Executive Director - Hazleton, United States - Matchstick

Description

Job Description

The School:

Immanuel Christian School was established in 1979 with the aim of offering a compassionate, Christ-centered education that shapes students into lifelong learners committed to serving others with integrity and honor. ICS has made a significant impact on the Greater Hazleton community by empowering diverse generations of students with a biblical perspective, encouraging them to love God and prioritize service over self-interest. The school fosters an environment where students can develop their character, wisdom, and discernment to pursue the unique path that God has set for each of them to follow.

The Position:

ICS is in search of an innovative and collaborative Executive Director to lead and motivate school staff and families in the next phase of the school's growth, aiming to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in Hazleton by providing high-quality academic education that helps all students reach their full potential as intended by God.

The primary responsibilities of the Executive Director include focusing on strategic development and financial sustainability, shaping academic programs to cater to a changing demographic, and providing spiritual guidance. The Executive Director will have access to resources within the school to support the academic aspects of the role (e.g. highly qualified academic colleagues). Additionally, the Executive Director supervises a social enterprise connected to the school, which includes operating a Thrift Store and Leos Little Kitchen. This position reports to the ICS Board of Trustees.

Responsibilities:

Spiritual

• Lead and participate in regular prayer and devotion sessions as a key aspect of your role at ICS, deliver teachings and preach from the Bible at staff gatherings and events
• Establish the annual chapel theme, devise a devotional plan for the year, recruit chapel speakers, and act as the primary spiritual guide for the school community

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a liaison with the Board of Trustees, attend bi-monthly board meetings, update the board on strategic plan progress, and engage in recruiting new board members
• Collaborate with the Board to implement the new strategic plan, fostering growth and goal achievement, as well as developing and executing a financial budget
• Regularly provide progress reports to the Board of Trustees to track strategic initiative advancements

Staff and Operations Management

• Supervise a staff of around 25 individuals indirectly, including three senior leadership roles as direct reports
• Develop staff through mentorship, training, and evaluations, leading by example to create an inclusive, fair, and empowering workplace environment
• Oversee various organizational functions, such as Development, IT, accounting, and facilities management

Community Engagement

• Establish and nurture relationships with community members to further the organization's mission and enhance the community
• Maintain proactive and consistent communication with parents, teachers, donors, and other stakeholders regarding organizational initiatives, progress, and critical matters
• Network with educational experts to stay abreast of current issues, opportunities, and best practices in the field

Development

• Collaborate with the Development Manager and Grant Writer to create, implement, and achieve fundraising plans supporting current operations and enabling future initiatives to meet various constituency goals, such as major donors, tax credit programs, partners, events, alumni involvement, foundations, etc.
• Develop relationships to broaden and secure funding sources in partnership with the Development Manager, representing the school at donor meetings alongside the Development Manager
• Act as chair of the social enterprise and oversee its leadership and business managers

Executive Director

• Foster a unified vision among the board, donors, faculty, staff, and the broader community to provide top-notch education with a biblical perspective and personalized student growth within a diverse population
• Manage the performance and professional growth of key staff members, including the Dean of Students, Academic Principal, Director of Development, Finance Manager, Athletic Director, and office staff
• Finalize the International Student program alongside the Finance Manager and Admissions Manager, ensuring its successful implementation
• Collaborate with the Leadership Team to explore launching a bilingual Pre-K program by FY 2026, as well as a summer school initiative for grades 3-12

Academic Operations Responsibilities

• Recruit, develop, and support full and part-time faculty in providing high-quality instruction with a biblical perspective and personalized student growth
• Conduct curriculum reviews alongside Upper and Lower school academic leadership, staying connected to current educational research and working with faculty to continually enhance the curriculum and overall program, with a focus on students with Spanish as their first language and families that have immigrated to the U.S.
• Participate in parent meetings with the Dean of Students or Principal
• Collaborate with the Lower School Principal and the Dean of Students to establish expected outcomes, goals, and objectives for the spiritual growth of students from K-12
• Supervise the High School Leadership Team in fulfilling their duties
• Ensure the finalization of safety policies and procedures, such as Hazard Safety Plan, Intruder training, and drill procedures; communicate and coordinate these plans across the school

Qualifications:

• A strong personal connection and love for Jesus Christ
• Extensive senior leadership experience over the last decade, including managing a sizable staff
• Ability in cross-cultural communication and team-building among diverse groups is essential; proficiency in Spanish is a plus
• Experience in guiding, motivating, and inspiring students and families towards a deeper understanding of God's love and the mission of ICS
• Bachelor's degree required (Master's degree preferred) in fields such as business, fundraising, ministry, or education
• Proven leadership achievements in strategic planning, development, and execution of innovative and successful fundraising initiatives
• Understanding of non-profit operations encompassing finance, marketing, and advancement; academic background (curriculum, admissions) is beneficial
• Preferably prior experience in high school leadership, but not mandatory
• Ability to effectively engage and nurture a shared vision among diverse stakeholders, including board members, upper and lower school leaders, donors, faculty, staff, and the broader community
• Availability and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and attend events outside regular work hours

Salary + Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Attractive benefits package