Description

Interested candidates should review the full job description and submit a resume or CV and a letter of interest to bod@socratesacademy.us. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in March and will continue until the position is filled.

Socrates Academy
Head of School
About Us
Founded in 2005, Socrates Academy (SA) is a K–12 public charter school located in Matthews,
North Carolina, with a unique educational model rooted in partial Greek language immersion
and the Socratic method of instruction. What began with just 67 students has blossomed into a
thriving learning community of over 1,100 scholars and growing. Through inquiry-based
learning and a deep appreciation for the classics, students are encouraged to think critically,
engage thoughtfully, and grow as intellectually curious individuals.
As Socrates Academy continues to grow, so do our facilities. In October 2025, we opened the
doors to a new, state-of-the-art high school building designed to serve grades 9–12. In the
summer of 2025, we acquired property for the development of our future Pre-K facility. This
ambitious expansion reflects our commitment to providing students with a dynamic and
enriching learning environment.
Socrates Academy is committed to cultivating culturally aware, globally minded, lifelong
learners. Our dual-language immersion program, innovative initiatives, and vibrant
community engagement position SA as a leader in educational innovation both locally and
nationally.
Opportunity
With the fast growth of Socrates Academy and its upcoming expansion of Athletics facilities and
Pre-K program, the Board of Directors seeks a strategic, visionary Head of School who will
advance SA’s mission at a local, national, and international level, building on its history and
leading the organization into its next chapter.
The Head of School will work closely with the Board, staff, families, students, and the broader
community to ensure institutional growth, sustainability, and innovation, including the
development of scalable educational programs and potential replication of SA’s model. The
Head of School will refine and implement a multi-year strategic plan, manage organizational
resources, and lead SA to achieve ambitious student outcomes.
The Head of School will serve as the chief executive officer of Socrates Academy, accountable
to the Board of Directors for all aspects of the school’s operations, academic programs,
finances, and strategic growth.

Position Summary
As the leader of a partial Greek language school, the Head of School at Socrates Academy serves
as the chief executive and instructional leader, overseeing Greek immersion and Socratic
teaching, student growth, faculty and staff development, institutional resources, and long-term
strategic initiatives.
The Head of School oversees educational excellence, faculty supervision, enrollment
management, advancement, finances, facilities, multi-year institutional growth, and strategic
planning. The individual must model the values of Socrates Academy while ensuring compliance
with all charter, state, and federal regulations.
This position requires visionary leadership, capable of navigating complex educational
landscapes and advocating for the school locally, nationally, and internationally, while
maintaining fiduciary and legal accountability.
Classification: Exempt, Full Time
Reports To: Board of Directors

