Director of High School Academics- January 2027 Start Date

Start Date: January 2027 ​​​​​​

Mission of NCS
The mission of Neighborhood Charter Schools is to empower every scholar to discover their unique potential
and develop the knowledge, character, and courage to shape a better future for themselves, their communities,
and the world. Through an exceptional, rigorous, and inclusive K-12 education, we cultivate scholars who lead
with LIGHT, equipping them to think critically, embrace lifelong learning, and lead with purpose. We foster a
community where every scholar, including autistic children and scholars with IEPs, belongs, every difference is
celebrated, and every learner is empowered to thrive. Every Learner. Every Pathway. Every Chance to Thrive.

The Opportunity
NCS is launching its first high school, and the Director of High School Academics will build its academic
program from the ground up. This is a founding role: in partnership with the Chief Academic & Schools Officer,
you will set the instructional vision for grades 9-12 and build the curriculum, assessment, and coaching
systems that carry it as the school grows one grade at a time.

The Director sets the vision for network academic resources and support for the high school, defines academic
expectations and deliverables, and owns the high school assessment strategy. You partner with the High
School Principal to translate that vision into campus-specific execution. You also work alongside the K-8
Academic Team to ensure a coherent K-12 program, so that students move from 8th to 9th grade with no gaps
in content, skills, or supports. In the founding years, you will lead curriculum and instructional coaching directly.
As the high school expands to 11th grade, you will hire and manage two Assistant Directors (STEM and
Humanities) and shift toward leading through them.

Reporting Structure
The Director reports to the Chief Academic and Schools Officer (CASO) and works closely with the High
School Principal and Assistant Principals, the K-8 Academic Team, and the MD of Student Support Services.
Once the high school reaches 11th grade, the Director will manage two Assistant Directors (STEM and
Humanities).

What You'll Do:

Vision and program design
● Set the instructional vision for grades 9-12, grounded in NCS's commitment to inclusion as instructional
design, not accommodation
● Assist in the design of the high school course sequence and graduation pathway in line with New York
State diploma requirements, including credit accrual, course offerings, and pathways to advanced and
college-level coursework
● Partner with the High School Principal to align on roles, campus-specific execution, and the master
schedule
● Partner with the K-8 Academic Team to build vertical alignment across grades 8 and 9. During SY
26-27, support Grades 5-8 teaching and learning

Curriculum
● Select, adapt, and, where needed, write high school curriculum and scope and sequences across all
core content areas
● Manage curriculum partners and writers
● Ensure curriculum is implemented with fidelity and that teachers have the resources they need
● Evaluate instructional materials in collaboration with school leadership
● Ensure curriculum is accessible to students with disabilities, including autistic students, and to
multilingual learners

Assessment and data
● Own the high school assessment strategy, from interim and in-house exams to state assessments
● Track and adapt to New York's evolving graduation and assessment requirements, including changes to
the Regents exams
● Build systems for monitoring student progress toward graduation, including credits, course passing, and
on-track indicators
● Lead teachers and leaders in using data to drive instructional decisions
Instructional coaching and leadership development
● Observe classrooms and give actionable feedback to teachers
● Lead grade-level and department meetings focused on lesson planning, intellectual preparation, and
student work analysis
● Coach Assistant Principals on content- and curriculum-focused instructional leadership
● Lead the codification of high school grading, credit, and transcript policies
College and career readiness
● Build academic pathways that prepare every student for college and career, including advanced
coursework and dual enrollment options
● Partner with Student Support Services on transition planning for students with IEPs

Team building
● Participate in hiring founding high school teachers
● Hire, onboard, and manage the STEM and Humanities Assistant Directors as the school expands to
11th grade
● Serve as a key member of the network academic team and the high school leadership team
● Other responsibilities as determined by the CASO

Who You Are
● A committed leader aligned with the mission of NCS and its inclusive model
● A builder who is energized by launching something new and is comfortable with ambiguity in a school's
founding years
● A collaborative professional who works flexibly within a diverse team of teachers and leaders
● A graduate of a Bachelor's degree program (required); NY State SBL/SDL certification (preferred);
Master's degree (preferred)
● An experienced high school teacher with 5+ years of teaching experience and 2+ years of instructional
coaching or leadership experience (preferred)
● Experience as a department chair, grade-level chair, or in a school or network leadership role is highly
desirable
● Working knowledge of New York State high school graduation requirements, Regents exams, Portrait of
a Graduate, and credit and transcript systems
● Experience launching or scaling a new school, grade, or program is a plus
● Demonstrated effectiveness in coaching and developing new and experienced teachers toward strong,
data-supported results
● Experience developing leaders, including managing other instructional leaders (preferred)
● Experience selecting, adapting, or writing curriculum
● Strong content knowledge in at least one core high school subject
● Knowledge of autistic students and other disabilities, and of inclusive instructional practice
● Strong organizational skills, careful attention to detail, and consistent follow-through
● Strong communication skills and the ability to build trusting, cooperative relationships across teams
Compensation
● Competitive salary commensurate with experience, based on the salary schedule, with a range of
$155,000-$175,000.
● Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance
● Competitive retirement plan
● Parental leave
● Tuition reimbursement
● Smartphone and laptop provided

Neighborhood Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and
inclusive environment. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion,
national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally recognized protected basis.
Building a team with diverse perspectives and backgrounds is integral to our mission. We encourage
candidates from all backgrounds to apply.