Description
The Paul Cuffee School Board of Trustees seeks an exceptional educational leader to serve as Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer. This transformational leader will provide strategic vision, educational leadership, and operational oversight while building upon the school's strong foundation of academic excellence and its unique maritime-enriched curriculum.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Serve as Chief Executive Officer with overall responsibility for school operations and performance
Develop and implement strategic initiatives that advance the school's mission and vision
Ensure the school maintains its reputation for academic excellence and college preparation
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
Educational Leadership
Provide instructional leadership to ensure rigorous, engaging academic programming
Oversee curriculum development and implementation across K-12
Integrate maritime experiences meaningfully into the educational program
Monitor and enhance student achievement and college readiness outcomes
Support professional development and growth for all staff
Operational Management
Oversee day-to-day operations including human resources, facilities, and fiscal management
Ensure compliance with all charter, state, and federal requirements
Manage budget development and financial sustainability
Lead enrollment, retention, and student support initiatives
Enhance current systems and develop new systems in a collaborative setting
Community Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with families, students, faculty, staff, and community partners and stakeholders
Serve as the public face of the school and its chief advocate
Work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees
Engage diverse stakeholders in advancing the school's mission
Foster partnerships that enhance educational opportunities for students
Qualifications
Required:
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible educational leadership experience
Proven track record of improving student achievement and organizational performance
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Knowledge of charter school operations and governance
Valid RIDE superintendent licensure
Preferred:
Terminal degree in educational leadership or related field
Experience as a School Principal, Assistant Superintendent, or Superintendent
Background in charter school or innovative educational settings
Experience serving diverse, urban student populations
Knowledge of maritime education or experiential learning programs
Grant writing and fundraising experience
Experience with public school charter processes
Compensation & Benefits
Paul Cuffee Charter School District offers a regionally competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including comprehensive benefits.
Search Process
The Paul Cuffee Board of Trustees has engaged in the services of the Northeast Education Consultant Group to conduct its search for qualified candidates led by experienced educational leadership consultants, Dr. Victor D. Mercurio and Dr. Nicholas J. Spera. The search process includes stakeholder engagement, comprehensive screening, and thoughtful selection to identify the right leader for our community.
Application Timeline:
Application deadline of January 30, 2026
Finalist interviews: Mid-February 2026
Expected start date: Spring 2026 or Negotiable Upon Hire
How to Apply
Applicants must provide pdfs of the following by the January 30, 2026, 5:00 pm DEADLINE:
- A cover letter indicating interest in the position
- A current resume/CV
- A minimum of three recent letters of professional reference (references will not be contacted without permission to ensure confidentiality)
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Copy of Rhode Island Superintendent certification or evidence and statement for ability to obtain certification
To ensure full consideration and confidentiality of your application, all materials should be emailed to: Dr. Nicholas Spera at neconsultantgroupllc@gmail.com
For questions about the position or search process, please contact:
Dr. Victor D. Mercurio via email at: vmercurio463@gmail.com
Paul Cuffee Charter School District is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive educational community. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. Paul Cuffee School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to all.