Summary
Description
The Odyssey School of Denver is seeking an Executive Director beginning on July 1, 2024, with a base salary range expected to be $125,000 to $140,000 (Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to experience, skills, expertise, etc); other benefits include medical, PERA retirement benefits, and professional development with EL Education and other partners.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military status, citizenship, or other protected characteristic.
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Odyssey School of Denver is a public, K-8, Expeditionary Learning (EL) charter school located in the Park Hill community of Denver and authorized by Denver Public Schools. Odyssey has 318 students in grades K-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 20:1 in K-5 and 26:1 in middle school. The school prioritizes enrollment of a diverse student body and attracts students from across the city. The school partners with EL Education, a national nonprofit that seeks to transform diverse K-12 public schools into hubs of opportunity where all students are equitably supported to achieve excellent outcomes across multiple dimensions of achievement As an EL school, the students are engaged in project-based learning units, or expeditions, that support in-depth study and comprehension across all disciplines: reading, writing, mathematics, humanities, and science. Students apply their learning to create high-quality work that reflects high levels of authenticity, craftsmanship, and complexity. An additional key focus is the development of core “Habits of a Learner”, which transform students into active stewards of their own learning. Odyssey School of Denver is relentlessly student-centered:
- How students learn is as important as what they learn;
- Odyssey insists on high expectations for learners; and
- Odyssey lives by its commitment to “crew” and community
(i.e., we are crew, not passengers).
The Executive Director advances the vision and mission of the school by fostering an inclusive school culture that demonstrates integrity, accountability, and value for diversity, risk-taking, and high academic achievement for all.
MISSION STATEMENT
Odyssey School of Denver is a diverse, public, K-8 Expeditionary Learning school. We teach students how to learn through a focus on academic achievement, critical thinking, and social responsibility, preparing them for high school and beyond.
VISION STATEMENT
Odyssey School of Denver students will:
- Take risks and innovate;
- Lead with integrity and compassion;
- Be civically and socially engaged;
- Push themselves to exceed expectations; and
- Embrace learning as a life-long adventure.
By design, Odyssey benefits from the leadership of its staff, its families, and its board.
- The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing policies, supporting strategic priorities, and serving as the school’s fiscal agent. Our board is composed of representatives from our broader community, Staff Council, and Family Council, and the board works in collaboration with the Executive Director to establish annual goals to meet the strategic priorities.
- The Staff Council selects two representatives to serve on the board and implements policies so that they are successful in the classroom.
- The Family Council elects three representatives to serve on the board and plays a supportive role in guiding these decisions and strategic priorities.
- The Executive Director handles the school’s day-to-day decision-making responsibilities and management.
We highly encourage all applicants to watch this video to become familiar with Odyssey’s history, school model, and culture. Applicants may also visit the Odyssey School of Denver website for more information: odysseydenver.org
POSITION OVERVIEW
This is an amazing opportunity for a dynamic, high-energy, hard-working leader. Odyssey is seeking a leader who can immediately manage all aspects of the current school’s operations, finances, and academic program. The Executive Director must demonstrate a blend of inspirational leadership and management skills with a strong passion for Expeditionary Learning, the backbone of the school’s academic program. The Executive Director will bring extensive past experience and a proven leadership style that authentically and empathetically engages a broad spectrum of stakeholders – teachers, staff, students, parents/caregivers, the board, etc. to collaboratively, yet, decisively, make and implement decisions.
The Executive Director will also demonstrate a deep capacity with their organizational and management skills; effective communication and conflict management skills; and strong setting of priorities combined with the use of implementation metrics. The Executive Director will also be a highly visible leader both internally with staff, students, and families, and externally with DPS and the EL community.
See full job responsibilities here.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requirements:
- Has at least 5 years of experience in education, including curriculum or program development, implementation of accountability measures, and professional development in support of high-quality instruction.
- Must have in-classroom experience in a K-12 grade.
- Demonstrated experience and competence in working with operations, finance, budgets, and financial planning.
- Demonstrated leadership experience.
- Demonstrated record of developing talent in teams.
- Proven track record of driving high student achievement and growth.
Preferred:
- Previous experience leading an elementary or middle school.
- Previous working experience with Expeditionary Learning.
- Experience with a board of trustees or similar governance models.
- Previous experience working in partnership with a large oversight agency such as a school district.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), has been hired to assist the Odyssey School of Denver Board of Directors in conducting a national search for the position of Executive Director. All interested applicants must apply through HYA:
- Applicants need to register for an account through Frontline on the HYA website: https://hyasearch.com/
- Or, log in to the HYA website if you already have an account created. Click the Login/Register button at the top of the page to get started. After logging in, click the Apply Now button at the top of this page. You will be redirected to the Frontline Education website. This is where you will submit your application.
PLEASE INCLUDE ALL OF THESE DOCUMENTS IN YOUR FRONTLINE APPLICATION:
- Cover letter (stating interest and unique qualifications for the position)
- Full resume/vitae
- Three letters of recommendation
- Contact information of three additional references different from the reference letters
Candidates are asked to not contact board members directly for questions about the application process. Questions can be directed to: Mike Richie, HYA Vice President at mikerichie@hyasearch.com
This will be an expedited search. All potential candidates are encouraged to get application materials submitted through Frontline ASAP. Please note in the timeline below, there is an early first-round interview date (prior to the closing date), followed by an additional first-round interview date (after the closing date).
Selection Timeline:
April 19, 2024 Application Deadline (Candidates are encouraged to apply ASAP)
April 22, 2024 HYA to present slate of Candidates to the Odyssey Board
Week of April 15, 2024 First Round Early Interviews
Week of April 25, 2024 Complete First Round Interviews
Week of April 29, 2024 Finalists to spend a day at Odyssey
May 1, 2024 Odyssey Board posts lists of finalists candidates for public review
Week of May 6, 2024 Final interviews
By mid-May, 2024 Selection and announcement of new Executive Director
July 1, 2024 Contract begins
How to apply for this job?
- Register for an account on the HYA website. Or, log in to the HYA website if you already have an account created. Click the Login/Register button at the top of the page to get started.
- After logging in, click the Apply Now button at the top of this page.
- You will be redirected to the Frontline Education website. This website is where you will submit your application. This website also will require its own unique login and password.
