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Ocean of Wisdom School (OWS) is a new K-4 public charter school opening in Fall 2026. OWS integrates rigorous, standards‑aligned academics with Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning, fostering academic excellence, compassion, resilience, and ethical decision‑making. The school also includes Tibetan language and cultural studies as part of its globally grounded, culturally responsive model. OWS seeks an Executive Director to lead the new school.

Description

Ocean of Wisdom School (OWS) is a new K-4 public charter school authorized to open in Minnesota in Fall 2026, with planned expansion to K-8. OWS integrates rigorous, standards‑aligned academics with Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning, fostering academic excellence, compassion, resilience, and ethical decision‑making. The school also includes Tibetan language and cultural studies as part of its globally grounded, culturally responsive model.

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of the school and is responsible for its overall leadership, including academic achievement, operational integrity, financial health, and organizational sustainability. The Executive Director works in close partnership with the Board of Directors to launch and grow the school in alignment with its mission, Board policy, Minnesota Department of Education requirements, and authorizer expectations.

This role includes demonstrated competence in instructional leadership, organizational management, financial oversight, and compliance, including professional ethics, child development, special education oversight, and contract management as required under Minn. Stat. 124E.12.

The Executive Director is a mission‑driven, systems‑oriented leader who can bring a new school from vision to reality. This role requires the ability to translate purpose into strong instructional practice, build effective organizational systems from the ground up, and foster a culture where students, staff, and families can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides instructional leadership focused on student growth and academic excellence
• Builds strong systems for operations, finance, compliance, and school sustainability
• Creates a positive, high‑expectations school culture grounded in belonging and whole‑child development
• Leads with integrity, accountability, and sound professional judgment
• Communicates effectively with the Board, staff, families, and community partners

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the chief executive and public representative of OWS
• Partner with the Board to implement strategic priorities and ensure organizational success
• Provide regular reporting on academic, operational, and financial performance
• Support effective Board governance, including agenda development and documentation

Instructional Leadership

• Lead implementation of a rigorous, standards‑aligned academic program
• Integrate SEE Learning and ensure alignment with the school’s mission and Minnesota standards
• Oversee special education services, including IDEA compliance, IEP implementation, and coordination with licensed staff
• Apply knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices across instruction, culture, and discipline systems

Operations, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and authorizer requirements
• Establish and maintain operational systems aligned with Board policy
• Oversee data privacy compliance (FERPA and Minnesota Data Practices Act)
• Manage risk across personnel, finance, operations, and compliance domains
• Ensure appropriate insurance coverage, internal controls, and audit readiness
• Lead contract and vendor management, including procurement, execution, monitoring, and renewal

Community Engagement & Enrollment

• Lead student recruitment and enrollment strategies to ensure sustainability
• Build strong family and community partnerships
• Represent and promote the school’s mission to diverse stakeholders
• Develop relationships with community organizations and cultural partners
• Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Board
• Maintain strong financial controls and ensure fiscal responsibility
• Monitor cash flow and long‑term financial sustainability
• Support fundraising, grant development, and resource acquisition efforts

Other Duties as Assigned Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in an educational setting
• Demonstrated competence in professional ethics, child development, special education oversight, Microsoft Suite, and Google Workplace
• Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment
• Proven experience in organizational leadership and financial management

Preferred Qualifications

• Charter school leadership or startup school experience
• Familiarity with SEE Learning or similar SEL frameworks
• Experience serving multilingual learners and diverse communities
• Background in school design, program development, or founding teams
• Experience with grants, fundraising, or external partnership development

This is a startup school environment requiring flexibility, initiative, and collaborative problem‑solving. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law.

Start Date: Summer 2026 or earlier