Head of School / Principal

Head Of School / Principal

Excel Academy Charter High School is seeking a strategic, equity-driven, and results-oriented Head Of School / Principal or Head Of School Fellow to lead our high school beginning in the 2025-2026 school year and assuming full leadership responsibilities in the 2026-2027 school year. Reporting to the Chief Schools Officer, the Head Of School will be responsible for ensuring strong academic achievement, cultivating a purposeful and inclusive school culture, managing a high-performing team, and partnering with families and the broader school community.

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to build upon the school's significant academic and cultural growth over the last four years including improved MCAS, AP performance, college matriculation, and student engagement and to chart a path forward that deepens impact. Supported by a strong leadership team and a thoughtfully planned transition, including mentorship from the outgoing Head Of School and a Leadership Coach, the new leader will be charged with sustaining momentum and driving continuous improvement toward Excel's mission of preparing every student for success in college and beyond.

Your Impact

• Lead the school's academic vision, ensuring ambitious, equitable achievement for all students.
• Model high expectations and joy in learning, setting the bar for instructional and cultural excellence.
• Partner with the Network Academic Team to lead effective coaching and professional development, responsive intervention systems, and strong implementation of Excel's curriculum.
• Use data and observation to continuously improve teaching and student outcomes, leading the high school to achieve ambitious 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.
• Develop and manage a high-performing leadership team, including Deans of Operations, Instruction, Student Supports, Culture, DEI, and College and Career.
• Strategically hire, coach, evaluate, and retain a strong team of teachers and staff through goal-setting, feedback, and professional development.
• Foster a joyful and productive adult culture that drives continuous improvement.
• 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.
• Manage and steward the school's over $10M annual budget, ensuring resources align with school priorities.
• Manage and supervise the administration of school events, compliance, safety, assessment, enrollment, and operations.

The following competencies distinguish an Excel Head Of School : Instructional Leadership : Provides strategic leadership and translates vision into action. People Leadership : Hires, coaches, develops, and retains high-performing teams. Cultural Leadership : Creates a culture of joy, high expectations, and relentless adult and students learning. Strategic Execution : Operates as an effective strategic and tactical leader. Organizational Alignment : Collaborates effectively with Network Team and School Leader peers to achieve broader organizational goals.

Qualifications include a deep commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel's values and educational model. Proven track record of results in school leadership. Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred. At least four years of experience in urban education (charter or district), with high school experience preferred. Strong strategic thinking, project management, emotional intelligence, and instructional expertise. Preference will be given to applicants who also have a track record of driving academic and cultural achievement, have a track record of leading or supporting anti-racist and equity-centered work, have led an organization through periods of significant growth / change, have experience working with communities similar to those served by Excel Academy, and speak Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic fluently.

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.