Bronx Charter Schools For Better Learning - Executive Director

Executive DirectorBronx, New YorkAbout Bronx Charter Schools for Better LearningSince 2003, the Bronx Charter Schools for Better Learning (BBL) have been guided by two core beliefs: that every child arrives in the classroom already a capable learner, and that great teaching means creating the conditions for that learning to flourish. Founded by a passionate group of educators, parents, and community members deeply inspired by the work of educational philosopher Dr. Caleb Gattegno, BBL set out to prove that a learning-centered, inquiry-driven approach could produce outstanding academic outcomes for every child in the Bronx.That experiment has worked. Today, BBL operates two elementary charter schools BBL1 and BBL2 in the Northeast Bronx, serving approximately 1,000 students in grades Pre-K through 5. BBL has consistently demonstrated strong academic outcomes, while nurturing the independence, curiosity, and love of learning that define the BBL experience.The OpportunityThe Executive Director serves as the chief executive of BBL, leading both schools and reporting to the Board of Trustees. This is a broad leadership role spanning academics, operations, community engagement, and strategy for someone who is excited to build on a strong foundation and lead a mission-driven organization into its next chapter.A genuine openness to BBL's distinctive, learning-centered approach to teaching and learning is essential. It is the foundation families choose BBL for and a thread that runs through everything the organization does.The incoming Executive Director will inherit a distinctive and proven pedagogy that sets BBL apart, a dedicated team of educators and professional developers who believe deeply in the potential of every child, and a warm, family-like culture built on years of trust with staff and families alike. They will also inherit real financial stability with significant reserves and the opportunity to invest strategically in programming and operations. The Executive Director will be supported by an experienced and committed leadership team across both schools and the central office, and will have the opportunity to leverage and further strengthen this team over time.BBL is currently engaged in a strategic planning process, and the incoming Executive Director will have the opportunity to meaningfully shape and refine the plan as it is finalized.This is a role with genuine upside. The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to shape the future direction of a mission-driven organization with real momentum behind it, strengthen student outcomes while preserving what makes BBL unique, and begin exploring what an expansion into middle school could mean for the students and families BBL serves.This is not a caretaker role. It is a chance to lead something special and make it even better.Key ResponsibilitiesVision & Strategic LeadershipChampion BBL's mission and pedagogy with clarity and conviction serving as its most visible advocate inside the schools and in the broader communityEnsure that progress toward BBL's charter goals is regularly measured, reported, and sufficient to secure charter renewalLead the refinement and implementation of the organization's strategic plan, aligning priorities across both schools and functionsPartner closely with the Board to support effective governance and clear organizational decision-making.Shape and communicate a compelling organizational narrative to families, funders, authorizers, and the broader publicAlign people, systems, and resources around coherent, mission-driven prioritiesSeek out and pursue grant funding and strategic partnerships that support BBL's programs, facilities, and long-range plansInstructional & Pedagogical LeadershipDevelop a deep working understanding of the Subordination of Teaching to Learning pedagogy and serve as a credible advocate of this approach across the organizationPartner with the professional development team and school leaders to ensure the pedagogy is consistently and faithfully implemented across classrooms at both schoolsStrengthen the systems that transmit and sustain the pedagogy over time, including PD structures, curriculum documentation, and coaching practicesSupport and develop principals as instructional leaders, building their capacity to observe, coach, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across classrooms.Balance deep commitment to BBL's model with accountability for strong academic outcomesOperations & Organizational LeadershipAssume ultimate responsibility for the successful operation of all aspects of BBL academic, financial, operational, and culturalClarify and strengthen the organizational structure across the BBL network, defining clear roles, responsibilities, and lines of accountabilityStrengthen and refine systems across finance, HR, technology, and operations to support organizational effectivenessLead and further develop a high-performing senior leadership team, fostering a collaborative cabinet culture focused on shared goals and continuous improvementRegularly evaluate and provide substantive coaching and feedback to senior leaders in support of their professional growth and organizational effectivenessOversee financial sustainability, including budgeting, financial planning, and leading fundraising and development efforts in partnership with the BoardEnsure long-range financial and facilities planning, updating and implementing plans annually in partnership with the Board and cabinetEnsure effective use of significant financial reserves and other resources in service of long-term sustainabilityActively manage BBL's charter authorization relationship with SUNY CSI, ensuring full compliance with charter requirements and positioning the network confidently for renewalTalent & CultureLead, develop, and retain a high-performing, mission-aligned team across both schools and the central officeFoster a culture that balances strong relationships with clear expectations and accountability honoring BBL's warmth while raising its barRecruit and develop educators who reflect the student community and bring the skills BBL needsStrengthen leadership pipelines and create clear pathways for staff growth and developmentReinforce a culture where both students and adults are continuously learning and improvingCommunity Engagement & External RelationsServe as a visible, trusted leader within the Bronx community, accessible to families, students, and community partnersDeepen authentic relationships with families and the neighborhoods BBL servesStrengthen enrollment through authentic community connection and a clear, compelling value propositionRepresent BBL with integrity in public forums, with policymakers, and with charter sector leadersBoard Partnership & GovernanceCultivate a strong, transparent, and productive partnership with the Board of TrusteesProvide the Board with the information, analysis, and strategic framing needed to make sound decisionsManage key governance responsibilities, including charter compliance, financial reporting, and strategic accountabilityKey Priorities in the First 1224 MonthsListen, learn, and build trust with staff, families, the Board, and the communities BBL serves; approach BBL's culture and pedagogy with genuine curiosity and humilityDevelop a deep working understanding of the Subordination of Teaching to Learning, and build credibility with the PD team, teachers, and principals as an authentic champion of the approachConduct a thorough assessment of BBL's progress toward its charter goals and establish a clear accountability framework for ongoing monitoring and reportingLead implementation of BBL's strategic plan, establishing clear priorities and milestones across the networkBegin exploring the possibility of middle school expansion assessing feasibility, engaging key stakeholders, and laying the groundwork for informed decision-makingDeepen instructional alignment building collaborative structures, coaching systems, and a coherent model of principal supportClarify organizational roles, responsibilities, and accountability structures to ensure the cabinet and school teams are operating with clear expectationsStrengthen enrollment and community engagement, building BBL's pipeline and deepening its presence across the Bronx communities it servesEngage the Board as a thought partner, and begin work to strengthen Board practices and governance structuresCandidate ProfileQualifications & Experience7+ years of progressively senior leadership experience in K12 education, with a strong preference for urban public or charter school contextsMeaningful classroom or school-based instructional experience this is a school community that values people who have taughtExperience as a school or system-level executive (e.g., Executive Director, Head of School, Chief