Director of Academics

ABOUT US

ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School is a K-5 charter school in Douglasville, GA (Metro Atlanta area). The school opened in August 2023 with a class of 216 kindergarten – 3rd grade students and grow a year, until fully enrolled. Our mission is to provide an academically rigorous, supportive, and joyful learning environment to develop the leader inside every student for lifelong educational achievement and impactful community service.

We will accomplish our mission through an academically rigorous environment where students will master the core subjects, develop advanced academic skills, hone their leadership skills in and out of school, and demonstrate community service. Our staff hold an unwavering belief that all students deserve an excellent education and it’s our collective responsibility to prepare students to take a seat at the table, so they can emerge as the next generation of leaders. We also believe that it’s never too early to prepare students for college and career, so they have the opportunity to live choice filled lives.

OUR APPROACH

Our college preparatory model includes three key components beginning with an intentional focus on language and literacy development to increase critical thinking and reading proficiencies for all students. Second, a discovery-based learning approach where teachers encourage our students to take ownership of their learning by discovering new ideas and solutions to real world challenges. The third component, leadership, teaches essential habits of leadership so students can apply real world skills to their overall growth and development. ZEST Prep intentionally teaches leadership skills beginning in kindergarten.

JOB TITLE: Director of Academics

CLASSIFICATION: District-Administrative

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

POSITION SUMMARY

An integral part of our success will be the daily implementation of highly effective teaching and learning that allows students to thrive academically and socially.

The primary role of the Director of Academics is to lead ZEST Preparatory Academy’s daily academic plan. This person is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day school academic and instructional programming for ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School. With the support of their administrative team, the Director of Academics develops and implements administrative policies and practices that support high-quality academic instruction and long-term sustainability. The position works with the Executive Director and Senior Director of Operations to ensure alignment with the school’s goals, mission, and vision.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS

• Advocate: Advocates for the mission, vision, and strategic direction of ZEST Preparatory Academy
• Positivity: Promotes a positive and effective climate by ensuring that all interactions with staff, students, parents, and the public are prompt, efficient, helpful, and friendly
• Flexible: Embraces an “all hands on deck” mentality. Must be comfortable with ambiguity
• Problem Solver: Recognizes problems as an opportunity and actively assists with constructive resolutions

• Learner: Actively seeks out and participates in personal and professional development opportunities
• Direct the implementation of the school’s instructional vision inclusive of curriculum development, instructional practices, professional development, assessment, and evaluations
• Maintain a deep understanding of the Georgia Standards of Excellence to ensure student growth and mastery in all content areas
• Maintain deep knowledge of the Science of Reading, and language and literacy development
• Monitor student data and promote a data-driven culture within the school community
• Ensure positive student growth outcomes based upon required Georgia assessments and internal assessments such as NWEA MAP
• Conduct classroom observations

JOB EXPECTATIONS

The Director of Academics is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day school academic and instructional programming for ZEST Preparatory Academy. Duties include, but are not limited to:

School development and academic leadership

• Supports faculty and staff in achievement of academic and organizational goals
• Ensures that frameworks and processes are in place for cycles of operational progress monitoring, strategic planning and annual goal setting
• Working knowledge of the Georgia State Charter Schools Commission’s Comprehensive Performance Framework (CPF) specifically with regard to student achievement and growth
• Creates and follows policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all State, Federal and Charter laws; reports any concerns to Executive Director
• Holds faculty and staff accountable to academic and organizational goals.
• Manages all teachers and school based staff

Supports, leads, and monitors school operations and compliance including, but not limited to:

• Supports the School Operations team in leading school operations
• Data and operations reporting to the Executive Director, Board of Directors, GaDOE, SCSC, and Federal Government
• Maintenance of all records, documents, and files for reporting to the Executive Director, Board, GaDOE, SCSC and Federal Government
• Assist in maintaining the integrity and success of ZEST Preparatory Academy

Ensures effective communication and community involvement including, but not limited to:

• Development of explicit shared vision of the school that incorporates the voices and perspectives of all stakeholders
• Design and implementation of a robust parent and community involvement plan that supports students’ success and the needs of the school community
• Effective communication between school and home as well as between school and community
• Holding teachers accountable for effective and regular communication with parents and students

Ensures proper school data collections and reporting including, but not limited to:

• Student data collection and reporting
• Report cards
• Attendance reporting and communication to parents
• Course and class schedules
• Data Management in the SIS (Infinite Campus)
• Maintain classified/certified personnel records and certifications
• Reports to GaDOE, SCSC, and other oversight entities

Leads educational programming, including, but not limited to:

• Strategic initiatives of the school
• Instruction aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence
• Ensure MTSS compliance for grades K-5
• Ensure ESOL compliance for grades K-5
• Ensure federal title grant(s) management
• Works closely with the Associate Director of Specialized Services to ensure appropriate programming and compliance
• Early Intervention Program
• Gifted Programming

Finance and Procurement

• Supports all vendor relationships including, but not limited to, supplies, facilities, food services, transportation, etc.
• Coordinate with the Executive Director and accounting team on the purchase order/requisition process and timely payments of vendors
• Maintains compliance to all fiscal policies

Student Information Systems and Reporting

• Oversees student records, including maintenance and tracking of attendance, grades, enrollment, and retention

• Support planning, preparation, and administration for standardized tests

Human Resources

• Hires school-based staff with support to ensure effective hiring and full state compliance

Recruitment and Enrollment

• Manage systems and processes to support recruitment and enrollment and collaborate with Executive Director and Senior Director of Operations to oversee recruitment of new students and ensure school meets all enrollment goals

Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Ancillary Duties:

Include, but are not limited to:

• Demonstrate positive support for the Board, administrative team, school staff, and the community
• Participate on School Leadership Team
• Promote positive school culture
• Attend after school activities
• Assist with student arrival and dismissal

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• A Master’s degree in education or a related field from an accredited college or university; advanced degree preferred
• Georgia Educator Certificate
• Georgia Leadership Certification or willing to obtain within two years of employment
• Five years’ experience in school or education leadership required
• Ten plus years of broad education and professional experience
• Experience in leadership in a Local Education Agency. Charter school experience desirable

Experience:

Knowledge of Georgia public school funding and data reporting requirements

Experience implementing charter school flexibility

Current authorization to work in the United States

Clear Criminal Background Check

Knowledge and Competencies:

• Professional demeanor, strong work ethic, and excellent organizational skills
• Meticulous attention to detail, precision, and accuracy
• Knowledge of strategies for organization, management, and adult supervision
• Knowledge of law, policies, and regulations pertaining to youth and employee records

• Strong communication skills
• Commitment to excellence balanced with human-centered leadership

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people in a multi-generational workplace

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Salary range $90,000-$100,000.
• A comprehensive benefits package is offered to full-time employees. Competitive rates for medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance are offered.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

ZEST Preparatory Academy is actively seeking to build a diverse and experienced team of leaders. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are an equal opportunity employer.