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.