Head of School

Date Posted	December 16, 2025
Industry	K-12: Charter Schools
Certification Needed	Not Applicable
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	$125,000 to $150,000
Website	https://animashighschool.com/

Description:

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 AnimasHOS@lns-partners.com. 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.