OLAM Public Schools, Founding Head of School

ORGANIZATION 

Hebrew Public: Charter Schools for Global Citizens

OLAM is part of a small group of schools run by Hebrew Public: Charter Schools for Global Citizens. We are NOT a religious or Jewish organization (we know the word Hebrew can be confusing in that regard!). We ARE a network of public charter schools that serve children from all backgrounds and help them become global citizens who are great problem solvers, aware communicators, and lifelong learners who make a positive difference in the world around them. Our schools are models of racial and economic integration, academic excellence, and world language learning. Hebrew Public manages schools in New York City and Philadelphia and supports an affiliate network of schools in California, Washington DC, New Jersey, and Minnesota. 

Our focus on global citizenship is embodied by three core elements: 

• The building of relationships across differences, embodied by our focus on racial, cultural, and economic diversity;
• The study of Modern Hebrew and Israel as a window into other languages, cultures, and experiences;
• Our unique set of global citizenship values that infuse all that we do are described through the acronym OLAM (the Hebrew word for “world”). These values include Outstanding Problem Solving, Lifelong Learning, Aware Communication, and Making a Difference.

Our schools help students grow to become empathetic, ethical, intellectually curious young adults committed to solving the world’s problems. 

To learn more about Hebrew Public and its network, visit: www.hebrewpublic.org

ABOUT OLAM PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

Hebrew Charter Public Charter Schools is launching a bold new chapter in Stamford, Connecticut - OLAM Public Charter School, opening its doors in fall 2027 with Pre-K through 1st grade and growing each year to eventually serve 510 students through 8th grade. As the first school in Connecticut to join the nationally respected Hebrew Public network, OLAM is grounded in a vision of global citizenship, academic rigor, and joyful, inclusive learning. The school will offer a rich, inquiry-based curriculum that integrates Modern Hebrew language instruction, project-based learning, and social-emotional development, all rooted in the OLAM values: Outstanding Problem-Solving, Lifelong Learning, Aware Communication, and Making a Difference.

More than just a school, OLAM is a response to the Stamford community’s call for a diverse, high-expectations educational option that welcomes students of all backgrounds. With a unique model designed to close opportunity gaps and foster a deep sense of belonging, OLAM will be intentionally integrated and deeply rooted in its community. Students will thrive in a school that prioritizes differentiated instruction, global awareness, and equity—helping them grow into empathetic, ethical, and intellectually curious leaders of tomorrow. This is an extraordinary opportunity for an entrepreneurial, equity-driven educator to shape an institution from the ground up and bring to life a mission that blends academic excellence with a powerful commitment to inclusion and impact.

OPPORTUNITY 

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to serve as the Founding Head of School for OLAM Public Charter School and shape an inclusive, high-performing public charter school from the ground up. As the school’s inaugural leader, you will design and launch a vibrant, inquiry-based learning environment that integrates Modern Hebrew language instruction, global citizenship values, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. With the backing of the nationally respected Hebrew Public network, you will have the resources, support, and professional development needed to build a school culture where all students thrive.

The Founding Head of School will play a pivotal role in bringing Olam’s mission to life in Stamford—building deep community partnerships, recruiting and developing a talented founding team, and ensuring academic rigor and joyful learning for a diverse student body. This is a once-in-a-career chance for an entrepreneurial and equity-driven leader to create a legacy of educational excellence and impact, positioning Olam as a trusted, innovative, and transformational public school option in the community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

School Launch and Strategic Planning

• Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive school launch plan in preparation for opening in Fall 2027 with grades PreK, K, and 1, growing to PreK–8 over time.
• Design and execute a robust student recruitment and enrollment strategy in partnership with the Governing Council and Hebrew Public, including outreach to families, hosting community events, and building visibility across Stamford to ensure a fully enrolled founding cohort.
• Recruit and hire a founding team of teachers and staff aligned with the school’s mission, values, and commitment to academic rigor and inclusion.
• Develop school-wide systems, policies, and culture rooted in Olam’s OLAM values and commitment to inquiry-based, differentiated learning.

Instructional Leadership

• Implement a high-quality academic program aligned to the Connecticut Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, including research-backed curricula such as EL Education, and Eureka Math.
• Provide coaching and development for teachers; ensure data-driven instruction, rigorous lesson planning, and strong outcomes for all student groups, especially Multilingual Learners (MLs), students with disabilities (SWDs), and students furthest from opportunity.

