POSITION DESCRIPTION: Head of School 

Background 

Animas High School (AHS) is a tuition–free, public charter school open to all. Founded locally in 2009 and chartered through the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI), AHS has a proven track record of preparing students for college and postsecondary success. Our innovative, project-based curriculum engages students in their education, creating critical thinkers, strong problem solvers, articulate presenters and emotionally intelligent young adults. We are located on the Fort Lewis College campus, in a beautiful, newly constructed, solar-powered building specifically designed to support our unique curriculum and programs. 

What Really Matters to Us 

We are driven to cultivate a community grounded in respect, curiosity, and authentic relationships. Our community is one where young people are seen and heard, and where their voices shape the learning experience. We believe in honoring the professionalism, creativity, and deep commitment of our educators, fostering an adult learning culture that is strengths-based, collaborative, and always striving to get better. We are committed to project-based learning, and we value thoughtful, student-centered instructional leadership that equips teachers with tools, not prescriptions, to grow. We care about clear systems, intentional planning, and follow-through that support both efficiency and humanity. We hold close our partnerships with Fort Lewis College and the wider Durango community, and we are committed to being a school that listens, engages, and leads with purpose. 

The Moment 

Animas High School operates within a national education landscape marked by rising student needs and heightened expectations for both instructional excellence and social-emotional support. Schools across the country are balancing increased compliance demands, political pressures, and the challenge of doing more with limited resources, all while striving to deliver meaningful, relevant, future-ready learning. For charter schools in particular, and in Durango and the surrounding communities certainly, shifting demographics and growing competition require ongoing attention to enrollment – both attracting new students and retaining current ones – which adds another layer of strategic focus for school leaders. 

Charter schools are increasingly taking a hard look at their models to examine what’s working, what needs to evolve, and how to remain both mission-driven and responsive. This reflective posture is not only common but essential, ensuring that schools stay aligned with their founding purpose while adapting to the changing needs of students, staff, communities, and the broader landscape in which they operate. 

Notwithstanding the challenges that exist, AHS is poised for a next chapter that builds on strong foundations. The next Head of School will inherit a community rooted in trust, belonging, and authenticity whose small size enables close connection and nimbleness. With a beautiful new campus, a supportive board, financial reserves, strong local ties, and a deep well of faculty dedication, Animas High School is ready to be led by an inspiring, values-aligned leader. 

The Head of School 

In this spirit, the next Head of School will engage with the Board, AHS team and partners to strengthen what is core, evolve where needed, and continue to live its mission with clarity and conviction. 

The Head of School will bring steady, thoughtful leadership to the community. You will recognize young people as full participants in their own education by listening deeply, elevating their voices, and modeling the respect and advocacy the school values. You will champion a strengths-based adult learning community that fosters the growth of the school’s instructional leaders and amplifies their talent. You will strengthen systems and infrastructure, guide a well-defined leadership team, and usher change at a pace that is intentional and appropriate. Equally important is a visible, community-rooted presence, as you work to build trust with Fort Lewis College and wider Durango partners, and navigate the tension between compliance and human needs with integrity and empathy. Above all, you will communicate a clear, compelling vision and follow through with intention, cultivating a school where relationships, curiosity, and belonging remain at the heart of the work. 

General Responsibilities 

The responsibilities of the Head of School include the following and are subject to refinement: 

Vision & Strategy 

  • Hold and communicate a clear, inspiring vision for AHS that honors its mission and model, while recognizing and responding to the changing needs of the community and implications of the broader educational landscape. 
  • Guide the school through thoughtful reflection and evolution of its model, helping the community examine what is working, where adjustments may strengthen outcomes, and how to stay mission-driven while responsive to current needs. 
  • Lead the development and implementation of a community-informed strategic plan, in partnership with the Board, and engaging students, staff, families, Fort Lewis College (FLC), and broader Durango partners (year two).
  • Ensure alignment between school practices, strategic priorities, budget, and long-term sustainability. 

Instructional Leadership & School Culture 

  • Provide strategic instructional leadership by setting clear priorities and guiding high-level decisions, while supporting day-to-day implementation and monitoring progress. ● Equip and empower educators by offering resources, tools, coaching, and effective structures. Support strong teaching practice without prescribing solutions or limiting professional autonomy. 
  • Strengthen a culture of respect, curiosity, and meaningful relationships with a strong emphasis on student voice, shared accountability, and ensuring students with marginalized identities are fully supported and seen. 

People Leadership & Team Development 

  • Manage, support, and develop a clearly delineated leadership team, ensuring effective delegation, role clarity, communication, and accountability. 
  • Recruit, retain, and nurture high-quality faculty and staff, supporting their growth while honoring their deep commitment to students. 
  • Model reflective, relational leadership by listening deeply, seeking to understand, and following through consistently. 

