Executive Director - Virtual Horizons Charter School of Utah

Job Description: Executive Director – Virtual Horizons Charter School (VHCS) of Utah

About VHCS 

The mission of VHCS is to empower students with limitless possibilities through immersive virtual reality education. Our vision is to redefine education by leveraging the latest in virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies to prepare students to compete in a new era of technology, careers, and the world economy. Virtual Reality transcends traditional boundaries of in-person and online only schools.

VHCS will offer statewide online instruction, through virtual reality immersive learning, daily virtual reality synchronous classes, asynchronous assignments, online intervention, and SPED support. Virtual reality classes include fully immersive experiential learning activities and academic support for students throughout Utah, regardless of location or economic means. Each student receives (1) A Virtual Reality Headset, (2) a laptop computer, and (3) internet access through either a mobile data connection or satellite router, as needed.

Certified subject-matter teachers who are also certified in virtual reality teaching facilitate Virtual Reality classes. Virtual Horizons teachers implement highly engaging and closely monitored asynchronous assignments to provide practice and reinforcement of content and skills learned during class meetings. Virtual Horizons Charter School’s overarching educational philosophy is to:

·  Ignite a lifelong learning mindset and equip students with the skills they need to become lifelong learners.

·  Boost learner confidence by building a growth mindset.

·  Develop metacognitive skills that empower students to take ownership of their education.

·  Promote positive relationships between students, families, peers, and staff.

VHCS is a virtual reality charter school from 4th to 12th grade. The Charter School Board of Utah approved the school in Jan. 2024. The planning year begins July/Aug 2024, and it will start operating in the academic year of 2025/2026. We are looking for a seasoned executive director with experience in starting a new school, a vision for leveraging the latest technologies to prepare students for the jobs and careers of the future, and a passion for ensuring every student succeeds. The Executive Director position will begin in the July / Aug 2024 timeframe.

Overview

The ideal candidate will have a strong vision for virtual reality education and a dedication to ensuring student success. The Executive Director of VHCS is responsible for providing strategic leadership, vision, and operational oversight to ensure the success and growth of the VHCS program. The Executive Director will report directly to the Board of Directors and oversee all aspects of organizational health, including curriculum development, procurement of educational and business products and services, recruitment and training of teachers and staff, student recruitment, enrollment and retention, budgeting and financial management, compliance with educational regulations, and ensuring the school and students meet their academic achievement and student growth goals.

While the school may eventually have a small central office and opportunities to meet in-person, there will be remote / home-based work. The Executive Director must be comfortable working from home and have the ability to be efficient and effective in a remote setting. VHCS will provide the equipment, internet, phone service, and other materials needed to perform the job.

Key Responsibilities

We are looking for a seasoned school leader with strong interpersonal skills, empathy, compassion, integrity, and a servant leadership mindset. The candidate will also have a strong aptitude for computers and technology.

Responsibilities include:

1. Ensuring a collaborative, supportive, and positive work environment where staff, students, families, and community are working toward the same academic excellence goals.

2. Creating a culture of excellence, innovation, ingenuity, and continuous improvement.

3. Virtual Reality Curriculum Development and Instructional Design:

a. Participate in and contribute to the development and execution of virtual reality curriculum and instructional materials that comply with state standards and align with the school's objectives and principles.

b. Work together with virtual reality instructional designers and subject matter experts to create experiential virtual reality learning experiences.

c.  Assure that the curriculum is personalized to cater to the needs of varied learners.

d.  Ensure that curriculum is aligned to charter specifications and expectations.

4. Recruitment, Training, and Evaluation of Teachers:

a. Recruit, hire, and onboard qualified virtual teachers and staff.

b. Provide ongoing professional development and training to support teachers in delivering effective online instruction.

c. Conduct regular evaluations of staff performance and provide feedback for improvement.

5. Student Enrollment and Retention:

a. Develop and implement strategies to attract and retain students, including marketing and outreach efforts.

b. Oversee the admissions process and ensure students are placed in appropriate courses based on their academic needs and goals.

c. Monitor student progress and implement interventions to support student success and retention.

6. Procure the educational and business services necessary to carry out the vision and mission of the charter for virtual reality education.

7. Budgeting and Financial Management Responsibilities:

a. Manage the school's annual budget while ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

b. Monitor expenditures and revenue streams to identify potential cost savings and revenue generation opportunities.

c. Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements.

8. Regulatory Compliance:

a. Ensure that VHCS complies with all federal, state, and local regulations and accreditation standards and stays current with education policies and changes in regulations.

b. Ensure that students with IEP and 504 status receive quality services, equitable access to resources and teachers, and achieve their individual academic goals.     

9. Student Achievement Data:

a. Create and oversee student assessment and growth measures. Use data to address areas of need and to identify and celebrate areas of strength.

b. Prepare data and reports for all school stakeholders (teachers, students, families, the board of directors, and community).

c. Create a data-driven culture of transparency, accountability, continuous improvement, and celebration.

Qualifications:

§ Master’s Degree and Administrative Endorsement in education highly preferred.

§ A School Leadership (Administrative) License, according to The Utah State Standards for Educational Leadership Standards (UELS) and USBE fingerprint background clearance, are required.

§ Previous experience starting and leading a new charter school is preferred.

§ Previous experience in virtual reality or online education is a plus.

§ A strong understanding of effective, research-based curriculum development, instructional design, and online teaching methodologies.

§ The ability to manage budgets, lead teams, and drive results.

§ Knowledge of state and federal educational regulations and compliance requirements is a must.

§ Technically-savvy, innovative, and ability to quickly learn new technologies is required.

§ Proficient user of computers, Google Workforce Suite, Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), Learning Management Systems (Canvas, Blackboard, etc.) spreadsheets and databases, web-based / online collaboration programs such as Slack, Asana, and Zoom, and web-based / online curriculum programs.