Executive Director STRIDE Academy
STRIDE Academy is a public Charter School located in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
STRIDE Academy is a K-8 school with an approximate enrollment of 530 students. STRIDE’s student population in 2022 is: 76% Black, the majority of which are East African (Somali), 19% White, and 3% Hispanic. 77% of STRIDE students qualified to receive Free or Reduced priced lunch.
STRIDE Academy is authorized by Pillsbury United Communities. For over 140 years, Pillsbury United Communities has laid the foundation for full, healthy lives for children and families.
STRIDE Academy’s mission is to nurture individuals while fostering leadership and empowering students to attain their highest potential in a family-centered environment.
STRIDE values effective community collaboration, an increased feeling of physical, social, and emotional wellbeing among students, and positive and culturally responsive practices that increase school connectedness.
STRIDE aims to teach effective critical thinking skills, in addition to compassionate responses, and high emotional intelligence in order to foster successful leaders of today and of the future.
LEADERSHIP PROFILE: STRIDE Academy’s Executive Director reports to the School Board and is an inspirational leader who values transparency and accountability, all with an eye on doing what is best for students.
STRIDE Academy’s School Board seeks an Executive Director who:
Possesses strong character, acting with honesty in an ethical manner while interacting with the School Board, staff, and school community.
Is committed to the mission and vision of STRIDE Academy and Pillsbury United Communities.
Is committed to ongoing professional and personal development, including but not limited to the areas of healthy school cultures, differentiated learning, trauma responsive schools, and anti-racism.
Has understanding of school finance and long-term budget planning and is committed to school sustainability and growth.
Is an effective communicator with a broad range of audiences and demographics and understands how to navigate complicated relationships. Equally important is the ability to actively listen to members of the school community, including families and students, taking a diplomatic and balanced approach.
Will become involved in, value, and cultivate partnerships with the greater Central Minnesota community, as well as with the Pillsbury United Communities’ partnerships.
Will empower leadership staff to achieve their fullest potential.
Will work closely with the School Board and provide recommendations that are in the best interest of the students served by STRIDE Academy.
Will assist with developing and maintaining policies and procedures across the district.
Stays at the forefront of education, especially as it has to do with closing achievement gaps and enhancing student performance.
Demonstrates a deep understanding of education that meets the individualized needs of each student.
Thinks critically and takes a forward-thinking and creative approach to problem solving.
Is flexible and willing to change course when new information arises; ability to keep a sense of humor even during challenging times.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience as an Educational Leader in similar sized schools is preferred.
Experience working with similar demographic populations is preferred.
A degree in Educational Leadership or Administration Leadership is preferred.
Ability to communicate effectively with many diverse groups and individuals.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Previous Executive Director or Superintendent experience preferred, but not required.
Experience with strategic planning preferred.
Experience cultivating healthy and supportive school climate preferred.
Knowledge of Charter Schools and Charter Law
SALARY/CONTRACT: A competitive compensation package, with a salary range of $125,000 to $140,000, will be negotiated commensurate with education and relevant job experience.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 2, 2022
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please submit a Letter of interest, Resume, transcripts and at least three letters of recommendation to [email protected]. To be considered for this position, a completed file must be received by the March 2nd deadline.
If you have any questions, please contact: Sara Fromm, STRIDE Academy Board Chair at [email protected].