Description

Position Summary

The Executive Director/Head of School serves as the chief organizational and spiritual leader of Emmanuel Christian Academy, responsible to the Board of Trustees. This role ensures operational excellence, strategic growth, spiritual well-being, and academic rigor in alignment with the school’s mission and values. The leader embodies Christian leadership and provides oversight across all areas of school life, cultivating a Christ-centered and community-oriented culture.

Leadership & Vision

Champions the school’s vision, mission, and strategy. 

Provides spiritual leadership to the faculty, staff, families, and students; encouraging them to follow Jesus and to maintain a biblical worldview. 

Aligns all teams around clear goals; build unity and momentum. 

Leads collaboratively with confidence towards the realization of our goals and outcomes. 

Facilitates healthy conflict resolution and decision-making. 

Board Relations

Serves as a non-voting member of ECA Board.

Communicates regularly and transparently with the Board.

Ensures full compliance with Board Policy and organizational bylaws.

Engages actively with the Finance and Governance committees.

Academic & Program Oversight

Supervises the Director of Education/Building Principal.

Ensures classroom vitality and excellence in academics, programs, and co-curricular activities.

Supports and guides strategic planning, implementation, and utilization of staff talent.

Maintains ACSI and Cognia accreditation and leads related initiatives with faculty and staff.

Fundraising & Advancement

Leads major donor cultivation and capital campaign efforts.

Promotes a culture of giving among the board, staff, and community.

Oversees ongoing fundraising initiatives and supports auxiliary groups (Boosters, Alumni, etc.).

Collaborates with the Director of Advancement to build strategic relationships and outreach.

Operations & Finance

Ensures operational functionality and stewardship of resources.

Oversees financial management in partnership with the Business Office Director.

Interprets budgets, cash flow, and reports; uphold financial controls and compliance.

Ensures technology systems support organizational efficiency and growth.

Human Resources

Provides direction, clarity, and support to administrative staff.

Oversees hiring, onboarding, and performance management.

Fosters professional development and maintains a healthy staff culture.

Ensures compliance in HR policies, benefits, and employment law.

Admissions & Enrollment

Ensures full classroom enrollment through collaboration with the Advancement and Education Directors.

Supports marketing strategies and enrollment planning.

Community Engagement & Communication

Represents the school in the broader community along with the Director of Advancement.

Builds alliances with churches, local organizations, and stakeholders.

Maintains consistent, impactful communication with families, staff, and supporters.

Compliance, Safety & Best Practices

Ensures legal, regulatory, and policy compliance.

Leads emergency procedures and safety efforts as part of the Safety Team.

Upholds best practices in governance, operations, and spiritual leadership.

Presence & Professional Development

Maintains visibility at key school events.

Participates in and supports Foundational Fridays (weekly Professional Develop) and other staff development initiatives.

Pursues ongoing personal and professional growth.

For additional information ... download the Opportunity Profile.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL

• A committed follower of Jesus Christ with a strong personal faith and biblical worldview.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of leadership experience in an educational institution or a similar environment.
• Proven track record in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and financial management.
• Experience in faculty recruitment, professional development, and staff retention strategies.
• Strong ability to foster community engagement and effective stakeholder communication.
• Passion for integrating faith with education, ensuring a biblical foundation across all school functions.
• Holds a bachelor’s degree and an advanced degree (master’s degree required) from an accredited institution and will hold an Ohio certification in school administration. The executive director will have or be willing to obtain an ACSI administrator certification.
• Called by God and committed to Christian education. He or she will seek to be a Christian role model in attitude, speech, and actions through a consistent daily relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Demonstrates evidence of spiritual leadership within his or her current and previous institutions, churches, and organizations.

DESIRED

• Visionary leadership with the ability to execute strategic initiatives.
• Financial acumen with experience in budgeting and fundraising.
• Transparent and effective communicator.
• Collaborative leadership style that values faculty, staff, parents, and students.
• Strong decision-making skills rooted in biblical principles.
• Ability to navigate complex challenges while preserving the integrity of ECA’s mission and all foundational documents.