Academy Director of Early College & Advanced Academics

Friendship Public Charter School operates a dynamic network of college-preparatory charter schools headquartered in Washington, DC. We proudly serve more than 4,800 preschool through 12th-grade students and support a growing network of alumni as they complete college. Our mission is to provide students with a world-class education that fosters ethical, literate, well-rounded, and self-sufficient individuals. We aim to inspire students to reach high academic standards, enjoy the learning process, succeed in their endeavors, and contribute actively to their communities. For 25 years, thanks to the dedication and expertise of our outstanding faculty, our students have excelled—achieving high graduation rates, college acceptance, and success both academically and socially.

The Academy Director of Early College & Advanced Academics is a vital member of the school’s Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) and works closely and routinely with the principal to guide continuous program improvement. This role oversees a unified strategy that integrates Early College, AP/Honors, Pre‑AP, and vertical curriculum alignment. As an instructional leader and Lead Coach, they share responsibility for the academic growth of all students taught by their teachers. Additionally, they spearhead relationships with colleges, universities, and community organizations to support college and career readiness, while equipping students and families with essential knowledge about college enrollment, scholarships, financial aid, and other postsecondary pathways.

We are seeking professionals who are responsible, confident, respectful, caring, committed, persistent, and patient to join our community for the 2025-2026 school year, starting in August 2025. At Friendship, we believe that every child has the potential to reach and succeed in college—and we invite those who share this belief to apply.

For more information about our schools please visit the following Social Media pages: YouTube, Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter! 

Please also see the available salary scales: FPCS Compensation

Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Development

• Strategic Planning & Operations: Develop and execute a strategic vision for Early College and Advanced Academics that aligns with Friendship Public Charter School’s mission and academic priorities. Manage operations including course selection, scheduling, enrollment, assessments, and curriculum enhancement—particularly AP and Honors offerings.

• Curriculum & Partnerships: Coordinate dual enrollment and curriculum alignment with college partners to ensure rigorous preparation for college. Evaluate curricula to reinforce vertical alignment and program coherence across grade levels.

Student Success & Support

• Early College Exposure: Promote early access to college-level coursework starting in ninth grade.

• Advising & Alumni Support: Establish and maintain systems for academic counseling, tailored student support services, and continued alumni assistance for postsecondary progress tracking.

Partnership & Community Engagement

• Institutional Collaboration: Forge and sustain collaborative relationships with higher education institutions and community organizations to expand college and career readiness opportunities.

• Family Outreach & Guidance: Engage students and parents proactively—informing them about college requirements, scholarships, financial aid (e.g., FAFSA), and career planning to ensure informed decision-making.

Instructional Leadership & Coaching

• ILT Collaboration: Attend and contribute regularly to ILT meetings alongside the principal to review data, align program initiatives, and support instructional strategies.

• Teacher Development: Serve as a Lead Coach—supervising, mentoring, and providing professional development to faculty (including counselors and academic liaisons) to foster strong instructional practices and equitable learning environments.

Operational Oversight

• Budget & Resources: Works with the ILT with the development of program budgets and resource allocation.

• Monitoring & Mitigation: Analyze student outcomes (e.g., college credit attainment, performance in AP/Honors) and proactively address any operational or instructional risks in pursuit of continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in secondary or higher education administration, with at least 3 years of leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships with colleges and universities.
• Deep understanding of dual enrollment, early college models, and college-readiness best practices.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to educational equity and student achievement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with first-generation college students.
• Knowledge of AP, Honors, and Career Academy curriculum development.
• Familiarity with charter school environments.

FPCS’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, status as a special disabled veteran, or any other protected criteria as established by federal, state, or local laws.  This policy applies to recruitment and hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, layoff, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.  Employment decisions at FPCS are based solely upon relevant criteria, including an individual’s capabilities, qualifications, training, experience and suitability.