For the 2026-27 School Year

Must possess a valid California Administrative Credential.

Please review the job description for full experience and credential requirements.

Application Required Documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Introduction/Interest
• Copy of Credential
• Two Letters of Recommendation (dated within the last year)
• Transcripts (Proof of MA Degree)

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Faxed applications will not be accepted.

IMPORTANT: It is the applicant's responsibility to attach ALL required documents AS SPECIFIED IN THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT. These documents must be ATTACHED BY THE APPLICANT and submitted WITH their completed application.  Applicants who do not submit all required documents listed above may not be considered for this vacancy.

Western Center Academy Executive Director

JOB SUMMARY
Under the general direction of the Superintendent or designee and the Western Center Governing
Council, the Executive Director of Western Center Academy (WCA) is responsible for the effective
operation and comprehensive administration of the school, including instructional leadership,
fiscal management, personnel supervision, facilities oversight, and regulatory compliance.
Additionally, the Executive Director leads the development and implementation of rigorous academic
programs aligned with the District’s mission and vision as well as with the academy’s charter. The
Executive Director also fosters a culture of positive, engaged learners; builds strong partnerships
with families and community stakeholders; and ensures compliance with all applicable federal,
state, and local laws and regulations.

This position collaborates closely with Hemet Unified School District, the WCA Governing Council,
PTSA, booster organizations, and community partners to ensure consistent, effective, and strategic
leadership of Western Center Academy.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Educational Program Management

1. Embodies, advocates for, and executes the mission, vision, and strategic direction of Western
Center Academy, which is aligned with the District.
2. Oversees development and implementation of a comprehensive and rigorous academic curriculum
serving all students;
3. Ensures the school provides core academic instruction (reading, writing, mathematics, science,
and social studies) and STEM enrichment opportunities;
4. Monitors and analyzes student performance data and prepares required reports;
5. Develops support systems that foster teacher leadership, shared decision-making, and
professional growth;
6. Facilitates professional development, instructional planning meetings, and staff collaboration;
7. Ensures compliance with all educational and regulatory requirements at federal, state, and local
levels;
8. Interprets and communicates information from agencies, including the California Department of
Education, State Board of Education, and charter oversight entities;
9. Develops and implements policies in accordance with the Western Center Academy Charter Petition;
10. Develops and implements state-mandated accountability measures, including the Local Control and
Accountability Plan (LCAP), the Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan, and other related
accountability frameworks;
11. Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships with STEM industry leaders and community
organizations;
12. Conducts outreach to the community and district regarding WCA’s educational model.

Operations Management and Supervision

1. Provides oversight and leadership for the continued growth and expansion of Western Center
Academy.
2. Supervises day-to-day operations of the school;
3. Develops and maintains school office procedures, methods, and practices;
4. Ensures compliance with financial, recordkeeping, and employment laws and regulations;
5. Manages recruitment and selection of staff in collaboration with Hemet Unified School District’s
HR Department and the academy’s charter petition;
6. Supervises and evaluates staff and fosters positive, collaborative working relationships;
7. Attends and participates in WCA Governing Council meetings and committee meetings;
8. Oversees preparation of the annual performance audit;
9. Oversees daily facilities and maintenance management of the Jack Gosch Campus and any additional campus sites;
10. Collaborates with the Governing Council in planning and implementing a facilities master plan for future site development;
11. Coordinates operational communication and partnerships with Hemet Unified School District and external agencies.

Communications Management

1. Establishes and maintains professional and cooperative relationships with parents, students,
staff, neighbors, and community partners;
2. Maintains a visible and accessible presence within the school community;
3. Advocates for Western Center Academy within the broader community and media; Communicates
issues, concerns, and needs to the WCA Governing Council;
4. Represents WCA at district, county, and other administrative meetings as requested;
5. Maintains frequent and regular communication with families through newsletters, website
communications, and meetings;
6. Serves as spokesperson for the Academy and cultivates relationships with key stakeholders,
including donors, media, and charter authorizers;
7. Leads outreach and marketing efforts to maintain enrollment and support school development.

