Job Description

Overview

Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college.

At Excel, we believe that every studentregardless of race, zip code, or economic statusdeserves access to a free, high quality holistic education. During their middle school journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state. This is possible through a combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path.

About Our Team Everyday, our team members choose to be positive, drive their own growth, uplift one another, and hold the highest possible beliefs for what students can achieve.

About The Role

Excel Academy Charter High School is seeking a strategic, equity-driven, and results-oriented Head of School/Principal or Head of School Fellow to lead our high school beginning in the 2025-2026 school year and assuming full leadership responsibilities in the 2026-2027 school year. Reporting to the Chief Schools Officer, the Head of School will be responsible for ensuring strong academic achievement, cultivating a purposeful and inclusive school culture, managing a high-performing team, and partnering with families and the broader school community.

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to build upon the schools significant academic and cultural growth over the last four years including improved MCAS, AP performance, college matriculation, and student engagement and to chart a path forward that deepens impact. Supported by a strong leadership team and a thoughtfully planned transition, including mentorship from the outgoing Head of School and a Leadership Coach, the new leader will be charged with sustaining momentum and driving continuous improvement toward Excels mission of preparing every student for success in college and beyond.

Your Impact

• Instructional & Cultural Leadership
  • Lead the schools academic vision, ensuring ambitious, equitable achievement for all students.
  • Model high expectations and joy in learning, setting the bar for instructional and cultural excellence.
  • Partner with the Network Academic Team to lead effective coaching and professional development, responsive intervention systems, and strong implementation of Excels curriculum.
  • Use data and observation to continuously improve teaching and student outcomes, leading the high school to achieve ambitious goals.
• People & Team Leadership
  • Communicate a strategic vision for achieving Excels mission and invest and support the schools teachers, leaders, and staff to translate that vision into day-to-day implementation.
  • Develop and manage a high-performing leadership team, including Deans of Operations, Instruction, Student Supports, Culture, DEI, and College and Career.
  • Strategically hire, coach, evaluate, and retain a strong team of teachers and staff through goal-setting, feedback, and professional development.
  • Foster a joyful and productive adult culture that drives continuous improvement.
• Administrative Leadership & Family Engagement
  • Develop and manage relationships with families as critical partners and stakeholders, demonstrating the utmost respect and appreciation for the cultures and languages of our home communities.
  • Manage and steward the schools over $10M annual budget, ensuring resources align with school priorities.
  • Manage and supervise the administration of school events, compliance, safety, assessment, enrollment and operations.

Head of School Competencies

• Instructional Leadership: Provides strategic leadership and translates vision into action.
• People Leadership: Hires, coaches, develops, and retains high-performing teams.
• Cultural Leadership: Creates a culture of joy, high expectations, and relentless adult and students learning.
• Strategic Execution: Operates as an effective strategic and tactical leader.
• Organizational Alignment: Collaborates effectively with Network Team and School Leader peers to achieve broader organizational goals.

For a comprehensive overview, please refer to the Excel Head of School Competency Framework.

Qualifications

• Deep commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excels values and educational model.
• Proven track record of results in school leadership.
• Bachelors degree required; Masters degree preferred.
• At least four years of experience in urban education (charter or district), with high school experience preferred.
• Strong strategic thinking, project management, emotional intelligence, and instructional expertise.

Preferred Qualifications

• Have a track record of driving academic and cultural achievement.
• Have a track record of leading or supporting anti-racist and equity-centered work.
• Have led an organization through periods of significant growth/change (i.e. starting a new school).
• Have experience working with communities similar to those served by Excel Academy.
• Speak Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic fluently.

Excel Academy Charter Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, athletic performance, special need, proficiency in the English language or a foreign language or prior academic achievement.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Location: Cambridge, MA

Salary: $140,000 - $180,000

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