Job Description

Description

Organization: Excel Academy Rhode IslandJob Title: Head of School
Reports to: Deputy Chief Schools Officer

Organization Overview

Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latino or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college.

 

At Excel, we believe that every student—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to a free, high quality education. During their journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state, through the combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path. 

 

About the Role

Excel is seeking a Head of School for our Excel Academy - Rhode Island campus for the 2025-2026 school year. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Schools Officer, the Head of School is responsible for driving student outcomes and experiences through instructional leadership, leading and developing strong teams, and by demonstrating an actionable commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Excel Academy has built a strong academic program that has garnered national attention for producing exceptional student results. But there is still work to do and growth to be made. The Head of School at Excel Academy - Rhode Island will lead this work by setting and holding a high bar of rigor and the highest expectations for what all students can achieve and developing a team that can turn this vision into action. 

 

This is our first flagship school in Rhode Island, and at scale, in the 2030-2031 school year, we will serve approximately 2,200 students total from Providence, North Providence, and Central Falls in grades K-12.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The Head of School will have overall accountability for the success of the school and will serve as its instructional leader.  They will work closely with the administrative team to manage the school’s culture, academic program, and operations. Excel believes that its distinctive performance is rooted in the quality of its school leaders, and Excel’s organizational philosophy centers on investing in people—starting with and flowing from Excel school leaders.

Instructional & Cultural Leadership 

• In collaboration with the Deputy Chief Schools Officer and Network Academic Team, lead the school team to achieve instructional excellence and equity in its academic outcomes and student experiences. 
• Actively and regularly assess performance of the school’s academic program in raising achievement for all students, including successful execution and analysis of intervention programs targeted at needs of diverse academic subgroups. 
• Develop and implement strategies to drive instructional excellence and student’s holistic wellness including professional development, data analysis, direct coaching of teachers and leaders, and leading strong implementation of Excel’s curriculum. 
• Model instructional and cultural excellence in all aspects of the school, setting and holding a high bar for cultural and instructional excellence. 

People Development & Strategic Leadership 

• Develop a high-performing Administrative Team to lead the school to achieve Excel’s mission, the team includes the following members: Dean of Operations, Dean of Culture, Dean of Student Supports, & Dean of Curriculum & Instruction. 
• Strategically hire, coach, develop and evaluate teachers and leaders, and provide clear and timely direction to help them produce high-quality work and achieve goals. 
• Communicate a strategic vision for achieving Excel’s mission and invest and support the school’s teachers, leaders, and staff to translate that vision into day-to-day implementation.

Administrative Leadership & Family Engagement 

• Develop and manage relationships with families as critical partners and stakeholders, demonstrating the utmost respect and appreciation for the cultures and languages of our home communities.   
• Develop & manage the school’s five million dollar budget.
• Manage and supervise the administration of school events, compliance, safety, assessment, enrollment and operations. 

Head of School Competencies

The following competencies distinguish an Excel Head of School: 

• Provide intellectual leadership translating big-picture vision into action 
• Create the culture and conditions for relentless adult and student learning
• Model Excel norms, culture and behavior 
• Coach, develop and retain high-performing instructional staff
• Act as an effective leader and ambassador for the organization
• Collaborate with the Network Academic Team and other Heads of School

For a comprehensive overview, please see Excel's Head of School Competency Framework.

Qualifications

• A commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
• A Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred;
• A minimum of four years of experience in an urban charter or district school setting preferred, but not required;
• Proven track-record of strong results in school leadership;
• Strong strategic thinking skills with clear and nuanced understanding of the impact that different approaches have on organizational culture and performance;
• Systematic and structured approach to project management with a demonstrated ability to carry out multiple high-priority projects in parallel;
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; 
• A commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
• An openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and enthusiasm for continuous improvement.

Preference will be given to applicants who also:

• Have a track record of leading and/or engaging in anti-racist work;
• Have a track record that reflects the importance of rigorous classroom instruction and culture; 
• Have led an organization through periods of significant growth/change (i.e. starting a new school);
• Have experience cultivating strong school culture;
• Have experience leading schools that serve family populations that are similar to those at Excel Academy;
• Speak Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic fluently.

Compensation

Excel provides a competitive compensation package that includes benefits and is commensurate with experience.

Excel Academy Charter Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, athletic performance, special need, proficiency in the English language or a foreign language or prior academic achievement.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

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