Fiscal Management

1. Works collaboratively with District staff to develop the annual budget, including First and
Second Interim reports;
2. Ensures adequacy and soundness of the Academy’s financial structure;
3. Manages budgets and makes fiscal recommendations to the Governing Council;
4. Establishes economic objectives and fiscal goals aligned with the Academy’s mission and vision;
5. Provides required financial reports to the Governing Council, Hemet Unified School District,
Riverside County Office of Education, and other agencies;
6. Works with the District on annual audit processes.
7. Oversees annual application and administration of applicable facilities grants;
8. Conducts annual lease negotiations and manages facility agreements;
9. Identifies potential funding sources and revenue streams;
10. Collaborates with community stakeholders on fundraising initiatives supporting the continued
growth of the Academy;
11. Performs other related duties as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:
1. Charter school governance and operations;
2. Curriculum development and instructional leadership, particularly in STEM programs;
3. Federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing public and charter schools;
4. School finance, budgeting, and fiscal accountability;
5. Personnel supervision, evaluation, and labor relations;
6. Federal, State accountability systems and mandated reporting requirements;
7. Facilities planning and management;
8. Principles of organizational leadership and strategic planning;
9. Modern office methods and procedures;
10. Data analysis and performance monitoring systems;
11. Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), Common Core State Standards (CCSS), English
Language Development Standards, Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) requirements and any
other federal, state, and local accountability requirements;
12. Applicable sections of State Education Code;
13. School/community demographics.

Ability to:
1. Provide effective instructional and operational leadership;
2. Train, supervise, evaluate, and support certificated and classified staff;
3. Interpret and apply laws, policies, and regulations;
4. Develop and manage complex budgets;
5. Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
6. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders;
7. Analyze data and use results to guide decision-making;
8. Represent the Academy professionally in public forums;
9. Lead strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives;
10. Prepare comprehensive narrative and statistical reports;
11. Produce effective work, both independently and collaboratively in alignment with the Governing
Council; District and appropriate oversight authorities.
12. Ensure the timely completion of all deliverables and milestones;
13. Understand the requirements for services for special needs students and ensure that
requirements involving special needs students are met by staff;
14. Perform other duties as assigned or needed.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Education: Master’s Degree in Educational Administration or related field preferred.

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of certificated administrative experience, which required
instructional program oversight, fiscal management, and personnel supervision. A minimum of three
(3) years of experience teaching in a public, private, or charter school; experience in charter
school leadership and STEM-focused programming is preferred.

REQUIRED LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES

1. Valid California Administrative Services Credential;
2. Valid California Teaching Credential preferred.
3. Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and maintenance of insurability during
employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position
must perform in carrying out the essential functions listed above.

Physical Demands: Sit, look downward, reach (up to frequently); stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat,
push, pull, (occasionally); climb stairs, twist (infrequently); repetitive hand activities within
close reach, such as files, keyboard, and handwriting (frequently); lift/carry up to 25 pounds
(occasionally), extensive reading; use vision, hearing, and speaking (including in-person, phone,
virtual forums, and public address).

Working Conditions: Indoor office; outside school yard and grounds. Exposure to: seasonal
temperature variations, dust and wind, traffic, food preparation smells, use of office equipment,
and desk supplies.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential
functions of the job.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Hemet Unified School District
(HUSD) will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities for the
purpose of enabling the performance of the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.
HUSD encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with
Human Resources and/or Safety/Risk Management.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Certificated Management Position Salary Schedule 138
222 Days February 2026

Non-Discrimination Policy:

The Hemet Unified School District (District) is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in District programs and activities. District programs, activities, and practices shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.  

For all complaints concerning students, employees, and programs please contact: 

Juan Santos, Director, Title IX, Compliance & Resolution
1791 W. Acacia Avenue
Hemet, CA 92545
(951) 765-5100 ext. 2255
 

For questions concerning Section 504, please contact:   

Joshua Workman, Director, Student Support Services
1791 W. Acacia Avenue
Hemet, CA 92545
(951) 765-5100 ext. 3500

For questions concerning educational equity, please contact:  

Michael Schanze, Coordinator of Child Welfare & Attendance and Educational Equity
1791 W. Acacia Avenue 
Hemet, CA 92545
(951) 765-5100 ext. 3700