Community Engagement & Partnerships 

  • Serve as a visible and engaged ambassador of AHS in the Durango community. ● Lead community outreach efforts to strengthen awareness of AHS’ model and support sustainable student enrollment. 
  • Strengthen and steward key relationships with Fort Lewis College and other educational, civic, and industry partners. 
  • Build AHS’ reputation as a trusted, collaborative institution committed to the region’s young people and future. 

Systems, Operations & Compliance 

  • Strengthen systems, structures, and routines that support efficiency, instructional quality, and a smooth operational environment. 
  • Ensure sound financial and operational oversight in partnership with the Board, including budgeting, fundraising, staffing, safety, and regulatory compliance. 
  • Navigate the tension between compliance requirements and human needs with clarity, compassion, and principled decision-making.

Student Experience & Well-Being 

  • Champion a student-centered learning environment that values authentic project-based learning, agency and a strong emphasis on student voice and supporting students with marginalized identities 
  • Ensure that structures support students’ academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary pathways. 
  • Engage meaningfully with students and families to build trust, belonging, and shared commitment to the school’s mission. 

Governance & Board Relations 

  • Maintain a strong, transparent partnership with the Board of Directors, providing regular, data-informed updates and engaging the Board in strategic and generative work. ● Collaborate with the Board to ensure long-term financial health, mission fidelity, and strategic alignment. 

Qualifications 

AHS seeks a leader who brings both the professional expertise and the personal disposition needed to guide a mission-driven, relationship-centered, project-based learning community. The ideal candidate practices reflective and strengths-based leadership, and holds a steady, compassionate presence in moments of change. You will bring the skills to strengthen systems, support a dedicated team, and cultivate meaningful partnerships, while keeping students’ voices, well-being, and authentic learning at the center of the work. More specifically, the AHS Head of school will have: 

  • Demonstrated success in school leadership, with experience managing teams, supporting adults, and cultivating a healthy culture. 
  • Instructional leadership/teaching and learning assessment experience sufficient to support the ongoing development of the AHS instructional lead 
  • Commitment to project-based learning, experiential education, or other student-centered instructional models. 
  • Experience working in the high school context. 
  • Experience leading through change: thoughtfully, collaboratively, and at an appropriate pace. 
  • Skill in developing and strengthening systems, routines, and operational processes that support effective school functioning. 
  • A relational, empathetic leadership style grounded in listening, curiosity, and follow-through. ● Experience working with or alongside a governing board, with an understanding of effective governance/leadership partnerships.
  • Capacity to engage meaningfully with the Durango community and represent the school with authenticity and care. 
  • Strong communication skills, including clarity, transparency, and the ability to inspire and build shared purpose. 
  • High-level knowledge of planning, budgeting and resource management, compliance, accountability, and school operations. 
  • A commitment to equity, belonging, and student voice in all aspects of school life. 

Why You’ll Love Durango 

Durango is a stunning mountain town where natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a strong sense of community intersect. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains and threaded by the Animas River, the town offers hiking, biking, skiing, rafting, kayaking, fishing, and endless blue-sky days. Its walkable downtown is full of local shops, coffeehouses, and restaurants. With a vibrant arts scene, a lively college presence through Fort Lewis College, and a community that is welcoming, engaged, and deeply connected to place, Durango offers an exceptional quality of life for those who value nature, adventure, and community. 

In a town where people show up for one another and relationships truly matter, the Head of School will be a highly visible and trusted community presence—someone who is known, accessible, and actively engaged with students, families, partners, and local leaders. This is a place where your leadership will be felt, seen, and appreciated both inside the school and throughout the broader community. We can’t wait to introduce you and show you around. 

Compensation 

The position offers a salary in the range of $130k – $150k, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, and short-term disability coverage and the ability to opt into the dental plan; enrollment in Colorado’s PERA retirement system; paid time off; and professional development support. Relocation assistance may be available. 

To Apply 

We invite you to submit your resume and in lieu of a cover letter, respond to the following prompts (approximately 250-300 words per question): 

  • What are the top three questions you would need answered in order to step into the Head of School role with clarity and confidence? Please explain why each question matters and how it would influence your early decision-making. Describe the steps you would take to pursue those answers during the interview process and your entry period.
  • What questions are you asking about the educational landscape locally, statewide, and nationally, and how do those questions inform your perspective and choices as a leader? 
  • Describe one recent change or action you have taken to make your school’s learning environment more supportive and effective for the students and staff. 
  • What is an aspect of your own leadership or practice that you are intentionally working to grow or strengthen? Discuss why this area matters to you, how you are approaching your own development, and how you hope that growth will influence your leadership of a school community. 

The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. Please send your materials to our search partner, Leslie Nair, at [email protected]. For best consideration, please apply before January 4, 2026. 

Inclusion Statement 

Animas High School is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring and developing a team that brings diversity of voices, ideas and approaches to the complex societal challenges we are tackling. We strive to be an organization that reflects the perspectives of our community. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.