Education certification is preferred but not required
• A successful track record of management of annual budgets in excess of $15 million A strong commitment to driving excellent educational outcomes that support the whole child and honor ECS's mission and vision
• Proven ability to manage a high performing, senior, and diverse team, supporting professional growth while also holding team members' accountable for outcomes
• Demonstrated track record of success in developing, implementing, and leading strategies to meet the needs of a complex organization
• Embrace of an agile mindset, dedicated to fostering effective teaching, learning, and innovation through a "whatever it takes" approach. Demonstrated track record of ethical, organizational leadership, guiding high-performing teams toward transformative and innovative practices
• Strong communication and public speaking skills with an ability to inspire and persuade individuals and groups both internally and externally
• Deep belief in the Environmental Charter School's philosophy and mission and strong accordance with ECS's guiding principles: catalyst, character, collaboration, commitment
• A proven commitment to education practices that ensure equity of access and opportunity for all students, and a passion for innovative education and commitment to serving diverse groups of students; a successful track record within the urban education setting preferred
• Ability to partner and create productive relationships with all stakeholders and exercise tact and diplomacy in organizational settings
• Ability to manage multiple organizational priorities as self-starter and self-disciplined professional who can work efficiently and flexibly
• Ability to remain focused in the face of pressure, deliver against timelines, and not be intimidated by tasks/time limitations
• Proven ability to serve as a decisive and tactical leader, demonstrating the ability to set and uphold high standards while maintaining accountability for the successful execution of tasks and responsibilities

Minimum starting salary of $175,000 with consideration given for years of prior experience. ECS offers a competitive compensation package including medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability insurance, generous paid time off, and participation in a generous 403(b) retirement program.

Qualified Individuals, please apply: https://www.on-ramps.com/open-positions/3148

Clearances current within one year of employment date will be required of the selected candidate. Clearances include Pennsylvania Child Abuse History (Act 151), Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record Check (Act 34), and FBI Criminal History Background Check (Act 114). Mandated Reporter and Commonwealth of PA Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release (Act 168) also will be required.

ECS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, or current employment status.

On-Ramps is deeply committed to equity. We believe social change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with a common purpose. We're partnering with the team at ECS to build a diverse team that supports staff and students to excel. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

On-Ramps is committed to the inclusion of all qualified individuals in the hiring process, including but not limited to those with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the application or interview process, please contact info@on-ramps.com.