Executive Director

Executive Director – The Emerson School Portland, Oregon | Full-Time | $100,000–$115,000 | Year-Round The Emerson School is a K-5 nonprofit, public charter school serving approximately 144 students in the Portland Public School District. We are a welcoming, inclusive community committed to equity for all students. In addition to comprehensive literacy and mathematics instruction, students are actively engaged through project-based learning using the outside community as an extension of the classroom. Positive Discipline is used to teach social and life skills, fostering respectful, collaborative relationships in the classroom. As Executive Director, you will lead with both heart and precision - cultivating a thriving school culture, building strong relationships among staff, students, families, and the broader community, and ensuring effective day-to-day operations and regulatory compliance. The Executive Director serves as the school’s lead administrator and strategic leader, responsible for the smooth operation and long-term health of the organization. Working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and families, this individual ensures Emerson continues to thrive as a joyful, inclusive, and academically rigorous school. Key Areas of Responsibility Visionary & Organizational Leadership

• Champion Emerson’s mission, values, and commitment to equity - Lead long-term strategic planning aligned with charter goals and community needs
• Model and support Emerson’s shared management approach, ensuring collaboration and distributed leadership in decision making across the school

Academic & Student Support Leadership

• Promote inclusive practices that meet the needs of all learners, including students with IEPs, ELLs, and those needing behavioral/emotional support
• Oversee implementation of an inquiry-based, project-focused curriculum
• Be a visible and supportive presence throughout the school day—engaging with students, facilitating restorative conversations, and reinforcing community values

Family & Community Engagement

• Serve as the school’s primary liaison with families, the Friends of Emerson parent group, Portland Public Schools, and external partners
• Build partnerships with local organizations to enrich learning and extend the classroom into the community
• Foster a positive, inclusive staff culture grounded in collaboration, respect, and shared commitment to student success
• Supervise administrative and support staff; collaborate on staff hiring, evaluations, and professional development
• Support and facilitate shared leadership structures while managing personnel functions and compliance with employment law

Finance & Operations

• Manage the school’s budget and finances in collaboration with the Board and external accounting partners
• Ensure compliance with charter regulations, employment laws, district and state requirements
• Oversee daily operations including scheduling, facilities, safety, enrollment, and records management

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors—providing reports, policy guidance, and strategic insight
• Ensure governance responsibilities are met, including public accountability and compliance with the school's charter

Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• At least 3 years in a school leadership, nonprofit management, or directorship role
• A deep commitment to equity, restorative practices, and inclusive education
• Experience with budgeting, HR, and compliance in a public or nonprofit setting
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships
• A collaborative leadership style with a passion for student voice, staff empowerment, and community engagement
• Familiarity with, or a desire to learn, Positive Discipline and Project Approach learning models

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Must hold or be eligible for a TSPC Charter School Administrator Registry (may be obtained immediately after employment) or

Oregon Administrator License - Must pass a background check and complete first aid/CPR training upon hire We are a school that values joy, justice, and student-centered learning. Our staff and board are deeply committed to cultivating a school community that reflects and supports the rich diversity of Portland and the world beyond. If you are a leader who believes that school should be both rigorous and relational—and who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment—we invite you to apply. How to Apply: Please send your resume and cover letter to View email address on click.appcast.io . Application Deadline: Open until filled. Preferred start date is August 11, but we can be flexible for the right candidate The Emerson School is an equal opportunity employer committed to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applicants from historically marginalized backgrounds to apply. The Emerson School 1800 SW 1st Avenue, Portland, OR 97201 | Phone View phone number on click.appcast.io | Fax View phone number on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr Emersonschool