Executive Director

Executive DirectorFull-timeCompensation: USD 90,000 - USD 100,000 - yearlyJob DescriptionExecutive DirectorCITY Center for Collaborative Learning Tucson, Arizona (On-Site)Position OverviewThe Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of CITY Center for Collaborative Learning (CCCL), a unique educational organization that integrates charter school district and nonprofit organizational leadership.The Executive Director oversees three innovative charter schools—City High School and two small middle schools, Paulo Freire Freedom School–University, and Paulo Freire Freedom School–Downtown and a Professional Learning Center. This role requires a visionary, systems-oriented leader who can balance educational excellence, financial stewardship, organizational sustainability, labor relations and a deep commitment to equity.Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for translating mission and strategy into strong outcomes for students, educators, and the broader community.Core ResponsibilitiesI. Visionary & Strategic LeadershipSafeguard and advance CCCL's mission, vision, and values through strategic leadership and daily decision-making, including DEIB commitments across all programs and operationsEnsure diverse stakeholder voice and authentic community engagement in decision-makingPartner with the Board of Directors to develop, execute, and monitor long-term strategic plansFoster a culture of sustainable improvement, including transparent communication, innovation, collaboration, accountabilityMonitor national and regional trends in education, charter policy, compliance, and nonprofit leadership to ensure organizational relevanceBuild leadership capacity across the organization and support succession planning for key rolesII. Educational Excellence & School LeadershipSupervise, mentor, and evaluate the school principals and leadership team, ensuring strong instructional leadership, operational effectiveness, and accountability for school-based equity initiativesSupport principals in implementing high-quality professional development, student-centered pedagogy, and data-driven improvementEnsure schools maintain a clear focus on student achievement, post-secondary readiness, and holistic student successOversee collection, analysis, and reporting of academic and organizational data (state indicators, internal measures, alumni outcomes)Champion innovative, equity-centered educational practices, including special education, ensuring schools serve as demonstration sites for exemplary learningSupport effective site-based governance structures and authentic stakeholder engagement at the school levelIII. Charter Operations & ComplianceServe as primary liaison with charter authorizers and maintain strong, transparent relationshipsLead charter renewals, amendments, and negotiations in partnership with the BoardEnsure compliance with all charter, state, and federal requirementsMonitor charter legislation and advocate for policies aligned with CCCL's mission and valuesEnsure fair, equitable enrollment practices and ongoing legal and regulatory complianceIV. Financial, Business & Operational OversightProvide executive oversight of finance, human resources, facilities, technology, and legal compliance in collaboration with Director of OperationsDevelop the annual budget in collaboration with designated organizational partners and Board Finance CommitteeEnsure sound financial management, internal controls, audits, and risk managementSteward organizational assets, including two downtown Tucson buildings and an approximately $4M annual budgetEnsure facilities support high-quality learning environments and community engagementDelegate operational responsibilities appropriately while retaining executive accountabilityV. Advancement, Fundraising & Resource DevelopmentDevelop and lead a comprehensive advancement strategy that includes diverse revenue streams aligned with mission and long-term sustainability.Lead and oversee grant strategy, writing, reporting, and compliance in collaboration with the leadership team.Build and sustain a culture of philanthropy in partnership with the Board of DirectorsCultivate and steward relationships with foundations, corporations, individual donors, and government fundersLead major gift fundraising, annual giving, tax credit campaigns, and capital initiativesMaintain a robust organizational database of donors, alumni, and community partnersVI. Governance, Board Partnership & Labor RelationsServe as the primary staff liaison to the Board of DirectorsCollaborate with the Board Chair to set agendas, prepare materials, and ensure productive meetingsProvide timely, accurate, and strategic information to support board decision-making and fiduciary oversightSupport board development, recruitment, orientation, and succession planningPartner with the Board on policy development and organizational accountabilityAct as management's lead negotiator in active collective bargaining with the newly established union under the guidance of legal counsel in accordance with NLRB requirements, while maintaining good-faith bargaining obligations and consistent, transparent staff communication throughoutVII. Human Resources & Organizational CultureHire, supervise, evaluate, and support school principals and senior administrative staffOversee district-level recruitment strategies to attract and retain diverse, mission-aligned talent, with support/outsourcing as neededEnsure consistent, equitable, and legally compliant hiring, evaluation, and employment practicesExecute or delegate successful coordination of services related to payroll and benefits for staff membersFoster a healthy, inclusive organizational culture grounded in trust, collaboration, and professional growth.Establish measurable equity goals and accountability structures, including hiring, retention, and advancement practices that reflect DEIB practicesManage staff development, performance management, and leadership coachingVIII. External Relations & Community EngagementServe as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for CCCLBuild strong relationships with civic, educational, philanthropic, and business leadersLead organizational communications, including publications, press, website, and social mediaRepresent CCCL at local, state, and national education forumsStrengthen community partnerships that benefit students and advance the missionSupport student enrollment, outreach, and professional learning recruitment effortsCompensation & BenefitsCompetitive salary range of $90,000-100,000, commensurate with experience, with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, and professional development opportunities.CITY Center for Collaborative Learning is an equal opportunity employer and is deeply committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization.QualificationsQualificationsRequired:3–5 years of progressive leadership experience in education and/or nonprofit managementDemonstrated success in educational leadership and organizational managementExperience managing complex budgets and supervising senior leadersProven track record in fundraising and resource developmentMaster's degree requiredPreferred:Charter school leadership or governance experienceExperience supervising school principals or instructional leadersTrack record of equity-centered leadership in diverse communitiesGrant writing and major gift fundraising experienceExperience with collective bargaining or labor relations, ideally in an education or nonprofit setting.Arizona educational leadership certification (or ability to obtain)Core CompetenciesVisionary, systems-level leadershipDeep commitment to educational equity and social justiceSkilled in labor relations and collective bargaining, with the ability to navigate a newly unionized environment.Strong financial and operational acumenExcellent