Culture and Community Building

• Build a warm, joyful, and inclusive school culture that fosters strong student-teacher relationships and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Establish and maintain systems for positive behavior support, including the Responsive Classroom model and restorative practices.

Family and Community Engagement

• Develop meaningful partnerships with families through clear communication, inclusive practices, and shared celebrations of learning.
• Represent the school in the broader Stamford community, developing relationships with local partners and stakeholders that support student learning and school visibility.

Board and Organizational Leadership

• Serve as the primary liaison to the school’s Governing Board, providing timely and transparent updates on progress toward academic, operational, and financial goals.
• Partner with Hebrew Public’s network leadership to ensure alignment with the broader mission, shared services, and professional development opportunities.
• Lead the school’s self-evaluation and accountability efforts, using data to track performance and inform decision-making.

Operations and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all state and local regulatory requirements, including special education, safety, and reporting policies.
• Oversee the implementation of strong financial management systems, staffing structures, and day-to-day operations in partnership with the board and Hebrew Public.

KEY COMPETENCIES AND ATTRIBUTES

• Mission-Driven Leadership – Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Olam Public Charter School’s vision and values, inspiring others to work toward educational equity and excellence for all students.
• Instructional Excellence – Possesses a deep understanding of effective teaching and learning practices, using data and evidence to drive academic outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Strategic and Adaptive Thinking – Balances long-term vision with the ability to respond thoughtfully and effectively to emerging challenges in a dynamic environment.
• Integrity and Ethical Leadership – Models honesty, transparency, and a strong moral compass, earning the trust and respect of students, families, staff, and the broader community.
• Emotional Intelligence – Leads with self-awareness, empathy, and resilience, building an inclusive and supportive school culture where all voices are valued.
• Cultural Competency and Humility – Embraces and celebrates diversity, fostering an environment of belonging and equity for students and staff from all backgrounds.
• Collaborative Relationship Building – Excels at developing authentic, trust-based partnerships with families, staff, community organizations, and stakeholders to advance the school’s mission.
• Operational and Organizational Acumen – Aligns people, systems, and resources effectively to ensure the school’s success and sustainability as a high-performing organization.

PRIORITIES

A successful first year in this role for the new Founding Head of School will include:

• Launch a Strong and Joyful Inaugural Year – Ensure a smooth and successful school opening in fall 2027 by establishing strong enrollment, daily systems, and a welcoming learning environment for PreK–1 students and their families.
• Build a Mission-Driven, Inclusive School Culture – Establish a school community rooted in OLAM’s core values and global citizenship mission, fostering a culture of belonging, curiosity, and empathy for a diverse student body.
• Recruit and Develop a High-Quality Founding Team – Hire and support a talented, equity-driven team of educators and staff who embody OLAM’s mission and are committed to excellent, inclusive instruction and continuous growth.

Engage Families and the Stamford Community – Build deep relationships with families and local partners to position OLAM as a trusted, responsive, and impactful public school option in Stamford.

QUALIFICATIONS 

In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Founding Head of School candidate will be:

• 6+ years of progressive leadership experience in K–8 education, with at least 3 years in a school leadership role (e.g. principal, assistant principal, or dean).
• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree or higher strongly preferred. 
• Experience launching or helping lead a new school is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading diverse teams, coaching educators, and improving student outcomes.
• Strong familiarity with culturally responsive teaching, multilingual learner supports, and inclusive special education practices.
• Deep commitment to the Stamford community, with a willingness to build lasting local relationships.
• Experience working with or within a charter school environment is preferred.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary for this position starts at $146,000 - $153,000 and is commensurate with experience. Hebrew Public offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• Paid parental leave
• Retirement savings with employer matching
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Paid holidays and generous PTO
• Professional development and leadership coaching through the North Star Fellowship

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume online at https://apply.workable.com/j/E519CCEAD8/.

Our commitment

We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. Candidates from backgrounds that are underrepresented in school leadership roles are particularly encouraged to apply. Don't meet every single requirement? We know the confidence gap and imposter syndrome can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply — we’d love to hear from you.