School Director

About Heartland Lakes Community School

Our Mission

HLCS exists to empower scholars to bravely live their truth, to become wise stewards of the land and

resources, and to ignite lasting curiosity that leads to positive change in their school, their

communities, their world, and themselves.

Our Educational Approach

Heartland Lakes Community School embraces experiential and expeditionary learning that connects

students to their environment, community, and the world around them. Through outdoor education,

project-based learning, and strong relationships, we strive to meet the needs of the whole child while

fostering curiosity, resilience, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning.

About the Role

The School Director serves as the educational and operational leader of Heartland Lakes Community

School and is responsible for advancing the school’s mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.

The Director provides leadership across all aspects of the school, including academics, student

support, personnel leadership, financial stewardship, school operations, compliance, enrollment, and

community engagement.

This role is ideal for a leader who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands-on leadership and

who values being actively engaged in the daily life of the school. Working closely with the leadership

team, the Director ensures that students, staff, and families experience a safe, welcoming, and

successful learning environment.

What You’ll Do

Lead the School

• Implement the school’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.

• Guide school improvement and organizational growth efforts.

• Promote environmental stewardship and expeditionary learning.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, belonging, accountability, and excellence.

Support Student Success

• Maintain accountability for academic performance and student achievement.

• Support implementation of high-quality instructional practices.

• Ensure systems are in place to meet students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional

needs.• Partner with school leaders to promote continuous improvement and student growth.

Build and Develop Great Staff

• Recruit, hire, support, evaluate, and retain outstanding educators and staff.

• Foster professional growth and leadership development.

• Establish clear expectations and accountability.

• Build a positive, collaborative, and mission-driven workplace culture.

Manage School Operations

• Oversee daily school operations and organizational effectiveness.

• Support facilities, technology, transportation, enrollment, and operational planning.

• Ensure compliance with charter, state, and federal requirements.

• Address challenges that impact the learning environment.

Partner with Families and Community

• Build strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners.

• Serve as the primary ambassador for the school.

• Support enrollment, recruitment, and retention efforts.

• Foster partnerships that enhance opportunities for students and strengthen the school.

Provide Financial and Organizational Leadership

• Lead budget development and financial planning.

• Ensure responsible stewardship of school resources.

• Support fundraising, grant development, and community partnerships.

• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to support long-term sustainability.