Vice President of Schools

ABOUT THE HELP GROUP

The Help Group believes that "Dignity, Hope, Opportunity and Love" are the birthrights of all children. Our mission is to recognize, cultivate, and celebrate the individual gifts of young people with special needs related to autism, learning differences, ADHD, developmental delays, and emotional challenges. We offer innovative educational, therapeutic, residential, community mental health, and vocational programs, and we engage in cutting-edge research, professional training, outreach, and public policy advocacy. The Help Group's nine nonpublic special education day schools serve children, youth, and young adults from two-and-a-half years old to 22 years old. Our schools are spread across four campuses in Culver City, Sherman Oaks, Valley Glen, and Van Nuys and educate students with a wide range of cognitive, social, emotional, and learning issues.

VICE PRESIDENT OF SCHOOLS

ABOUT THE POSITION

We are currently seeking a dynamic and strategic Vice President of Schools to provide visionary leadership and effective management of a portfolio of schools within The Help Group. The VP of Schools will play a crucial role in championing excellence, fostering a positive learning environment, and driving enrollment and retention strategies to ensure the successful operation of all schools under their purview. Charged with ensuring our schools’ growth and sustainability, the VP of Schools will also be responsible for developing and maintaining strong working relationships with referring school districts, negotiating rates, overseeing the school admissions process, and ensuring school programs are implemented in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the VP of Schools will develop and implement strategies that align with the organization's commitment to helping young people fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic and compassionate leader who will cultivate and support school administrators, as well as model the core values of The Help Group to all stakeholders.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The annual salary range is $165,000 to $185,000. The position is located in Sherman Oaks, CA. Benefits include: Employer paid medical & dental insurance for employee, life insurance, 401(k), 403b plan, paid holidays, vacation, sick days, cell phone stipend and on-site parking.

Envision Consulting was retained by The Help Group to conduct the search for their incoming Vice President of Schools.

The Help Group is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at The Help Group are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to age, race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal and CA state laws.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for the portfolio of schools in alignment with the organization's mission and goals.

• Collaboratively set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) goals that guide the school’s growth and improvement over time.

• Foster a culture of innovation by identifying opportunities to introduce new programs, technologies or methodologies that align with the strategic goals.

• Ensure that the strategic plan accounts for long-term sustainability, considering factors such as financial stability, enrollment trends, and changing educational landscapes.

• Effectively communicate the strategic plan to all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment across the organization.

Team Development and Oversight

• Create and implement personalized professional development plans for school administrators, teachers, and support staff to enhance their skills and knowledge.

• Provide guidance and leadership to school principals and administrators to ensure consistent implementation of educational programs and initiatives.

• Identify and nurture potential leaders within the organization by providing leadership training, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture that encourages open communication, idea-sharing, and cross-functional cooperation.

• Promote diversity and inclusion initiatives within the team, ensuring that all members feel valued, respected, and represented.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain positive relationships with parents, local community members, and relevant organizations to enhance the school's reputation and community engagement.

• Cultivate connections with alumni to create a strong alumni network that contributes to the school's growth and success.

• Identify and establish partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions to provide additional resources, opportunities, and support to the school.

• Create channels for gathering feedback from stakeholders to inform decision-making and continuously improve the school's offerings.

• Represent the school's interests to local educational authorities, government bodies, and community leaders to influence educational policies and regulations.

Partnership Development with School Districts

• Build and nurture strong, collaborative relationships with funding school districts, establishing a foundation of trust and mutual support.

• Gain a deep understanding of the funding school districts' educational goals, challenges, and priorities to tailor the school's offerings and initiatives accordingly.

• Advocate for equitable funding and resources for the school from the funding districts, highlighting the positive impact on student achievement and community development.

• Establish key performance metrics to demonstrate the school's impact on student success and present data to funding districts to illustrate the value of the partnership.

• Address any conflicts or disagreements that may arise between the school and funding districts in a constructive and collaborative manner.

Enrollment Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with all referral sources including advocates, attorneys, educational partners, community organizations, and other potential sources to generate a consistent flow of prospective students.

• Identify and collaborate with key influencers, stakeholders, and organizations in the education sector to enhance the school's reputation and expand its reach.

• Utilize data and analytics to track enrollment trends, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions to optimize enrollment growth.

• Work closely with the admissions team to ensure seamless enrollment processes, efficient follow-up with leads, and a positive experience for prospective students from inquiry to enrollment.

• Explore innovative methods to attract parents, such as online events, webinars, and virtual tours, to adapt to changing circumstances and reach a wider audience.

Operations and Compliance

• Optimize resource allocation, including budget, staff, and facilities, to support the school's educational and administrative needs.

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing education, including curriculum standards, student privacy laws, and accreditation requirements.

• Lead efforts to obtain and maintain necessary accreditations for the school, demonstrating its commitment to educational quality.

• Coordinate and participate in external audits and evaluations to validate the school's compliance with relevant regulations.

• Regularly review and assess compliance practices to identify areas for improvement and ensure ongoing adherence.

Student Retention

• Analyze student data, including enrollment trends, dropout rates, and academic performance, to identify areas of concern and opportunities for improvement.

• Develop and oversee programs that provide academic, emotional, and social support to students, such as tutoring, mentoring, and counseling services.

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of retention efforts and regularly report on progress to senior leadership.

• Maintain open and transparent communication channels with students, parents, and stakeholders regarding retention strategies and progress.

• Address crisis situations that may impact student retention, such as emergencies or disruptive events.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Education, Psychology or a related field (Ph.D. or Ed.D. preferred)

• Extensive experience in educational leadership, with a proven track record of success

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills

• Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities

• Familiarity with educational regulations, policies, and compliance requirements

• Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive and diverse learning environment

• Proven ability to manage budgets and resources effectively

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Passion for and commitment to serving individuals with special needs and their families