The Hebrew Charter School Center (HCSC) was established in 2009 by the Areivim Philanthropic Group, an innovative consortium of North American philanthropists, to promote the development and sustainability of the Hebrew charter school movement. HCSC will accomplish its pioneering mission by supporting a network of excellent schools that serve diverse populations of students, foster strong interpersonal relationships, advance overall academic and social/emotional well-being, and promote high-levels of Hebrew language proficiency and understanding of world Jewish communities and Israel.
HSCS will be a key resource for planning groups interested in developing Hebrew language charter schools and a source of continuing support and expertise for those schools once they are established. These schools will become part of a support network. Hebrew Language Academy Charter School in Brooklyn, NY, opened in August 2009 as the first Vanguard school and the second network school, Hatikvah International Academy Charter School in East Brunswick, NJ, will open in September, 2010.
HCSC will proactively recruit planning groups and local team leaders to establish new schools; award planning and support grants to charter school founding groups and established Hebrew language charter schools; provide technical assistance in school creation and development; help identify and train school leaders, teachers and board members; coordinate customized professional development for educators; generate and publish curricular materials; provide direct training and consultation; engage in capacity-building activities that leverage the collective strength of the network; and ensure that schools receive legal expertise in constitutional issues and individual state education law.
PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Executive Director will provide the vision and strategic direction necessary to implement the HCSC mission. Reporting to and working collaboratively with a committed Board of Directors and foundation leadership, the Executive Director will position HCSC at the forefront of the Hebrew language charter school movement. He/she is expected to be one of the Hebrew language charter school movement’s primary thought-leaders, spokespersons and advocates. This is a hands-on position focusing on leadership, relationship-building, public relations, programming, fundraising, marketing, operations and board relations. Initially, in addition to support staff shared with a sponsoring foundation, the Executive Director will supervise a team of consultants working on school development, curriculum, community and public relations, grants management, and other major initiatives. It is anticipated that the team will grow to include full-time management and support staff.
IDEAL Qualifications: Advanced degree in business, education, not-for-profit management or related field; credibility in the charter school movement and/or significant educational leadership experience; genuine interest in/passion for school reform as well as for the specific mission of HCSC; Hebrew language proficiency and/or a passion for the Hebrew language; exceptional communication skills—able to articulate complex concepts to a broad range of audiences; proven strategic planning ability; experience working effectively with a board of directors; able to assemble and motivate a team toward a common goal; intellectually curious; impeccable integrity; experienced in fundraising; able to thrive and succeed in a fast-paced, evolving setting; capable of managing multiple priorities; knowledgeable about best practices in public education and/or business; energetic, spirited and entrepreneurial; politically savvy; able to inspire confidence; a service mentality; committed to fostering a team environment; familiar with the national philanthropic community; willing and able to travel throughout North America, as required.
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and accomplishments. A complete position specification is available upon request. Kindly direct all inquiries to Howe-Lewis; do not contact HCSC. Nominations and applications will be kept confidential.
E-mail your resume and letter of interest to Charter@howe-lewis.com.
Filed under: Education, Hebrew Speaking, NYC, Non-Profit.
