ORGANIZATION

The Georgia Charter Schools Association (GCSA) was established in 2001 as a Georgia non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, serving as the membership organization for Georgia’s charter school operators and petitioners. GCSA stands as the sole entity in Georgia dedicated exclusively to supporting and advancing the state’s charter school sector.

At GCSA, we firmly believe that all students deserve an excellent educational opportunity, regardless of their economic circumstances. As a nonpartisan advocate, partner, and service provider for Georgia’s public charter schools, our mission is to increase the number of excellent public school options available to all Georgia students. We actively train charter school governing boards to develop high-quality startup charter schools and replicate successful ones. Furthermore, we advocate for charter schools to members of the Georgia General Assembly, local school boards, state authorizers, and the Georgia Board of Education.

GCSA champions autonomy, equity, access, and quality for all charter schools in Georgia.

Autonomy

• Charter schools are entitled to operate autonomously and should remain free of undue state and local regulation.

Equity

• Charter schools are public schools and should receive funding and resources at a level comparable to that of traditional schools.

Access

• Quality charter school applications should be approved, and successful charter schools should be renewed.

Quality

• The “charter bargain” requires increased accountability in exchange for increased flexibility and autonomy.

To learn more about GCSA, please visit https://gacharters.org/.

OPPORTUNITY

The Georgia Charter Schools Association is searching for a dynamic, politically savvy leader to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer. The CEO will lead a team of professionals capable of anticipating and responding to the sector’s evolving needs and expanding the broad coalition of support for charter schools in the state. Engaging with a wide array of stakeholders, the CEO will work to advance the priorities of GCSA, ultimately succeeding in protecting the autonomy and fair funding of charter schools while promoting the quality of existing and future schools.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced supporter of school choice and public charter schools, aiming to build upon the foundation of GCSA and enable the organization to elevate further, advancing the charter movement in the state. While GCSA enjoys widespread support from its members, many agree that additional efforts are needed for the Association to effectively navigate the current landscape and have the necessary impact.

The board believes that focusing on the following is essential for GCSA to continue growing and expanding its influence: articulating its mission to members and key stakeholders, codifying the supports and services it offers, owning the narrative around charter schools to dispel myths and misinformation, reemphasizing the critical nature of high-quality charter schools, bridging the political gap between the metro Atlanta area and the rest of Georgia, and both advancing and safeguarding the movement through its strong advocacy agenda.

We seek a leader who can:

• Implement, in conjunction with the board and key stakeholders, the existing strategic plan that clarifies the strategic direction, mission, and vision of GCSA, establishes priorities, and sets measurable goals for the organization while looking for areas of improvement;
• Establish strong relationships and deep trust with members, funders, and other key stakeholders;
• Develop relationships with policymakers, elected officials, and the media that encourage understanding and fair treatment of the charter sector;
• Coalesce the Georgia charter sector and key education reform advocates around the strategic plan, aligned advocacy agenda, and unified narrative;
• Steward existing funders while cultivating relationships with potential partners to broaden the base of support for GCSA.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer include:

Strategic Executive Leadership

• Clarify the organization’s strategic vision, priorities, and short- and long-term goals;
• Lead and define the organization’s advocacy agenda with significant input from charter school leaders and other stakeholders;
• Oversee the pursuit of strategic legislative and policy changes and protect existing supportive policies that will strengthen charter schools in Georgia;
• Partner with the board to support the growth and influence of GCSA.

Team Management

• Lead a high-performing statewide team and develop relationships that leverage individual strengths while promoting team collaboration toward ambitious goals that yield significant impact.
• External Relations
• Develop a unified narrative and vision for the charter sector and drive coordinated and proactive external communications to educate the public and positively influence public opinion and perception of the charter sector;
• Deepen relationships and influence with key policymakers and elected officials;
• Develop and expand fundraising efforts by cultivating new and leveraging existing relationships and diversifying GCSA’s funding base to ensure financial sustainability;
• Elevate the brand of GCSA as a reliable, trustworthy source for policy, advocacy, and school services support.

Partnership/Coalition Building and Mobilization

• Build community, collaboration, and trust among charter school leaders and board members to improve information sharing and inform priorities;
• Continue to coordinate with other advocacy efforts and organizations in Georgia and grow the coalition with an aligned advocacy agenda;
• Inform, engage, and unite charter school leaders on legislative developments and policy changes;
• Aid the Georgia Charter Action Fund, a 501 (c)(4) organization, in cultivating and supporting pro-charter candidates for political office;
• Organize and mobilize school leaders, staff, parents, board members, and other stakeholders to support pro-charter efforts.

Requirements

To fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Chief Executive Officer candidate will have the following:

Mindset/Values

• A passion for educational excellence, access, and opportunities for families, combined with a deep respect for charter schools;
• A deep-seated commitment to (and history of) leading with integrity, including building long-term relationships that engender trust;
• The grit necessary to persevere in advocacy that seeks to achieve policy reforms in a challenging, complex, sometimes hostile political environment;
• A balance of urgency and long-term vision;
• Flexibility to act and lead in an entrepreneurial, roll-up-your-sleeves environment.

Skills

• An ability to persuade, gain support, and motivate a diverse group of stakeholders to action by building strong internal and external relationships;
• A clear and effective communication style and an ability to empathize with and understand the perspectives of others;
• Understanding of education policy and how it informs organizational positions and stances.

Experience

• At least ten years of professional experience;
• Experience leading and managing others and teams to achieve ambitious outcomes in an organization focused on education, policy, campaign organizing, and/or advocacy;
• Political savvy, including a demonstrated track record of effectively navigating complex power dynamics and systems;
• Experience uniting diverse groups/entities around a common goal and/or message and mobilizing others to act;
• Knowledge of the charter school landscape/sector and a personal connection to education; local relationships in the Georgia charter sector are a plus;
• Experience building and stewarding external partnerships and serving as the external face of an organization; fundraising/development experience is a plus;
• A proven ability to successfully overcome obstacles in challenging environments.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $230,000 - $260,000, along with comprehensive benefits such as 401(k) matching, dental and vision insurance, an employee assistance program, a flexible spending account, health and life insurance, paid time off, and more. For additional questions about this position or to speak with someone about your interest, please contact Zach Harr at zharr@edgilityconsulting.com.

Georgia Charter Schools Association is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. Recruiting staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications to perform the work required. #LI-ZH1