Requirements

Key Responsibilities
Socrates Academy Culture and Mission
Serve as the servant leader of the school, ensuring that all aspects of school life reflect
the mission, values, and culture of Socrates Academy.
Collaborate with the Board, faculty, and staff to foster a community grounded in SA’s
core values.
Model inspirational leadership characterized by integrity, humility, and respect for every
individual.
Strengthen partnerships between the school and local, national, and international
educational, cultural, and philanthropic communities.
Demonstrate a deep passion for bilingual education, global citizenship, classical inquiry,
and the development of intellectually curious students.
Academic Leadership and Supervision
Provide strategic leadership for Heads of School (P-APs), faculty, staff, and
administrators, fostering a collaborative, high-performing school culture.
Recruit, mentor, and retain mission-driven educators. Develop an internal leadership
pipeline and plan for organizational succession.
Oversee academic programs, extracurricular activities, and dual-language offerings,
including the Greek language immersion program and upper school tracks (AP,
dual-enrollment, classical studies).
Provide direct leadership and oversight for the Greek language immersion program,
including the recruitment, hiring, supervision, and professional development of the
Greek Head of School and all Greek language immersion faculty.
Lead enrollment growth initiatives for grades 9–12 and ensure the successful launch and
operational oversight of a new Pre-K program. Drive enrollment sustainability and
retention across all grade levels through data-informed strategy, program quality, and
proactive family engagement.
Oversee college and career readiness programs, including internships, career
exploration, and guidance on college applications and financial aid.
Implement and leverage data systems and accountability frameworks to track
measurable student achievement growth, assess faculty performance, and guide
evidence-based instructional and operational decisions.
Promote instructional innovation and continuous improvement grounded in the Socratic
Method, with accountability for school-wide Greek language development and the
successful execution of the Ellinomatheia examinations.
Ensure compliance with all charter, state, and federal regulations, and maintain high
academic standards with accountability for measurable student outcomes.
Advancement and Enrollment Management
Serve as the chief spokesperson and ambassador for the school, promoting its mission,
programs, and achievements to families, alumni, donors, and the broader community.
Provide leadership and oversight for finance, facilities, enrollment, and administrative
teams, ensuring operational excellence and alignment with the school’s strategic goals.
Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic fundraising plan, cultivate major donors,
secure grants, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Oversee marketing and communications to ensure all materials authentically reflect
Socrates Academy’s values, mission, and distinctive bilingual program.
Lead administrative efforts to attract, enroll, and retain students who seek a high-quality
bilingual education aligned with the school’s mission.
Business Affairs and Operations
Provide strategic oversight of all business operations, driving revenue-generating
initiatives including grants, fundraising, and mission-aligned earned-income
opportunities such as facility rentals, partnerships, and sponsorships.
Ensure the school’s fiscal health by preparing, implementing, and monitoring the annual
operating budget in collaboration with the Finance team, managing a
multi-million-dollar budget and ensuring full fiduciary responsibility.
Oversee facilities planning, maintenance, and capital improvements, ensuring safe,
efficient, and sustainable operations.
Support the development and execution of a comprehensive strategic plan addressing
long-term fiscal, academic, and facility goals.
Regularly report to the Board on quantitative performance metrics and progress toward
strategic objectives.
Maintain and update written policies and procedures across key operational areas,
including finance and facilities, to ensure consistency and compliance.
Governance and Community Relations
Build strong relationships with faculty, parents, and students, fostering a collaborative
and engaged school community.
Serve as the primary liaison between the school and Board of Directors, ensuring
alignment with policies, goals, charter compliance, and governance best practices.
Communicate the school’s vision, accomplishments, and strategic initiatives effectively
to all stakeholders.
Partner with parents, alumni, and community leaders to enhance the school’s
reputation, impact, and long-term support.
Engage in ongoing professional development to strengthen leadership skills and stay
current with best practices in education, regulatory compliance, and charter school
governance.
Ensure equitable access, inclusive practices, and culturally responsive instruction across
all programs.
Foster a school environment where students, families, and staff feel a sense of
belonging.
Board/Community Relations & Development Work
Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, providing regular updates,
strategic counsel, and guidance on key institutional decisions.
Represent the school in community partnerships, accreditation visits, and public
relations, communicating effectively with stakeholders.
Uphold and advance Socrates Academy’s values and vision in all operational decisions.
Advocate for Socrates Academy at state, national, and international forums, building
networks to support program replication, partnerships, and philanthropy.
Qualifications
Doctorate in Education Leadership, Policy, or related field required, or
Master’s Degree in educational leadership, policy, with 10 years of school administrative
experience, or as a superintendent or as executive director.
Administrative license for K-12 in hand or applied for within the first year of
employment.
Experience in curriculum design and school management (superintendent preferred);
teaching background highly desirable.
Prior experience working with or alongside a governing Board of Directors, with
understanding of best practices in governance and school leadership.
Proven ability to build, scale, and lead diverse teams in an organization of similar or
larger size.
Experience developing and implementing strategic plans, managing organizational
change, and supporting school growth or expansion.
Demonstrated success in budget development, financial stewardship, management of
budgets, and resource development.
Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and community-building skills.
Deep commitment to equity, dignity, and the mission and values of Socrates Academy.
Preferred Qualifications
NC Department of Education Teacher License.
International education and knowledge of systems and processes.
Familiarity with or experience in partial Greek language immersion programs or
dual-language educational models.
Knowledge of or commitment to the Socratic method of instruction, inquiry-based
learning, or classical education models.
Experience with K–12 or Pre-K expansion, facility planning, or managing new school
program development.
Familiarity with fundraising, advancement, and community engagement, including
donor relations, capital campaigns, and public outreach.
Experience cultivating a strong, mission-aligned school culture in a diverse and inclusive
community.
Relevant experience may count towards education requirements.
Personal Characteristics
A visionary, strategic leader who can guide Socrates Academy into its next phase of
growth at local, national, and international levels.
A collaborative problem-solver who thrives in a dynamic, evolving educational
environment.
Demonstrates personal accountability and ownership of outcomes, addressing
challenges constructively.
Exercises sound judgment, fairness, and objectivity, building trust-based relationships
across the school community.
Ability to navigate complexity, ambiguity, and competing priorities with integrity and
consistency.
High emotional intelligence, with strong communication and conflict-resolution skills.