Executive Director

Knova Learning; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Part time

Job summary

KNOVA Learning/Rockwood Preparatory Academy seeks an Executive Director to serve as CEO, providing strategic, financial, and operational leadership for the organization. You will report to the Board, ensuring long-term sustainability, guiding budgeting, fundraising, HR, and community partnerships while empowering school principals to deliver outstanding educational outcomes.

This senior role requires an MBA or related master’s degree, extensive nonprofit leadership, and experience managing

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Educational Leadership, or related field.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Five+ years supervising professional staff.
• Experience leading Human Resources functions.
• Experience managing budgets over $2 million.
• Fundraising, grant development, and donor cultivation experience.
• Experience with nonprofit Boards of Directors.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the chief executive officer of KNOVA Learning/Rockwood Preparatory Academy.
• Implement the strategic vision and priorities established by the Board of Directors.
• Advise the Board on organizational performance, strategic initiatives, financial health, and risk management.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for Board meetings.
• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans that ensure organizational sustainability and growth.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and oversee the annual organizational budget and financial controls.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, compensation, benefits, and employee relations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and Oregon employment laws.
• Support school principals with strategic guidance and resources.
• Lead fundraising plans and donor cultivation activities.
• Represent KNOVA Learning in community, government, and philanthropic settings.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

Board governance

People management

Communication

Change management

Education

MBA / nonprofit management

Master's degree in business / related field

TSPC license or ability to acquire within 1 year

Experience with charter schools (preferred)

Job description

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of KNOVA Learning/Rockwood Preparatory Academy and is responsible for the overall business, financial, organizational, and strategic leadership of the organization. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director ensures the long-term sustainability of the organization through sound financial management, human resources leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, and community partnerships.

The Executive Director provides executive oversight of all business operations while empowering the school principals to lead the daily academic and operational functions of their respective schools. Working collaboratively with the principals, the Executive Director ensures that organizational resources, systems, and strategic initiatives support outstanding educational outcomes for all students.

The Executive Director serves as the public face of KNOVA Learning/Rockwood Preparatory Academy, cultivating relationships with community leaders, government agencies, philanthropic organizations, donors, business partners, and educational stakeholders to advance the mission and secure resources for the organization.

Essential Responsibilities

Executive Leadership

• Serve as the chief executive officer of KNOVA Learning/Rockwood Preparatory Academy.
• Implement the strategic vision and priorities established by the Board of Directors.
• Advise the Board on organizational performance, strategic initiatives, financial health, and risk management.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for Board meetings.
• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans that ensure organizational sustainability and growth.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Financial Leadership

• Develop and oversee the annual organizational budget.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of all organizational assets.
• Monitor revenues, expenditures, cash flow, and financial forecasting.
• Ensure enrollment and financial goals are achieved.
• Oversee accounting practices, audits, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with all nonprofit financial regulations.
• Review and approve expenditures in accordance with Board-approved budgets and purchasing policies.
• Oversee contracts, procurement, insurance, risk management, and vendor relationships.

Human Resources Leadership

• Lead all Human Resources functions for the organization.
• Develop and implement personnel policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and Oregon employment laws.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, compensation, benefits, employee relations, and performance management.
• Support leadership development and succession planning.
• Foster a positive organizational culture focused on employee engagement, professional growth, and accountability.
• Provide coaching and support to school leaders regarding personnel and human resource matters.
• Oversee organizational compliance with required employee training, certifications, and background checks.

School Leadership Support

• Directly supervise and evaluate the school principals.
• Support principals by providing strategic guidance, coaching, and organizational resources.
• Collaborate with principals to establish annual organizational and school goals.
• Monitor organizational performance while allowing principals autonomy over day-to-day school operations.
• Ensure alignment between school improvement efforts and organizational priorities.

Fundraising, Development, and Community Engagement

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising and development plan.
• Cultivate relationships with foundations, corporate partners, donors, and community organizations.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities and oversee grant management.
• Lead capital campaigns and major fundraising initiatives.
• Develop strategic partnerships that enhance educational opportunities for students.
• Represent KNOVA Learning/Rockwood Preparatory Academy at community events, conferences, civic organizations, and legislative meetings.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization.
• Strengthen relationships with local businesses, higher education institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing charter schools and nonprofit organizations.
• Maintain compliance with Oregon Department of Education requirements, charter agreements, and nonprofit regulations.
• Ensure timely completion of audits, required reports, and regulatory filings.
• Oversee organizational policies and recommend updates as laws and best practices evolve.
• Coordinate legal matters with Board counsel as needed.

Organizational Operations

• Oversee business services including:
  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Facilities
  • Contracts
  • Information Technology
  • Risk Management
  • Procurement
  • All Contracts
  • MOUs
  • Vendor Management
• Ensure operational systems effectively support student learning and organizational growth.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across organizational departments.

Leadership Competencies

The successful Executive Director demonstrates:

• Visionary leadership
• Strategic thinking
• Financial acumen
• Strong nonprofit business management
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Collaborative leadership
• Ethical decision-making
• Organizational development expertise
• Political and community awareness
• Effective communication
• Sound judgment
• Data-informed decision making
• Change management
• Conflict resolution
• Relationship building

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Five years supervising professional staff.
• Demonstrated experience leading Human Resources functions.
• Demonstrated experience managing organizational budgets exceeding $2 million.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant development, and donor cultivation.
• Experience working with nonprofit Boards of Directors.
• Experience managing audits, contracts, and organizational compliance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) license, or able to acquire within one year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Professional in Human Resources.
• Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP).

• Strong preference for an MBA with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management
• Knowledge of Oregon charter school law and nonprofit governance
• Experience leading a charter school organization.

• Experience with strategic planning and organizational growth.
• Experience leading capital campaigns.
• Experience working with government agencies and philanthropic foundations.

Salary and Employment

Position: Executive Director (Chief Executive Officer)

Reports To: Board of Directors

Supervises:

• Principals,
• Facilities staff

Employment Status: Part time 32 hrs/week, Exempt

Remote work: The position will require approximately half time on site and the remainder can be performed remotely, as approved by the Board.

Work Year: Twelve (12) Months

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.