Organization Overview
Democracy Prep Public Schools is a network of open-enrollment, high-performing charter schools dedicated to educating responsible citizen-scholars for success in college and active citizenship. Founded in Harlem, New York, in 2005, Democracy Prep has expanded nationally, serving over 5,500 students in grades K-12 across multiple states. Driven by the mission to “educate responsible citizen-scholars for success in the college of their choice AND for lives of active citizenship,” Democracy Prep emphasizes a college-preparatory curriculum combined with a focus on civic engagement and rigorous academics. Through a commitment to high expectations, effective instruction, and a belief that every student can achieve, Democracy Prep consistently outperforms local school districts and inspires students to change the world.
To learn more about Democracy Prep Public Schools, please visit www.democracyprep.org.
Role Overview
The Chief Schools Officer (CSO) will lead all schools based strategy and academic excellence across Democracy Prep’s network, ensuring that all students achieve high academic outcomes while fostering a culture aligned with the organization’s values of equity, accountability, and excellence. Reporting to the CEO, the CSO will oversee network wide academic and school leaders, collaborate on strategic planning, and guide data-driven initiatives that support instructional best practices and student success. This role is ideal for a seasoned educational leader committed to equity, who is ready to drive transformational outcomes for students and set a strategic vision for excellence across a network of schools.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities of the Chief Schools Officer include:
Academic Strategy and Vision
- Develop and lead the instructional vision and strategy across the network;
- Set high standards for student achievement, ensuring alignment with Democracy Prep’s college-prep, Global Citizens, and civic engagement mission;
- Support school leaders in executing the academic vision and instructional strategy.
Talent Development and People Leadership
- Track record of recruiting, developing, and retaining high-quality school leaders and teachers;
- Ability to cultivate a culture of professional growth and accountability, with systems for coaching, mentoring, and evaluating school-based leadership;
- Skills in creating a positive, inclusive, and results-oriented culture across schools that supports staff engagement and scholar success.
Data-Driven Decision Making
- Proficiency in using data to inform strategic decisions, track academic performance, and close achievement gaps;
- Ability to establish data systems that provide actionable insights for school leaders and instructional staff;
- Commitment to continuous improvement, using data as a foundation for assessing program effectiveness and adjusting strategies.
Community and Family Engagement
- Champion initiatives that build strong, positive relationships with families and communities;
- Ensure Democracy Prep schools are welcoming, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders.
Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
- Partner with the senior leadership team to align school-based initiatives with organizational goals;
- Ensure efficient operational support for schools through strategic resource allocation and coordination;
- Drive sustainable growth while maintaining high standards for academic and operational excellence.
Operational and Financial Acumen
- Strong understanding of school operations, budgeting, and resource allocation to support sustainable growth and high-quality programs;
- Skills in managing a multi-site, multi-regional structure, ensuring operational efficiencies and consistency across the network;
- Knowledge of compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to charter school operations.
Commitment to Equity and Access
- Deep understanding of equity principles and commitment to addressing systemic barriers that impact students from marginalized communities;
- Experience implementing inclusive policies, supports for students with special needs, and programs that ensure all students have access to quality education;
- Cultural competence and self-reflection, with the ability to lead conversations around race, income, language, and other issues of difference.
PRIORITIES
A successful first year in this role for the new Chief Schools Officer will include:
- Establish a Vision for Academic Excellence: Define and communicate an instructional vision that sets high, equitable standards across all schools;
- Enhance Data-Driven Accountability: Implement systems for data tracking and establish performance metrics to drive network-wide improvement;
- Strengthen Leadership Development: Launch and strengthen development programs to build a pipeline of strong school leaders across the network;
- Foster an Inclusive Culture: Initiate equity and cultural competency training to promote inclusivity and support for diverse student needs;
- Improve Operational Efficiency: Standardize processes and optimize resource allocation for consistent and effective support across all schools;
- Build Community and Advocacy Efforts: Establish community engagement practices and advocate for the network’s mission at state and national levels;
- Achieve Academic Gains: Address achievement gaps with targeted interventions, achieve all annual SMART goals, and improve student engagement and retention.
Requirements
In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Chief Schools Officer candidate will have/be:
- A minimum of 5 years experience in a school leadership/principal role with a track record of improving student outcomes;
- A minimum 7-10 years of experience managing and/or coaching school leaders/principals to drive student academic results;
- Willingness to travel at least monthly to visit schools across New York, San Antonio, and Las Vegas
- Preference will be given to candidates who live in one of the three regions where there are Democracy Prep Schools (NY, San Antonio and Las Vegas)
- A systems level thinker with experience developing and operationalizing on organization wide goals;
- Deeply committed to Democracy Prep’s mission of educating responsible citizen-scholars for success in college and active citizenship;
- Experienced in data-driven approaches to drive continuous improvement;
- A culturally competent and self-reflective leader who understands and champions the value of diversity and inclusivity;
- Committed to ensuring that all scholars, regardless of their learning needs, receive a high-quality education;
- Passionate about holistic education and committed to Democracy Prep’s thriving arts and athletics programs, which provide scholars with diverse opportunities for expression, achievement, and personal growth;
- An effective communicator and relationship builder, capable of engaging with diverse stakeholders, including families, community partners, and staff.
Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $240,000 - $275,000 and robust benefits including:
- Maternity and Paternity Leave: a twelve-week fully paid maternity or paternity leave is available to employees who have been with DP for at least two years;
- Retirement planning: you have the option of enrolling in a pre-tax 403b or post-tax Roth with matching options;
- As a DPPS employee, you can choose between three medical plans to select what best suits your needs. DPPS also provides options for dental, vision, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), a Dependent Care Account (DCA), a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) and an Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
More details can be provided upon request.
TO APPLY
Please submit a resume online at https://apply.workable.com/j/F2DBD5E78C/.
Democracy Prep Public Schools 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.
