Head of School (Grades 5th-8th)

Location: Bronx, NY

Reports to: Board of Directors

Supervises: Director of Operations, Directors of Humanities, STEM, and Culture

Job Summary

Emblaze Academy, a 5th-8th charter school serving approximately 200 middle school students in the Bronx,is committed to academic excellence, equity, and student-centered learning. We are seeking a visionary, experienced, and strategic Head of School to lead our next chapter. As the instructional and operational leader of Emblaze Academy, the Head of School ensures high-quality teaching and learning, sustainable operations, and a strong, inclusive school culture. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Head of School is responsible for realizing the school's mission, maintaining compliance with New York State charter regulations, and ensuring readiness for charter renewal in the 20252026 school year.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership & Student Success

• Lead academic strategy and execution, driving strong student outcomes across all subgroups, with particular attention to SPED and ELL populations.
• Cultivate a data-driven culture focused on continuous academic growth, rigorous instruction, and personalized student support.
• Supervise Directors of Humanities and STEM to ensure curriculum alignment, assessment use, and instructional quality.

Organizational & Operational Leadership

• Manage day-to-day school operations and set clear systems and policies that support a safe, inclusive, and high-functioning school environment.
• Oversee the school's budget in collaboration with the Director of Operations and the Finance Committee.
• Align operational planning with strategic academic and cultural goals.

Talent & Leadership Development

• Build and retain a high-performing leadership team and staff by fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
• Supervise and develop Directors of Operations, Humanities, STEM, and Culture through ongoing coaching and aligned goals.
• Establish and maintain high expectations, clear feedback, and robust professional development systems.

Governance & Compliance

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, delivering regular updates on academic, financial, and operational performance.
• Ensure full compliance with state laws, authorizer requirements, and charter regulations.
• Lead the preparation for the school's charter renewal process, including data collection, narrative reporting, and stakeholder engagement.

Community Engagement & External Relations

• Represent Emblaze Academy to families, community organizations, and external partners.
• Foster strong family-school partnerships and ensure transparent communication.
• Advocate for the school's needs and goals at the local and citywide level.

Requirements

Must-Have Qualifications

• Demonstrated track record of success leading adults to strong student outcomes.
• At least 2 years of school leadership experience; Bachelor's Degree required.
• Experience in under-resourced public school settings.
• Experience working with SPED and ELL students.
• Proven ability to manage or oversee a school budget.
• Familiarity with the New York State charter renewal process.
• Ability to receive and apply feedback.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Principal or Vice Principal experience.
• Experience in non-gentrified Bronx or Brooklyn schools.
• Leadership experience within a charter school.
• Completion of a leadership development program.
• Master's degree in Education or related field.
• Experience contributing to or leading a successful charter renewal.
• Strategic planning experience.
• Bilingual (Spanish preferred).

Key Competencies & Skills

• Strategic vision with execution follow-through
• Instructional expertise and academic systems leadership
• Talent development and team management
• Financial and operational oversight
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices
• Ability to inspire, hold accountable, and lead with transparency

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits:

Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience. Details to be discussed during the hiring process.

Annual Compensation: $150,000-$170,000

Qualification

Bachelor's Degree