Director of Community

The Cottonwood School•El Dorado Hills, CA

23h•$130,000 - $138,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Cottonwood School offers dynamic homeschooling pathways for TK-12, providing a personalized, whole-learner approach that nurtures academic, social, and emotional achievement. As a tuition-free, public charter school serving students in multiple counties, we emphasize an integrative approach where education extends beyond academics to include social and emotional development alongside a strong academic foundation. Our Homestudy Pathway fosters holistic learning through monthly activities like field trips, workshops, and experiential learning. The Cottonwood College Prep Academy is a hybrid on-site High School Pathway featuring Montessori-inspired project-based learning that encourages collaboration and creativity. Our vision is a world where students flourish, communities thrive, and staff are fulfilled. This position provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Community Department, reporting to the Assistant Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer (COO). The role ensures that programs and services support student success, family engagement, and the organization's strategic goals. Key responsibilities include leading the planning, coordination, and execution of over 250 schoolwide events annually, serving more than 20,000 attendees, ensuring these events are safe, well-organized, fiscally responsible, and foster meaningful engagement. The position also oversees school safety initiatives, develops departmental policies, communicates organizational information, supervises staff, promotes collaboration, manages resources, and delivers high-quality programs and services aligned with the school's mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Valid California Teaching Credential
Valid California Administrative Services Credential or current enrollment in an approved Administrative Services Credential program
Five (5) or more years of experience in education, communications, community engagement, or program leadership
Experience developing and implementing programs, initiatives, or systems related to family engagement, communication, or community partnerships
Basic proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive) and virtual communication platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Chat, or similar tools)
AB 2534 Verification
Background Clearance
Tuberculosis Clearance (Risk Assessment or Skin Test)
I-9 Verification (Appropriate US Work Permits as required)
Complete Required Mandatory Trainings for School Employees

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Education, Communications, Public Relations, or related field
Experience in a charter school or independent study environment
Experience overseeing communications, marketing, or public relations efforts, including websites, social media, or public information campaigns
Experience in planning and managing large-scale events or community initiatives
Experience supervising staff or leading cross-functional teams
Experience working with diverse student populations and families and supporting community engagement efforts

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Community Department.
Ensures programs and services support student success, family engagement, and organizational strategic goals.
Leads the planning, coordination, and execution of over 250 schoolwide events annually, serving over 20,000 attendees.
Ensures events are safe, well-organized, fiscally responsible, and executed with a high level of professionalism.
Fosters meaningful engagement with students, families, staff, and community partners.
Oversees school safety initiatives.
Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures.
Communicates organizational information to internal and external stakeholders.
Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and school policies.
Supervises and develops assigned staff.
Promotes cross-departmental collaboration.
Manages departmental resources.
Is accountable for delivering high-quality programs, services, and events that align with The Cottonwood School's mission and priorities.