Innovative Education Management, President

ORGANIZATION 

Innovative Education Management (IEM) is a well-established and pioneering Charter School Development and Management Organization dedicated to empowering parents and students through individualized, high-quality public education in California. Since 1993, IEM has been at the forefront of the independent study and homeschool model within the charter school movement. Our network of schools, including Sky Mountain Charter School, Ocean Grove Charter School, and South Sutter Charter School, serves thousands of K-12 students across eighteen California counties. We're committed to honoring individual education choices and providing innovative learning opportunities that foster responsible and contributing members of society.

To learn more about IEM, please visit www.ieminc.org. 

OPPORTUNITY 

The President is the chief executive of Innovative Education Management (IEM), responsible for the overall strategic direction, leadership, and operational success of the organization and its network of independent study charter schools. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the President will ensure IEM's adherence to its mission, vision, and values, while maintaining strict compliance with all relevant state and federal regulations, particularly the California Education Code, which pertains to non-classroom-based charter schools. This role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of public education, including independent study environments featuring parent choice, fostering a positive organizational culture, and building strong relationships with all stakeholders, including charter authorizers, community leaders, and parents. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities of the President include:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and execute the IEM's strategic plan in alignment with its mission of honoring individual education choices and providing innovative public education, in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Stay abreast of trends, emerging technologies, policy changes, and best practices within the education landscape, including independent study and homeschooling, to inform strategic decision-making and ensure IEM remains a leader in parent-choice education in California.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability across all schools within the network, with a focus on personalized learning paths.
• Lead the thoughtful growth and expansion of IEM, including identifying new opportunities for independent study schools and overseeing the charter petition and renewal processes when deemed appropriate.

Academic Excellence & Student Outcomes

• Ensure the implementation of a rigorous, high-quality, and equitable educational program tailored to the individualized learning needs of students in an independent study model, overseeing the Executive Director of Academics, Director of Curriculum and Guidance Services, and Director of Special Education Services.
• Set ambitious academic goals for student achievement and performance, holding school leaders and Education Specialists accountable for results.
• Oversee the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of IEM's instructional model, curriculum resources, and assessment strategies.
• Utilize data to drive decision-making, and ensure positive academic outcomes for all students, including those with diverse needs within an independent study network.

 Organizational Management & Operations

• Provide executive oversight of all IEM operations, including finance, human resources, legal compliance, facilities (learning centers), technology, enrollment, and communications. This includes direct supervision of the Chief Business Official, Director of Information Technology Services, Executive Director of HR Compliance and Systems, Director of Human Resources, Director of Enrollment and Budget Services, and Director of Communications and Development Services.
• Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team, fostering collaboration and accountability across all departments and school sites.
• Provide strategic oversight of core information systems and process evolution, ensuring priorities align with long-term objectives, stakeholder needs, and the company’s vision for growth and operational excellence.
• Ensure sound fiscal management, including the development and oversight of the annual budget and required updates, compliance with federal, state and authorizing school districts required reporting, and securing adequate funding for IEM and its schools.
• Oversee talent acquisition, professional development, and retention strategies for all staff, with particular attention to credentialed Education Specialists.
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal laws, regulations, and charter agreements, particularly those unique to California's independent study charter schools.

Governance & Board Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison between IEM's operational team and the Board of Directors.
• Collaborate with the Board Chair to develop meeting agendas and provide comprehensive reports on organizational performance, challenges, and opportunities.
• Support the Board in fulfilling its legal, fiduciary, and moral responsibilities.
• Assist the Board in recruiting, onboarding, and evaluating new board members.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

• Build and maintain strong relationships with charter authorizers, community leaders, parents, and other key stakeholders, emphasizing IEM's commitment to parent choice.
• Represent IEM effectively in public forums, conferences, and other discussions to advocate for the organization’s interests, including parent choice in education and independent study charter schools.
• Develop and execute a robust communication strategy to inform and engage all stakeholders.
• Foster a positive public image for IEM and its schools, highlighting the benefits of their individualized learning approach.

 To fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal President candidate will have:

• Administrative Services Credential (or equivalent combination of leadership experience and education), Master's degree in Education or Business Administration or related field(s) preferred.
• Senior leadership experience in education, with significant experience in charter schools.
• Experience in the measurement and improvement of student success in diverse educational settings.
• Deep understanding of California's charter school landscape, including regulatory frameworks, funding mechanisms, and accountability measures for independent study charters.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with complex budget management.
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing teams, including remote or distributed staff.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Unwavering commitment to educational equity and the success of all students, within the framework of customized student learning through parental choice.
• Ability to travel frequently within California to visit the corporate offices, school events and engage with stakeholders.

This position offers a competitive salary range of $265,000 - $315,000 and competitive benefits. More details can be provided upon request.

Core Benefits

Eligible employees may select from the following benefit plans:

• Medical Insurance
• Offered through CalChoice, providing access to multiple carriers and plan options
• Dental Insurance
• Choose between Delta Dental PPO or Ameritas Dental
• Vision Insurance
• Coverage provided through VSP

*Please note: IEM does not offer a cash-in-lieu option

Additional Benefits:

• Supplemental Insurance
• Optional plans available through Aflac
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• IEM provides a free, confidential EAP to support your mental, emotional, and financial well-being. This benefit is available to you and your household members
• Retirement Benefit Options
• IEM’s President may be employed through an IEM-operated charter school, which offer the following retirement benefit options to eligible employees:
• California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS)
• California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
• 403(b) tax-deterred retirement plan
• In addition, IEM offers eligible employees participation in IEM's 401(k) plan, which includes a matching contribution of 133.3% of employee contributions up to 6.00% (e.g. if the employee defers 6.00% of their gross pay, IEM will contribute 8.00% of gross pay) 
• Financial Wellness Program
• IEM partners with Sierra Ridge Wealth Management to offer personalized financial education and support
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Both Health FSA and Dependent Care FSA options are available to help you save on eligible expenses using pre-tax dollars

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume online at https://apply.workable.com/j/1E20E97B98/.

Innovative Education Management is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. Recruiting staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications to perform the work required.