Vega Collegiate Academy, Executive Director

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Vega Collegiate Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Aurora, Colorado, serving 574 students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Dedicated to academic excellence and character development, Vega provides a rigorous, values-driven education to empower students for success in college and beyond. Vega serves students and families with 23 different languages and from 28 different countries of origin (primarily refugee and immigrant families). 

Vega serves a diverse community, fostering an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. Through a structured curriculum emphasizing literacy, math, critical thinking, and social-emotional learning, Vega equips students with the skills and habits needed for lifelong success. Educators and staff at Vega play a vital role in creating a culture of high expectations, joy, and growth while building strong connections with families and the community.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director (ED) of Vega Collegiate Academy is the visionary leader responsible for driving its mission to provide a high-performing, college-preparatory education to a diverse student population. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED oversees strategy, instruction, culture, operations, and finances while fostering a collaborative staff culture. This role requires a results-driven leader committed to educational equity, strong relationship-building, and advancing academic excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Revise and Implement Strategic Plan

• Assess, revise, and implement a multi-year strategic plan to achieve exceptional student outcomes and organizational growth, including expansion.
• Monitor academic and culture progress, adapt current strategies, and hold school leaders accountable for results.

Lead Vision for Instructional Excellence 

• Set high standards for student achievement, ensuring alignment with Vega’s college-prep vision.
• Develop and lead the instructional vision and strategy across the school.
• Support school leaders in executing the academic vision and instructional strategy.

Manage and Coach Leadership Team and Staff

• Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing Executive Leadership Team.
• Invest in staff growth through competitive compensation and impactful professional development and enhance staff retention by addressing challenges and celebrating contributions.

Build Community Across Families and Students

• Foster a culture of collaboration, equity, and inclusion, building trust and transparent communication within and across school teams.
• Ensure parents and families have consistent, clear communication and feel cared for.

School Culture and Climate 

• Empower members of the Vega Team by supporting their unique gifts and talents.
• Strategically develop leaders within the organization and maintain frequent, meaningful communication with the public. 
• Champion Vega’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where a great education is valued, and where the entire community, along with diverse perspectives and identities—such as race, gender, and sexual orientation—are respected and valued.

Budget Development and Financial Oversight

• Create and manage the school’s annual budget, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, compliance with state and federal regulations, and effective resource allocation to maintain financial sustainability.
• Ensure adherence to financial reporting standards, audits, and regulatory requirements while providing transparent updates to the board, finance committees, and leadership to support informed decision-making.
• Oversee financial processes, including payroll, vendor payments, and accounting systems, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and accountability in day-to-day operations.

Effective Operations Management

• Ensure regulatory and legal compliance, maintain both short-term and long-term fiscal solvency, provide safe and healthy facilities that meet the physical and emotional needs of students and staff, and ensure that operational systems are efficient and effective.
• Strong understanding of school operations, budgeting, and resource allocation to support sustainable growth and high-quality programs.
• Knowledge of compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to charter school operations.

Fundraising

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to  secure financial resources from diverse sources, including individual donors, corporate sponsors, grants, and foundations.
• Cultivate relationships with donors; act as a spokesperson for the school.

Requirements

The applicant must have extensive experience in the educational community, in both leadership and instructional positions. Classroom teaching experience as well as a minimum of five years of principal and/or equivalent school management experience are preferred. In addition, prior experience within a charter school serving a multi-cultural and multi-lingual student and family population is highly-valued. Post-secondary (Masters/Doctoral Degree) preferred.

Exemplary Executive Director candidates will demonstrate the following skills:

• Establishing a Vision for Academic Excellence: Establish and communicate a high-standard instructional vision, foster optimal learning and teaching environments, address learning gaps, achieve SMART goals, and enhance student engagement and retention.
• Coaching and Developing a Learning Community: Through coaching and development, equip team members to excel as instructional and operational leaders, foster a sense of community, and drive them to meet and exceed strategic goals.
• Ensuring Operational Soundness: Ensure compliance, maintain fiscal solvency, provide safe and supportive facilities, and optimize operational efficiency.
• Leading Organizational Change Initiatives: Develop and execute strategies that drive seamless adoption of new processes, technologies, and cultural shifts, while minimizing disruption to school operations.
• Build Community and Advocacy Efforts: Establish community engagement practices and advocate for Vega’s mission at a local level.
• Financial Management: Experience effectively managing a school budget of up to $10M, including responsibility for student enrollment, cash flow and oversight of expenses. 

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $140,000 - $165,000 and generous benefits. More details can be provided upon request.

TO APPLY
Submit your resume online at [Insert Link].

Vega Collegiate Academy 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.