Position Details
Position Name: Head of School, New Programs
Status: Salaried, Exempt
Type: Regular, Full-Time (12)
School Year (if applicable): 2025-2026
Estimated Time to Start: 2-4 Weeks
Position Overview
As Head of School for New Schools, you will be responsible for the strategic development, launch, and growth of all new Stellar Virtual schools with under 500 students each. This entrepreneurial role requires a dynamic educational leader who can successfully establish new virtual schools in diverse locations, drive rapid but sustainable growth, and create exceptional learning environments while maintaining fidelity to our mission and core values, especially "Create, Collaborate, and Communicate" and "Make Your Motion Matter."
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- One Number: Annual and in-year student retention rate of 80% or higher across all schools.
- New School Development
- Lead the planning, development, and launch of new virtual schools across multiple states
- Establish foundational systems, processes, and cultures for each new school
- Adapt the Stellar Virtual educational model to meet local regulatory requirements
- Develop school-specific strategic plans and growth roadmaps
- Create and implement startup budgets and resource allocation plans
- Build staffing models and organizational structures for new schools
- Academic Leadership
- Clearly understand and effectively manage state accountability systems to drive successful academic outcomes and ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations
- Establish rigorous academic standards and performance expectations
- Foster a culture of innovation and excellence from day one
- Ensure successful implementation of student experience leveraging our three uniques: UbU!, School of One, and Education with Destination.
- Operational Management
- Design and implement efficient operational systems for new schools
- Manage multiple school budgets and resource allocation effectively
- Develop scalable administrative processes and procedures
- Ensure compliance with varying state regulatory requirements
- Establish effective communication and reporting structures
- Create risk management and contingency planning frameworks
- Ensure current, accurate, and actionable student data in state and district accountability systems.
- Team Building
- Recruit, hire, and develop founding leadership teams and staff
- Establish onboarding and professional development programs
- Create collaborative, high-performance cultures in each new school
- Coach and mentor school administrators and instructional leaders
- Build capacity for eventual transition to standalone school leadership
- Implement performance management systems that drive accountability and results
- Growth and Expansion
- Develop and execute enrollment growth strategies for each emerging school
- Collaborate with marketing and enrollment teams to drive student recruitment
- Identify and evaluate opportunities for new state expansion
- Research local educational landscapes and regulatory environments
- Create market entry strategies and implementation plans
- Establish community presence and reputation for each new school
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build relationships with state education authorities and regulatory bodies
- Engage with parents and families in new school communities
- Establish advisory boards and governance structures as needed
- Develop partnerships with local organizations and educational providers
- Represent Stellar Virtual in new markets and jurisdictions
- Create effective communication channels with all stakeholders
- Success Metrics
- Successful school launch milestones and timelines
- Student enrollment growth and retention rates
- Academic performance indicators and student outcomes
- Student attendance and enrollment to maximize funding
- Regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions
- Staff recruitment and retention metrics
- Parent and student satisfaction scores
- Budget management and financial stability
- Transition readiness for established school status
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes
- 8+ years of experience in K-12 education, with at least 3 years in leadership roles.
- Proven track record of successful new program or school development.
- Experience with virtual education models or innovative learning environments.
- Knowledge of multi-state educational regulations and compliance requirements.
- Strong entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with ambiguity.
- Exceptional project management and execution capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to build teams and systems from the ground up.
- Strategic thinking and planning skills with attention to detail.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to work effectively across multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong financial acumen and startup budget management experience.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively in a remote environment.
- Adaptability and problem-solving excellence.
- Student-centered focus with unwavering commitment to educational quality.
Education & Certification Requirements
- A master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field is required.
- A valid state teaching and/or administrative credentials.
- Experience with educational regulations across multiple states preferred.
- Additional certifications in educational leadership are a plus.
At-Will Notice
Employment with Stellar Virtual (for W-2 employment types) is at-will. This means that both the employee and Stellar Virtual have the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, as permitted by law. This job description does not create any guarantee of continued employment or a contract for a specific period. This policy does not apply to Independent Contractors (1099).
Equal Employment (EEO) Statement
At Stellar Virtual, we embrace diversity and foster an inclusive and supportive work environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Stellar Virtual is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.