VOICE Charter School, Executive Director

ORGANIZATION 

Founded in 2008 with a bold and joyful vision, VOICE Charter School is a high-performing, K–8 public charter school located in Long Island City, Queens. VOICE was established by a group of educators, artists, and community leaders who believed deeply in the power of both rigorous academics and the arts, particularly music, to unlock student potential and nurture whole-child development. Since opening its doors with just a single kindergarten cohort, VOICE has grown to serve more than 700 students across grades K–8. Although VOICE is a single charter school, it operates across three grade-based campuses (K–2, 3–5, and 6–8), each with its own leadership team.

VOICE’s approach is anchored in the belief that every child deserves access to a rich, well-rounded education that prepares them not only for academic success, but also for self-expression, critical thinking, and community engagement. Our students benefit from daily choral music instruction, which fosters confidence, collaboration, discipline, and joy. Through performances, music theory, and vocal development, students learn to work together in harmony – both literally and figuratively – building a culture of belonging and pride that permeates every part of the school.

At VOICE, students are supported by an inclusive and joyful school community rooted in belonging and high expectations. Our talented and diverse team serves more than 700 students in three locations from across New York City, including a growing population of newcomer and migrant families.

To learn more about VOICE, visit www.voicecharterschool.org. 

OPPORTUNITY 

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead one of New York City’s most joyful, inclusive, and arts-driven public schools into its next chapter.

As VOICE Charter School prepares for the planned transition of its founding leader in Summer 2026, the Board of Trustees is seeking an exceptional, mission-aligned Executive Director to build on a powerful legacy and guide the organization into a sustainable and bold new era. This is more than a leadership role – it’s a chance to steward VOICE into the future, working alongside a deeply committed staff to support the evolution of a distinctive whole-child model that integrates music and the arts, and a strong academic foundation. 

If you are a strategic, people-centered leader who believes that school can be a place of rigor and joy, structure and soul, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of students, families, and staff to carry forward a vision that has inspired a generation of learners.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities of the Executive Director include:

Mission & Vision Leadership

• Articulate and model a deep commitment to VOICE’s mission, vision, and values in all aspects of school culture and leadership.
• Make decisions that consistently center the long-term success of students and staff, especially during times of challenge or change.

Academic & Instructional Leadership

• Champion rigorous, inclusive instruction that leads to measurable student growth and achievement.
• Partner with school leaders to analyze student outcomes and strengthen data-driven instructional practices.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and shared ownership of results.

People Leadership

• Build and retain a high-performing, mission-aligned leadership team through clear goal-setting, coaching, and accountability.
• Foster a strong adult culture rooted in VOICE’s values, inspiring staff through transparent communication and shared purpose.
• Proactively address conflict and promote a collaborative, trust-based environment across teams.
• Build relationships that strengthen cross-team alignment, motivation, and collective ownership of results.

Talent Development & Team Effectiveness

• Support the development and implementation of systems that facilitate staff retention and create clear career pathways.
• Maximize use of team members’ strengths, time, and expertise to ensure mission-aligned impact across the organization.
• Design and implement structures that ensure staff have the resources, support, and opportunities needed to grow and thrive.
• Monitor team performance and resource allocation to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and goals.

Organizational Leadership & Operations

• Oversee the implementation of systems and structures that improve organizational effectiveness, operational excellence, and cross-team alignment.
• Ensure the school’s staffing structure and resource use reflect its strategic priorities and budgetary goals.

Strategic Planning, Enrollment & Finance

• In partnership with the Board and senior team, develop and pursue ambitious goals and priorities for the organization that are informed by the community and school needs.
• Oversee enrollment and financial forecasting through landscape analysis and trend monitoring to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Collaborate with the finance team to ensure that budgeting, compliance, and resource management are aligned with school needs and designed to meet ambitious outcomes.

Change Management

• Successfully lead organization-wide change efforts from design to execution, with clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and measurable impact.
• Adjust strategy as needed to respond to shifting external conditions while remaining grounded in mission.

Community Engagement & External Relations

• Serve as VOICE’s primary ambassador with families, funders, external partners, and public officials.
• Foster strong relationships with families and caregivers, promoting trust and collaboration in support of student success.
• Increase VOICE’s visibility and reputation in the charter and education landscape, particularly within New York City.

Data-Informed Decision Making

• Use both quantitative and qualitative data to identify challenges, inform strategy, and drive continuous improvement across academic, operational, and cultural priorities.

Board Partnership

• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to align on strategic direction, goals, and accountability measures.
• Provide regular, transparent updates on school performance, risk management, and organizational health.

QUALIFICATIONS 

In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Executive Director candidate will have:

• At least 7 years of leadership experience in a school or network context, with increasing responsibility.
• A track record of improving student academic outcomes, particularly in urban public school settings.
• Strong strategic planning, communication, and execution skills.
• Experience managing and developing cross-functional teams, with demonstrated success building adult culture.
• Knowledge of the New York City charter school landscape, including operations, compliance, and accountability.
• Experience working in or with diverse communities.
• Teaching experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with Music Education is NOT a requirement for this role.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This position offers a competitive salary range of $240,000 - $260,000.This salary range reflects base wages and does not include benefits. Salary bands are purposefully wide ranging to encompass the different factors considered in determining where a candidate falls in the range, including but not limited to, seniority, performance, experience, education, and any other legitimate, non-discriminatory factor permitted by law. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise and may vary from the amounts listed here. 

As an employee of VOICE Charter School, the Executive Director will have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both personal and professional well-being. VOICE offers competitive health insurance coverage, life insurance, and retirement plan options, including participation in the New York State Teachers Retirement System or a 403(b). Leaders enjoy generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, personal days, and family-related leave such as parental, adoption, and bereavement leave. Additional supports include tuition assistance, a five-year incentive program, and staff enrichment reimbursement to encourage continued growth and development. More details can be provided upon request.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume online at https://apply.workable.com/j/3D30C04A12/.

VOICE Charter School 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.