Executive Director

Atlanta, GA

Full Time

Senior Executive

About Ivy Prep Academy

Ivy Preparatory Academy is the first single-gender, K-8 charter school for girls in Georgia, educating families in DeKalb County, Clayton County, South Fulton, and Atlanta Public Schools.

Ivy Prep Academy is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead our high-performing K–8 charter school. This is a unique opportunity for an equity-centered leader with strong instructional and operational expertise to partner with our Board and leadership team to drive exceptional outcomes for scholars and staff.

We seek a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter of success.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive leader of Ivy Prep Academy and is responsible for driving exceptional academic outcomes, cultivating a strong and values-driven culture, and ensuring operational excellence across all aspects of the organization. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED advances the school’s mission and strategic direction while maintaining accountability for results.
While key responsibilities may be delegated, the ED retains ultimate accountability for:

Board and governance relations
Curriculum and instructional performance
Student life and school culture
Business and operational management
Enrollment and admissions
Advancement and external relations

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. School Leadership & Organizational Management

Recruit, develop, evaluate, and retain a high-performing leadership team
Cultivate a professional culture characterized by clarity, accountability, and continuous improvement
Lead leadership team and staff meetings focused on alignment and execution
Establish effective systems that support staff performance and organizational consistency
Promote staff engagement and ensure a positive climate that supports retention
Maintain transparent communication with the Board regarding progress toward academic, operational, and strategic goals
Partner with the Board to develop and monitor mission, vision, goals, and policies
Support governance through strategic planning, accurate reporting, and informed recommendations
Collaborate with the Board on a five-year strategic plan and annual goal setting
Ensure compliance with charter requirements and maintain a strong relationship with the authorizer

2. Curriculum, Instruction & Student Achievement

Ensure exceptional academic outcomes aligned to school goals
Partner with the Principal and instructional leaders to establish benchmarks and improvement plans
Monitor and respond to schoolwide performance data; ensure strong data-driven practices
Lead performance management for instructional leadership (LKES or equivalent)
Ensure instructional leaders have support and development to execute a strong K–8 academic program
Foster a culture of instructional excellence across all grades

3. Finance, Operations & Sustainability

Partner with the CFO to develop and manage a sustainable operating budget aligned to school priorities
Ensure effective resource allocation across staffing, systems, time, and finances
Provide regular financial reporting and strategic updates to the Board
Oversee operational effectiveness and compliance; ensure strong internal systems
Collaborate on identifying funding sources and long-term financial sustainability

4. Advancement, Community Relations & External Affairs

Represent and advocate for Ivy Prep Academy with authorizers, partners, donors, and the broader community
Maintain a visible presence with families, students, staff, and stakeholders
Partner with the board on the development and fundraising efforts to expand resources and advance the mission
Strengthen partnerships that support student outcomes and organizational stability

Required Skills & Abilities

The ideal candidate demonstrates:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders
Strong leadership in a high-accountability environment with measurable outcomes
Relationship-building and coalition-building skills
Strategic planning and systems-building capability; ability to execute priorities effectively
Strong political acumen and ability to navigate complexity
Professionalism, integrity, and commitment to transparency
Deep commitment to educational equity and high expectations for all scholars and staff

Education & Experience

Graduate degree in Education, Business, Public Administration, or related field required
Minimum 5-7 years of leadership experience in education or a closely related field
Proven experience leading high-performing teams and managing operations and strategy
Prior experience as a Principal or comparable instructional leadership role strongly preferred
Demonstrated understanding of effective K–8 academic systems
Demonstrated success improving outcomes and cultivating a strong school culture

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

Resume
Cover letter (addressing mission alignment and leadership experience)
Statement of leadership philosophy (optional but recommended)

Priority Deadline: Mid-to-late February
Position open until filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Ivy Prep Academy is committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected classification.

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Executive Director

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