Democracy Prep Public Schools, Chief Executive Officer (New York)

Chief Executive Officer Opportunity

Democracy Prep Public Schools (DPPS) was founded in Harlem in 2005 with a bold mission : to educate responsible citizen-scholars for success in the college of their choice and a life of active citizenship. What began as a single school has grown into a nationally recognized network serving over 5,500 students in grades K12 across multiple states.

At Democracy Prep, academic excellence and civic engagement go hand in hand. We believe that preparing students for college is just the beginningthat they must also be equipped to lead, serve, and shape a better world. Our schools combine rigorous instruction, a joyful culture of high expectations, and transformative experiencesfrom global travel to local activismto help every student see themselves as powerful agents of change.

Our work is grounded in the unwavering belief that all students can achieve at the highest levels, and our community of passionate, mission-aligned educators is the heart of that effort. Together, we are building schools that inspire, challenge, and prepare the next generation of changemakers.

Democracy Prep is at a pivotal moment in its journeyone that demands renewed academic excellence, stronger student retention, and the ability to attract top talent. With a refreshed strategic plan, a strong foundation of values, and a legacy of civic impact, the organization is positioned to reassert itself as a top-performing educational network and an exemplar in the charter sector.

We seek a bold, strategic leader with demonstrated experience leading at the network level within K12 education. The next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will bring deep expertise in managing complex, multi-site educational organizations and a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing charter schools today.

This leader will be charged with driving academic outcomes, stabilizing and growing enrollment, building scalable systems, empowering staff and school leaders, and serving as a compelling public advocate for our mission. The right candidate will have the ability to align a high-performing team around a shared vision, make tough decisions with clarity and courage, and build strong partnerships inside and outside the organization.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer include :

• Set Vision & Strategy
• Define and implement a bold, forward-looking strategy aligned with Democracy Prep's mission and values.
• Guide long-term planning with clearly articulated academic, operational, and civic goals.
• Connect regularly with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the strategic vision reflects the evolving needs, priorities, and aspirations of the Democracy Prep community.
• Ensure coherence between organizational vision and on-the-ground practice across all campuses.
• Continuously assess the internal and external landscape to identify opportunities and risks.
• Drive Academic Excellence
• Partner with instructional leaders to ensure high-quality teaching and learning across the network.
• Establish clear systems of accountability and support to improve student outcomes.
• Elevate and replicate best practices across schools to close opportunity gaps.
• Foster a mindset shift toward collective ownership of academic excellence and a culture that prioritizes high expectations for all students.
• Support & Strengthen a High-Performing Team
• Empower and align the senior leadership team to execute on strategic goals with clarity and accountability.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, high expectations, and shared ownership across central office and school-based teams.
• Ensure leaders have the support, resources, and development opportunities they need to thrive and grow in their roles.
• Maintain systems for effective team communication, cross-functional alignment, and consistent performance tracking.
• Ensure Financial Sustainability & Operational Effectiveness
• Partner with the CFO to build a durable financial structure, optimize resource allocation, and ensure long-term sustainability.
• Address enrollment and retention challenges through data-informed strategies and targeted investment.
• Build scalable systems that reduce dependency on individuals and increase organizational resilience.
• Lead External Relations & Development
• Serve as the public face of the organization with funders, families, authorizers, and the broader education ecosystem.
• Strengthen the Democracy Prep brand and narrative, raising visibility and trust.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors and partners to expand and diversify revenue.
• Foster Equity, Innovation, & Organizational Health
• Champion a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization, leading with transparency and cultural competence.
• Develop clear performance management systems that recognize and reward excellence.
• Nurture a culture of learning, innovation, and feedback among staff at all levels.
• Engage & Steward Governance & Stakeholders
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors, providing timely updates and strategic counsel.
• Build trust with students, families, and community members through consistent and authentic communication.
• Lead through transitions with steadiness, adaptability, and a deep sense of care for the people of DPPS.