School Executive Director

Solterra School•Norfolk, VA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director (Instructional Leader) advances this mission by ensuring a safe, compliant, high-quality learning environment where students with disabilities receive consistent instruction, integrated supports, and stable leadership through strong systems, staff accountability, and family partnership. Position Summary The Executive Director (Instructional Leader) serves as the onsite School Administrator responsible for daily leadership, instructional oversight, operational integrity, and regulatory compliance at Solterra School. This role ensures the school meets all applicable requirements under Virginia regulations governing private schools for students with disabilities, and that instructional and therapeutic services are delivered safely, consistently, and professionally. In addition to day-to-day school leadership, the Executive Director plays a key role in staff accountability, HR-adjacent compliance (license/credential tracking), IEP participation, and ongoing communication with families and stakeholders. This role requires a calm, systems-driven leader who can manage complexity, provide clear expectations, and ensure a stable learning environment for students with diverse support needs.

Requirements

Holds a valid five-year, renewable postgraduate professional license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia
License must include an endorsement in School Administration & Supervision OR Special Education
Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with students with disabilities
Demonstrated experience providing onsite school leadership, instructional oversight, and staff accountability
Strong understanding of special education, student supports, and professional standards in disability-serving environments
Strong organizational, documentation, and operational follow-through skills
Ability to lead calmly under pressure and support a stable school environment
Demonstrated skill in family communication and relationship-building

Nice To Haves

Experience in private day schools, therapeutic day programs, alternative schools, or integrated education-therapy models
Familiarity with UDL, SEL frameworks, and trauma-informed educational approaches
Experience working alongside clinical teams (ABA, OT, SLP) in an integrated school setting
Experience leading campus operations in a startup or growth-stage organization
Calm, confident onsite leader with high integrity and strong judgment
Systems-oriented and consistent; able to build repeatable processes without overcomplicating systems
Warm, firm, and student-centered
Strong communicator who reinforces accountability while maintaining culture
Values collaboration, inclusion, and high standards

Responsibilities

Serve as the onsite instructional leader responsible for academic leadership and campus-based decision-making during school operations
Ensure consistent implementation of curriculum, instructional expectations, and student supports aligned with Solterraâs academic program and VDOE requirements
Monitor classroom instruction, student engagement, and daily academic continuity across the school day
Support educators in effective planning, differentiated instruction, and progress monitoring
Partner with the CAO to implement professional development, coaching systems, and instructional priorities
Lead daily campus operations to ensure safe, organized, and consistent service delivery
Maintain stable routines and systems that support student regulation, learning readiness, and predictable school functioning
Coordinate staffing coverage and daily schedules to ensure classrooms and services are appropriately supported
Serve as the onsite authority for real-time decision-making and urgent response needs
Support smooth coordination between education and clinical supports throughout the school day
Maintain ongoing compliance with VDOE-related requirements and Solterra school policies
Ensure accurate and timely documentation practices, including student attendance, records, incident reports, and required postings
Coordinate internal readiness for inspections, licensing reviews, site visits, and audits as applicable
Ensure emergency preparedness expectations are implemented and drill schedules are followed and documented
Partner with corporate leadership to ensure the campus remains audit-ready at all times
Provide onsite leadership for staff expectations, performance, professionalism, and campus culture
Support consistent accountability practices, including attendance expectations, role clarity, and follow-through on responsibilities
Partner with People Ops/Talent leadership (as applicable) to support onboarding, role transitions, and performance support
Maintain staff compliance readiness by ensuring required credentials remain current, including:
License tracking (teaching/admin/special education endorsements)
Background checks and required documentation
Training completion records
Expiration monitoring and proactive renewal reminders
Ensure appropriate documentation and escalation practices exist when staff are out of compliance or performance expectations are not being met
Attend and support IEP meetings as required, serving as campus leadership representative and ensuring school coordination
Collaborate with teachers, clinical staff, and families to support student success and service continuity
Serve as a primary point of contact for families regarding school-based concerns and campus-level communication
Maintain proactive, timely, and professional family communication aligned with Solterraâs values and standards
Support resolution of family concerns through a clear, calm, solutions-oriented approach
Ensure implementation of safety procedures, behavior response expectations, and campus-wide crisis protocols
Respond to urgent behavior or safety concerns and coordinate appropriate escalation as needed
Support de-escalation practices and ensure staff follow approved interventions and prohibited actions policies
Maintain calm, steady leadership in emergencies, escalations, or service disruptions
Coordinate communication and incident documentation following safety-related events