Executive Director

To be Named Education Champion Organization

Memphis, TN/Remote

The preferred application deadline is May 27, 2025.  Please note that we do not guarantee review of applications received after this date.

Overview

A national philanthropic organization that provides funding and strategic support to local leaders working to improve public schools, build families’ political power, and expand access to high-quality education is seeking a mission-driven leader to launch a new organization focused on advancing the growth of high-quality charter schools in Memphis, TN.

Memphis’s charter sector holds tremendous promise, with a track record of academic progress, a pipeline of emerging schools, and significant opportunities for growth in areas such as enrollment, talent recruitment and retention, and facility expansion. While existing efforts have made meaningful strides, no single organization or leader has been fully dedicated to the mission of growing high-quality charter options. Given the city's urgent need for excellent public education, this moment presents a unique opportunity for transformative impact.

Position

Summary

The founding Executive Director (ED) will work in close partnership with local and national stakeholders to define a bold vision for K–12 outcomes, positioning charter growth as a key lever for educational excellence, and drive a long-term strategy that addresses critical barriers, improves school quality, and increases student access to excellent schools. This work will include conducting an assessment of the current charter landscape and developing a plan to grow the sector, leveraging supportive state legislation, advancing key priorities related to school quality and growth, and officially launching the organization in the next twelve months. Success in this role will require strategic vision, strong execution, and the ability to navigate complexity and potential local resistance.

The role will be incubated by the Memphis Education Fund and funded by a national philanthropic organization for the first two years. The ED will work directly with the local education and funding community until a formal Board is established. Minimal travel is anticipated (approximately 5%, primarily within Tennessee).

Responsibilities 

Sector Strategy & School Quality

• Assess landscape of existing school improvement efforts in partnership with local funders and other stakeholders including the University of Memphis
• Develop and lead a citywide strategy to grow the number of high-quality charter schools and improve student outcomes across the city’s charter sector
• Assess drivers of school performance and support adoption of effective instructional strategies, professional development, and interventions
• Identify and support high-potential schools for initial development and replication, including those that address unmet needs (e.g., Career and Technical Education)
• Provide hands-on technical support to new school founders, including application development, year-zero planning, and early implementation
• Use data and enrollment trends to guide long-term planning around school openings, closures, and facility use
• Work with stakeholders on state and local levels to address facilities challenges
• Develop a strategy to recruit and retain more talent specifically for charters and, more broadly, in the K-12 ecosystem 

Policy, Advocacy & Systems Change

• Identify local and state policies that create barriers for charter students and develop strategies to address them
• Build and align a local advocacy agenda with charter operators, families/caregivers, and partner organizations
• Mobilize families/caregivers and community members through training, voter registration, and grassroots engagement
• Partner with Memphis-Shelby County Schools and state agencies to advance shared goals and improve systems

Stakeholder Engagement & Communications

• Build strong relationships with school leaders, district officials, elected leaders, community partners, and funders
• Serve as a convener and trusted partner across a politically complex landscape
• Develop and implement communications strategies to elevate charter successes and surface challenges impacting charter students
• Use data and storytelling to make a compelling case for key initiatives, including school quality, facilities, and sector sustainability

Organizational Sustainability

• Lead fundraising efforts to ensure ongoing functioning of the organization after the first two years and to support strategic initiatives across the charter sector, including advocacy, facilities, talent, and incubation 
• Develop a long-term vision for sector growth and sustainability in Memphis, aligned with student and community needs
• Build internal systems and partnerships to ensure efficient execution, accountability, and impact

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong mission alignment, equity-mindset, and desire to improve school quality and education in Memphis
• Deep understanding of the K-12 education and charter landscape, including local and state history and politics in Memphis and the core opportunities and challenges impacting charter growth 
• Track record of strong strategic leadership and measurable impact
• Demonstrated ability to gain buy-in, build relationships, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders 
• Entrepreneurial mindset; ability to adapt effectively in dynamic or evolving environments
• Demonstrated track record of navigating highly political situations, building strong coalitions, and reaching desired outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills and high emotional intelligence
• Demonstrated fundraising success
• Experience running a charter school or network preferred but not required 

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for the ED position will be between $150,000-$200,000 and will include benefits.

Application

Interested and qualified applicants should apply here. Note: the application deadline for this position is May 27, 2025. We do not guarantee review of applications submitted after this date.

We support equal opportunity and value building the diversity of our team as we grow. We seek individuals of all races, ethnicities, abilities, and creeds to support our organization’s work and encourage individuals from historically under-represented backgrounds to apply.