Executive Director

THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™

Seaside Neighborhood School™ & Seacoast Collegiate High School

Walton County, Florida

THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™ seeks an accomplished and mission-driven Executive Director to lead Florida’s oldest continuously operating public charter school. Founded in 1996, THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™ serves approximately 600 students in grades 5–12 across two campuses in Walton County: Seaside Neighborhood School (grades 5–8) in Seaside and Seacoast Collegiate High School (grades 9–12) in Santa Rosa Beach. Nationally recognized for its innovative, student-centered education, the School’s intentionally small, relationship centered learning environment—supported by a mission-driven faculty—fosters strong academic outcomes alongside leadership, character, and personal growth.

A significant milestone in the School’s growth is the expanded South Walton Center, home to Seacoast Collegiate High School and Northwest Florida State College. This state-of-the-art campus reflects a powerful K–12 and higher education partnership, providing access to college-level instruction, workforce training, and advanced academic pathways for students across Walton County.

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™, providing strategic and operational leadership for a high-performing, dual-campus public charter school. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is accountable for the academic, operational, financial, and legal performance of the organization, ensuring strong outcomes and long-term sustainability.

This leader sets the strategic direction of the School, aligning vision, mission, and execution while maintaining a strong focus on academic excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. The Executive Director ensures compliance with Florida statutes and the School’s charter contract, while fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture across approximately 55 faculty and staff.

This role works closely with the Board to set strategy, ensure long-term sustainability, and maintain strong governance, while fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture across the organization. The Executive Director also serves as the School’s primary ambassador, building trust with families, community partners, and regional stakeholders.

THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™ is at a pivotal moment in its evolution, following the expansion of Seacoast Collegiate High School and the continued strength of its academic model. The Executive Director will build on this foundation to strengthen the School’s unique two-campus structure, deepen strategic partnerships, including with Northwest Florida State College and the Walton County School District, and expand access and opportunities for students across Walton County.

The ideal candidate will bring a balance of visionary leadership and operational discipline, with the ability to navigate complexity, build trust among diverse stakeholders and community leaders, and position THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™ for continued success in a dynamic and growing region. Charter school leadership experience is strongly preferred.

Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, application materials should be received as soon as possible. Candidates should provide a resume or CV and a letter of application.

Nominations and application materials should be sent electronically via email to

SeasideED@buffkinbaker.com

Buffkin / Baker

Ken Carrick, Partner 980-296-5401

Sharon Hansen, Senior Associate 615-547-3318

THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or genetic information. This applies to all employment practices including, but not limited to hiring, promotion, training, transfers, job assignments, terminations, recalls, wage and salary administration, and application of all School policies, procedures, and benefits