Director of Policy and Compliance

About the team

For the Director of Policy and Compliance, you'll be working for our central network office known as Freire Schools Collaborative. The network office supports and guides the four Freire campuses, advances Freire Schools' mission, and thoughtfully plans Freire Schools' future, enabling teachers and school staff to stay focused on their critical work with students and families. Network office roles are generally hybrid roles, with some time required in-person at our campuses or in our office located in center city Philadelphia.

The Director of Policy and Compliance plays a critical role in developing policies and procedures that enable our schools to meet requirements outlined in Federal, state and local regulations and grants. You will serve as the network's subject matter expert on charter school law, special education law, and other legal and regulatory compliance issues. You will lead a team with two direct reports who are responsible for reporting to authorizers, managing state and Federal education grants, handbook preparation, and board meeting preparation. You will report to the Managing Director.

• Collaborate with school leaders to establish policies and procedures that align with federal, state, and local regulations/grants and that help create the conditions for safe, welcoming, high performing schools.
• Lead the Network's compliance with federal and state special education laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Analyze proposed legislation and regulation affecting charter schools to inform advocacy efforts and prepare for policy changes.
• Conduct internal audits to monitor policy implementation from a compliance lens and develop written documentation and/or training sessions to address areas for improvement.
• Along with other members of the Network Office, contribute to the writing and editing of charter renewal applications and other plans and reports submitted for accountability.

You are highly responsible, sweat the details, and have a passion for policies and processes that help schools operate at the highest levels. We're looking for someone that meets the minimum requirements below in order to be considered for the role. If you meet these requirements, you are encouraged to apply. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

• At least three to five years of work experience with charter school authorization, Federal Programs grant management, and school operations
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex regulations and implement practical compliance solutions
• Strong communication and presentation skills, both oral and written, with both internal and external constituencies
• Proven ability to exercise good judgment and consider multiple perspectives
• Demonstrated commitment to antiracism

• Experience as a special education teacher, director of special education, or in-depth knowledge of IDEA is a plus

We offer a competitive salary based on your experience and qualifications. Our benefits package includes health, dental, vision, and more. Pennsylvania employees are enrolled in Freire's 403(b) retirement plan which includes a 5% contribution from Freire.