VP-Education

RFK Community Alliance; Five Corners (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

RFK Community Alliance seeks a dynamic Vice President of Education & Head of Schools to lead educational programs serving students with complex needs in Massachusetts. You will drive census growth, ensure program quality, and align education with clinical services in a safety-focused, growth-oriented environment.

The role demands strategic leadership across three schools and a development center, with a strong focus on enrollment, partnerships, and community impact.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education or related field required.
• DESE Special Education Administrator license (or eligibility) required.
• Experienced educational leader with a strong operational mindset.
• Skilled in managing complex programs and teams.
• Comfortable owning both outcomes and accountability.
• Collaborative, relationship-driven leader.
• Deeply committed to trauma-informed care and student success.

Responsibilities

• Lead the education division across three schools (Dr. Franklin Perkins School, Don Watson Academy, RFK Academy) and our Child Development Center.
• Oversee admissions and build a strong, consistent enrollment strategy.
• Partner closely with Agency Vice Presidents and clinical/operational leadership to ensure student success and safety.
• Align census growth with financial performance and sustainability.
• Build and support a positive, inclusive, trauma-informed culture for staff and students.
• Strengthen relationships with school districts and referral partners.
• Represent RFK Community Alliance externally.

Skills

Leadership

Educational administration

Operations management

Trauma-informed care

Stakeholder engagement

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Special Education or related field

Doctorate in education, special education, or education leadership

Job description

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VP‑Education

DWA Full Time Lancaster, MA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1014

Salary Range: $150,000.00 To $165,000.00 Annually

Vice President of Education & Head of Schools

Salary Range:150K-165K

Position Summary

RFK Community Alliance is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Vice President of Education & Head of Schools to lead and shape the future of its education programs serving students with complex emotional, behavioral, and learning needs. You will be part of a leadership team deeply committed to impact, innovation, and care working together to improve the lives of children and families across Massachusetts.

This is a high-impact senior leadership role responsible for driving census growth, strengthening program quality, and ensuring strong alignment between education and clinical services. This role is critical to ensuring that more students have access to high-quality educational and clinical services in a setting that prioritizes safety, belonging, and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the education division across three schools (Dr. Franklin Perkins School, Don Watson Academy, RFK Academy) and our Child Development Center
• Oversee admissions and build a strong, consistent enrollment strategy
• Partner closely with Agency Vice Presidents and critical clinical and operational leadership to ensure student success and safety
• Align census growth with financial performance and sustainability
• Build and support a positive, inclusive, trauma-informed culture for staff and students
• Strengthen relationships with school districts and referral partners
• Represent RFK Community Alliance externally

What Success Looks Like

• Strong and sustained census across all schools
• High-quality, safe, and supportive student environments
• Engaged and retained staff
• Strong external partnerships, marketing strategy, and referral pipeline

Qualifications & Requirements

• Master’s degree in Special Education or related field required; Doctorate in education, special education, or education leadership preferred
• DESE Special Education Administrator license (or eligibility for) required
• Experienced educational leader with a strong operational mindset
• Skilled in managing complex programs and teams
• Comfortable owning both outcomes and accountability
• Collaborative, relationship-driven leader
• Deeply committed to trauma-informed care and student success

Who We Are

RFK Community Alliance provides high-quality care and support to people and families facing complicated challenges. As a multi-service agency, we offer a wide range of programs serving a variety of needs across all ages, from infants to seniors. We are team players when it comes to caring. We work with the people we serve, their families, schools, and other community partners to develop a network of support. We provide opportunities to build skills and confidence. We nurture strength, determination, and resilience.

How We Promote Equity, Cultivate Leaders, and Grow Together

At RFK Community Alliance, we’re dedicated to a culture where everyone can show up to work as their full authentic selves. Diversity and inclusion doesn’t happen by accident, it’s by design. Together we are the designers. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes our organization stronger. We care about including diverse perspectives and experiences throughout every level. Which is why we’re committed to honoring, celebrating, and fostering diversity and inclusion on our team, in our clientele and within our community. Our team must reflect our community and vice versa. We value, respect, and support all types of diversity across all identities including, but not limited to, ethnicity, race, gender, LGBTQIA, age religion and abilities. We take responsibility for the community we’re creating here at RFK Community Alliance, and we’re here to contribute to the progression of our society to a more inclusive and equitable one.

Why You’ll Love Us

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Holiday Pay
• Educational Assistance
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Plan with generous employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program

RFKCA offers a compassionate, inclusive company culture and excellent work environment. RFKCA is deeply committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusiveness. We do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability. EOE/AA