Founding Executive Director, Charter School

Ocean of Wisdom School; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 74,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Ocean of Wisdom School (OWS) in Minneapolis seeks a Founding Executive Director to shape the school’s culture and educational experience from the ground up, guiding the project from planning through Fall 2027 launch.

This role partners with the Board on strategy, governance, budget and enrollment, builds the founding team, establishes systems for curriculum, instruction and compliance, and champions SEE Learning plus Tibetan language and cultural learning across the school.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Business Administration, or related field.
• Valid Minnesota administrative license (or eligibility to meet state qualifications)
• Five years of responsible leadership experience managing people, programs, and daily operations.
• Deep understanding of curriculum design, instructional best practices, student development, and special education compliance.
• Strong organizational and financial management skills, including overseeing complex budgets.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to whole-child education and the mission of OWS.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and successful launch of OWS for Fall 2027.
• Translate the school's mission and vision into effective educational and organizational practices.
• Partner with the Board on strategy, governance, priorities, and organizational sustainability.
• Lead development and implementation of a rigorous, standards-aligned academic program.
• Integrate SEE Learning and Tibetan language and cultural learning into the school experience.
• Establish systems for curriculum, instruction, assessment, student support, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee special education services and related compliance requirements.
• Develop a staffing plan and recruit, hire, onboard, and develop the founding team.
• Establish supervision, professional development, and performance-management practices.
• Build a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-aligned school culture.
• Establish operational systems to launch and operate the school.
• Oversee contracts, vendors, risk management, and school-opening requirements.
• Develop and manage the annual budget and maintain strong financial controls.
• Support grants, fundraising, and other resource-development efforts.
• Develop student recruitment and enrollment strategies.
• Build relationships with families and the broader community.
• Develop partnerships with educational, cultural, nonprofit, and community organizations.
• Serve as a public representative and advocate for OWS.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Staff development

Communication

Community engagement

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Educational Leadership or related field

Minnesota administrative license or eligibility

Tools

Budgeting software

Grant management

Job description

Ocean of Wisdom School (OWS) in Minneapolis seeks a Founding Executive Director to shape the school’s culture and educational experience from the ground up, guiding the project from planning through Fall 2027 launch.

This role partners with the Board on strategy, governance, budget and enrollment, builds the founding team, establishes systems for curriculum, instruction and compliance, and champions SEE Learning plus Tibetan language and cultural learning across the school.