Pennwood Cyber Charter School - Director of Specialized Programs

Position Summary and Responsibilities 

Pennwood Cyber Charter School seeks a dynamic, innovative and solutions-oriented leader to serve as the Director of Specialized Programs. This position ensures all students receive a college and career focused, personalized learning plan. The Director of Specialized Programs will work with students, parents and staff to implement a college and career focused learning program that enhances engagement and post-secondary preparedness for all students.  

The Director of Specialized Programs is directly responsible for designing, leading, implementing and monitoring the Connections Term and Engagement and Career Competency Badging Program. This includes putting the interests of students and families first; recruiting, retaining and developing staff; building and growing relationships with key external stakeholders including Drexel University Goodwin College and other community members; and implementing the vision and mission of empowering students to meet their unique educational and life goals through flexible pacing, college preparatory programming, and career skill development.  

Working from the York area office, the Director of Specialized Programs will manage staff as they instruct and advise students and Learning Coaches, ensuring that each child successfully completes their instructional program. The Director of Specialized Programs reports to the Chief Executive Officer.  

Key Responsibilities  

• Demonstrated creativity in developing new school programs;  
• Develop, lead and monitor Connections Term, a 3-week period during the school year where students engage in College and Career Programming and Instructional Acceleration; 
• Develop and lead the school’s Badging Program, including professional development for staff, communications to families and student participation and performance;  
• Lead and monitor the school’s College Partnerships, including the founding partnership with Drexel College; 
• Contribute to a positive school culture, including but not limited to using tools and events to promote a healthy culture like surveys, socials and recognitions; 
• Coordinate events and activities that provide families with an opportunity to engage with staff and each other; 
• Use and analyze student outcomes, engagement metrics and attendance data to make informed instructional and operational decisions;  
• Manage and monitor student engagement and attendance for all K12 students; 
• Manage student engagement teams; 
• Contribute to and lead professional development for staff; 
• Partner with the Pearson teams to showcase college and career programming, including student and college and community partnership stories; 
• Serve as a member of K12 Leadership Team;  
• Supervise and evaluate school staff as required by the state; 
• Ensure all relevant state reporting is completed correctly and on time; 

• Ability to travel and represent the school for marketing and legislative purposes;  
• Other duties as assigned. 

Capabilities: 

• Customer Centric – Acts with a strong customer mindset (both internal and external) and is a visible advocate for the customer. Builds strong relationships with school staff, students and families and uses those to improve their experience and outcomes. 
• Delivering Financial Results – A strong track record of delivering against budgets and commitments. 
• Communications - A great communicator who engages teams and stakeholders with thoughtful delivery and messages that resonate. Confident Public Speaker. Produces high-quality written communications. 
• Building a strong team  - Creates strong morale and inclusive spirit within team. Proactively addresses team  performance and communication challenges and blends new people into teams when needed. Has a track record of hiring and quickly and effectively onboarding great talent. Demonstrated success developing and promoting talent. 
• Works well in a matrix - Models collaboration, solves problems efficiently and constructively with peers, builds trust and support. Agile and flexible in day-to-day operations and duties. Demonstrated ability to work well in fast-paced environment 
• Takes personal responsibility – Can be relied on to complete tasks timely and well, demonstrates “ownership” regardless of the outcome, proactive in exploring and exploiting new opportunities. Shows a commitment to goal-directed management and accountability 

Requirements 

• Active or in process Pennsylvania Administration Certification  
• Pennsylvania residency  
• Master's in Education or