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Executive Director - Lakes International Language Academy
Posted on 2025-12-15 11:05:52 PM
Listing expires 2025-12-22 12:00:00 AM
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Date of Availability: 07/01/2026
Date Closing: 01/31/2026
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lakes International Language Academy (LILA)
Forest Lake, Minnesota
www.mylila.org
Contract: FY 2026-2029
Salary Range: $145,000 - $165,000
Additional Opportunities (Year 2+): Performance bonuses and salary increases
Benefits: Competitive package including health, retirement, and professional development opportunities
Position Start: July 1, 2026
About the Opportunity
Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) is seeking an inspiring, mission-driven Executive Director to lead our vibrant, multilingual International Baccalaureate community. This is a rare opportunity to guide a school where global-minded learning, language immersion, and student belonging are at the heart of everything we do.As LILA’s chief executive, you will build trust through transparent communication and deep collaboration with students, staff, families, and the broader community. You will partner closely with the Board of Directors and administrative leaders to advance academic excellence and an inclusive, joyful school culture.
You’ll shape the future of LILA through strategic leadership of programming, enrollment, operations, finance, HR, and community engagement—cultivating partnerships that expand our local and international impact. If you’re a visionary leader who thrives in dynamic environments and is energized by serving students through strong systems, inspired teams, and bold long-term planning, we’d love to meet you.
About Lakes International Language Academy
LILA is a PreK-12 public charter school serving more than 1,400 students in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Founded in 2004 and expanded to grades 7-12 in 2015 and 2016, LILA is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the PYP, MYP, and DP.We provide Spanish and Mandarin immersion pathways in PreK-5 and multiple entry points for non-immersion learners in grades 6-12. Our language-rich, globally focused school prepares students to become compassionate, curious, and capable citizens of the world.
Mission: LILA prepares tomorrow’s critical thinkers and global citizens through language acquisition and inquiry-driven study.
Strategic Plan Pillars:
- Dynamic Student Experience
- Collaborative Community
- Professional Excellence
- Advancing LILA’s Future
Role Summary
The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive officer of LILA and the professional advisor to the LILA Board of Directors. Reporting directly to the Board Chair, the ED guides all operations and activities of the school, grounded in LILA’s mission and Strategic Plan.The ED directly supervises building principals and department heads and ensures that all programs, personnel, communications, and operational systems work together in service of students.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Governance- Communicate clearly, transparently, and proactively with students, staff, families, and the broader community.
- Inform, advise, and support the Board of Directors on school programs, policies, needs, and compliance.
- Recommend new or revised policies and ensure faithful implementation of Board directives.
- Partner with principals and program leaders to maintain strong academic programming aligned with IB philosophy.
- Foster a climate of trust, collaboration, and belonging for students, families, and staff.
- Serve as liaison to internal stakeholders, ensuring consistent communication and responsiveness.
- Develop, implement, and refine strategic plans supporting short- and long-term goals.
- Assume ultimate responsibility for all aspects of school operations, including facilities, safety, and instructional support.
- Oversee financial operations, budget development, and reporting in partnership with the Finance Office.
- Lead student recruitment efforts to meet enrollment goals.
- Oversee HR policies, staffing structures, licensure requirements, and international visa processes.
- Present employee proposals and policy recommendations to the Board.
- Lead PR, marketing, and external communication efforts to elevate LILA’s reputation locally and globally.
- Build and maintain partnerships with legislators, community organizations, businesses, international partners, and other schools.
- Maintain knowledge of best practices in immersion education, language acquisition, and IB programming.
- Ensure timely completion of all authorizer, state, and federal reports.
- Engage in continuous professional development and networking.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Administration, Business, or related field
- School administration or executive leadership experience in an educational setting
Preferred Qualifications
- Minnesota K–12 Principal or Superintendent License
- Experience in language immersion education
- Experience with International Baccalaureate Standards
- Teaching experience
- Advanced degree in Education, Administration, Second Language Teaching, or Language Acquisition
- Charter school administrative experience
How to Apply
Please complete the application on the LILA website at mylila.org and upload the following materials:- Cover letter
- Resume/CV
- Three professional references
- Any additional required documents
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