2025-2026 Associate Director of Academics and Culture

About Us

ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School is a K-5 charter school located in Douglasville, GA, part of the Metro Atlanta area. The school opened in August 2023 with kindergarten through 3rd grade and will continue to expand annually until fully enrolled.

Our mission is to provide an academically rigorous, supportive, and joyful learning environment that nurtures leadership in every student, preparing them for lifelong educational success and impactful community service.

We achieve this mission through:

• Rigorous academics: Students master core subjects, develop advanced academic skills, and learn to apply knowledge at higher levels.
• Leadership development: Students hone leadership abilities both in and out of school.
• Community service: Students engage in service to make a meaningful impact on their communities.

At ZEST Prep, we believe every student deserves an excellent education and that it is our collective responsibility to prepare them to take their place as future leaders. We are also committed to early college and career readiness, ensuring our students live choice-filled lives.

Our Approach

Our college-preparatory model focuses on three key areas:

1. Language and Literacy Development: A strong emphasis on literacy increases critical thinking and reading proficiency for all students.
2. Discovery-Based Learning: Teachers encourage students to take ownership of their learning by exploring new ideas and solving real-world challenges.
3. Leadership Skills: Starting in kindergarten, students are taught essential leadership habits, empowering them to apply these skills in their academic and personal lives.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Job Title: Associate Director of Academics and Culture
Classification: District-Administrative
Reports To: Executive Director

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Academics and Culture is integral to ZEST Prep’s success, co-leading the implementation of highly effective teaching and learning practices. This role supports the day-to-day academic and instructional programming, student and staff culture, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission and long-term goals.

Working closely with the Executive Director, administrative team, and other key leaders, the Associate Director drives academic excellence and fosters a positive school culture.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership and Instructional Excellence:

• Co-lead the implementation of the school’s instructional vision, curriculum development, and professional development.
• Ensures that frameworks and processes are in place for cycles of operational progress monitoring, strategic planning and annual goal setting
•   Co-lead and implement strategic initiatives of the school
• Works closely with the Associate Director of Specialized Services, Instructional Coaches, Grade Level Chairs, and key stakeholders to ensure appropriate programming and compliance
• Ensure instruction is aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence
• Conduct weekly classroom observations to ensure alignment with Georgia Standards of Excellence and the Science of Reading.
• Work closely with Instructional Coaches to support teacher and student growth
• Strong Knowledge of Curriculum such as: 95% Group Phonics,  EL Education, Eureka Math Squared, Leader In Me
• Maintains an academic budget to meet student achievement goals

Student Growth and Data Management:

•  Monitor student data and promote a data-driven culture to ensure positive outcomes on Georgia assessments and internal measures like NWEA MAP, IXL, Literacy Assessments etc.
• Support planning, preparation, and administration for standardized tests
• Supports MTSS compliance for grades K-5
• Data and operations reporting to the Executive Director
• Maintain student records, documents, and files for reporting to the Executive Director
• Ensures teachers maintain student data binders
•  Report cards
•  Support the development course and class schedules
• Data Management in the SIS (Infinite Campus)

Family and Community Engagement/ Student Recruitment

• Supports the implementation of a robust parent and community involvement plan that prioritizes students’ success and the needs of the school community
• Holding teachers accountable for effective and regular communication with parents and students
• Support systems and processes to support recruitment and enrollment and collaborate with Executive Director and Senior Director of Operations to oversee recruitment of new students and ensure school meets all enrollment goals
• Supports and attends family engagement and student recruitment events

 Student Culture and Behavior

• Implement school-wide behavior management systems that promote positive student interactions, leadership, and accountability.
• Conduct weekly classroom observations to support a consistent culture of high expectations for behavior and learning.
• Collaborate with staff to provide social-emotional learning (SEL) opportunities and leadership development for students.

·Staff Culture and Investment

• Foster a culture of collaboration, growth, and accountability among staff.
• Provide coaching, professional development, and clear systems to support teacher effectiveness and retention.
• Celebrate staff achievements and contributions to a positive school environment.

Leadership and Operations:

• Assist in maintaining the integrity and success of ZEST Preparatory Academy
• Co-Manages and supports teachers and school based staff
• Supports the School Operations team in leading school operations

Ancillary Duties: Include, but are not limited to:

• Demonstrate positive support for the Board, administrative team, school staff, and the community
• Participate on School Leadership Team
• Promote positive school culture
• Attend after school activities
• Assist with student arrival and dismissal
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Master’s degree in education or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Certification: Georgia Educator Certificate required; Leadership Certification preferred or willing to obtain within two years.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 5 years in education leadership.
• Experience with charter schools and Georgia public school systems is highly desirable.
• Knowledge and Skills:
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of Georgia educational policies, charter school flexibility, and public school funding.
• Commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive school culture.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $75,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

Commitment to Diversity

ZEST Preparatory Academy values diversity and is committed to building a team of leaders from varied backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin.