Careers
It is the mission of Marine Village School to provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that fosters academic success in a traditional yet dynamic setting. Students will be provided with passionate teachers, as well as the tools necessary to promote a love of learning, respect for our environment, a sense of wonder, and responsibility for our community.
Position Title: Executive Director / Principal
Reports To: Board of Directors
Position Type: Full-Time, Year-Round
About Marine Village School:Â
Marine Village School is a tuition-free public charter school serving Kindergarten through sixth-grade
students in Marine on St. Croix and surrounding communities. The school offers a small, nurturing
learning environment that combines strong academics with outdoor education, environmental
stewardship, community partnerships, and hands-on learning experiences. The school’s mission
emphasizes fostering a love of learning, respect for the environment, a sense of wonder, and
responsibility to the community.
Position Summary:
Marine Village School seeks a visionary, collaborative, and student-centered Executive Director/Principal
to lead and grow a thriving public charter school rooted in academic excellence, community
engagement, and environmental learning. The Executive Director/Principal serves as the school’s chief
educational and administrative leader, responsible for advancing the school’s mission, overseeing daily
operations, ensuring academic success, cultivating a strong school culture, and building meaningful
relationships with families, staff, community partners, and the Board of Directors.
This leader will guide the school through its next phase of growth while preserving the close-knit,
community-centered values that define Marine Village School.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Leadership & Vision
- Champion and advance the mission, vision, and strategic goals of Marine Village School.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and student-focused school culture.
- Lead organizational planning, continuous improvement initiatives, and long-term sustainability efforts.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the school within the community.
- Engage in the local community to build collaborative partnerships with residents,
- businesses, and local governmental entities.
- Academic Excellence
- Provide instructional leadership that supports high-quality teaching that promotes successful academic achievement for all students.
- Ensure curriculum alignment with Minnesota Academic Standards.
- Oversee student assessment, intervention, and continuous improvement processes.
- Promote innovative learning opportunities that integrate ecology, outdoor education, arts, service, and community engagement.
- Support the school’s commitment to small class sizes and individualized learning.
- Staff Leadership & Development
- Recruit, hire, supervise, develop, and retain exceptional educators and staff.
- Conduct timely performance evaluations and provide coaching and professional growth opportunities.
- Foster a collaborative culture built on trust, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Support staff well-being and professional satisfaction.
- School Operations & Management
- Oversee day-to-day school operations, including student services, transportation, facilities, safety, and compliance.
- Ensure compliance with state and federal education regulations, charter requirements, staff licensure and reporting obligations.
- Collaborate with the Board on policy development and implementation.
- Manage risk, emergency preparedness, and operational effectiveness.
- Financial Stewardship
- Partner with the Board and business management providers to develop and manage the annual budget.
- Pursue grants, fundraising opportunities, and strategic partnerships to support school priorities.
- Ensure responsible stewardship of public and private funds. An understanding of the differences between accrued accounting principles and processes AND cash accounting principles and processes.
- Expert knowledge of MDE’s Statutory Operating Debt (SOD) processes.
- Proven budget management skills both for the accrued process used by MDE and the cash processes (cash flow, cash budgeting) which are needed to manage the day to day-to-day finances at the school.
- Understanding and working knowledge of MDE’s fund balance calculations and management processes.
- Ability to navigate a dynamic financial situation with staff, parents, and MOSC city council as well as MVS’s donors and the community at large.
- Family & Community Engagement
- Build strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders.
- Maintain open, transparent, and proactive communication.
- Develop partnerships with local organizations, artists, environmental groups, and community leaders.
- Support student enrollment, retention, and community outreach efforts.
- Governance & Board Relations
- Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
- Provide timely reports and recommendations to support informed governance.
- Collaborate with the Board on strategic planning, charter accountability, and organizational growth.
- Support board committees and governance initiatives.
- Leadership & Vision
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Desired Qualifications:Â
Required:
- Minnesota Principal License or ability to obtain appropriate licensure.
- Master’s degree in education, Educational Leadership, Public Administration, or related field.
- Minimum five years of successful educational leadership experience.
- Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing school operations.
- Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered education.
Preferred
- Experience in a startup/growth-phase charter school setting.
- Knowledge of Minnesota charter school governance, finance, and accountability requirements.
- Experience with outdoor education, place-based learning, environmental education, or community-centered educational models.
- Grant writing, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership experience.
Key Leadership Competencies
- Visionary Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
- Instructional Excellence
- Financial Acumen
- Community Engagement
- Collaborative Decision-Making
- Talent Development
- Change Management
- Integrity and Accountability
- Effective Communication
Compensation & Benefits
The salary is currently approved by the board for the incoming fiscal year at $90K; salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package including health benefits, retirement contributions, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit application to Kien Nguyen, Board Vice Chair at [email protected]:
- Cover Letter
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Three Professional References
- Statement of Educational Leadership Philosophy
Marine Village School is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all students, staff, and families.
Ideal Candidate Profile: A mission-driven educational leader who values academic rigor, environmental stewardship, community partnerships, and the unique opportunities that come from leading a small, relationship-centered charter school in the St. Croix Valley.
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Overview:
Are you looking for a rewarding role that fits perfectly into a school-day schedule? Marine Village School is looking for a friendly, organized School Lunch Server to join our team.
In our Vended Meal Program, the heavy cooking is already done! Your primary focus will be receiving pre-prepared meals from our catering partner, ensuring they are heated or chilled to perfection, and serving them with a smile to our students.
Location: 550 Pine Street
Position Type: Part Time (30-35 hours per week)
Schedule: Monday – Friday, [7:45 am-2:00 pm] – Follows School Calendar!
Key Responsibilities:
- Meal Preparation: Receive daily vended meal deliveries. Reheat or assemble components according to food safety guidelines.
- Service with a Smile: Serve students efficiently during designated breakfast and lunch periods, maintaining a positive and welcoming cafeteria environment.
- Safety First: Monitor food temperatures and maintain strict adherence to local and state health department regulations.
- Point of Sale (POS): Operate the lunchroom point-of-sale system and assist with basic meal count record-keeping, as needed.
- Cleanliness: Maintain a tidy service line, clean up spills, and ensure the kitchen area is sanitized in between shifts and at the end of the shift. This includes wipe down, taking out trash, and mopping.
Qualifications & Experience:
- People Person: You enjoy working with children and interacting with school staff and vendors.
- Reliable: You understand that the “lunch bell waits for no one” and pride yourself on being punctual.
- Physically Able: Ability to stand for the duration of the shift and lift up to 30 lbs (e.g., milk crates or food pans).
- Certifications: Possession of (or willingness to obtain) a Food Handler’s Permit.
- Clearance: Must pass a standard background check (required for all school personnel).
Hourly Rate:Â $25.00
Work-Life Balance: No nights, weekends, or holidays.
Summer Breaks: Enjoy your summers off with the school calendar.
To apply: please send your resume, cover letter, and position you are applying for to [email protected]Â
Position:Â Â Special Education Teacher
Annual Salary Range:Â Depending on Experience and QualificationsÂ
Marine Village School – Mission Statement:
Marine Village School provides a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that fosters academic success in a traditional yet dynamic setting. Students will be provided with passionate teachers, as well as the tools necessary to promote a love of learning, respect for our environment, a sense of wonder, and responsibility for our community.
Position Overview:
The Special Education Teacher will provide individualized instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs. This role involves developing and implementing IEPs, collaborating with general education teachers, and ensuring compliance with state and federal special education laws.
Required Qualifications:
- Valid Minnesota Special Education teaching licenseÂ
- Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or related fieldÂ
- Strong knowledge of IEP development and implementation
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Commitment to equity and inclusive practices
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Provide direct instruction and targeted interventions
- Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusion
- Collaborate with special education team to meet the needs of students
- Conduct assessments and track student progress
- Communicate regularly with families and multidisciplinary teams
- Ensure compliance with Minnesota and federal special education regulations
What We Offer:
- Supportive, team-oriented work environment
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- Smaller class sizes for more personalized instruction
- Opportunity to innovate and shape student success
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In personÂ
To apply: please send your resume, cover letter, and position you are applying for to [email protected]
Position:Â Â Special Education Paraprofessional
Salary Range:Â $20-$22 per hour
Marine Village School – Mission Statement:
Marine Village School provides a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that fosters academic success in a traditional yet dynamic setting. Students will be provided with passionate teachers, as well as the tools necessary to promote a love of learning, respect for our environment, a sense of wonder, and responsibility for our community.
Position Overview:
The Special Education Paraprofessional works closely with licensed teachers and other support staff to meet the needs of students with special needs in both academic and social settings. Paraprofessionals will report to school on days students are present.
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s degree or coursework in education preferred)
- Paraprofessional certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Experience working with children or individuals with disabilities preferred
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Patience, flexibility, and a positive attitudeÂ
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide one-on-one and small group support to students
- Assist in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Support classroom instruction and behavior interventions
- Help students with organization, transitions, and daily routines
- Monitor and document student progress as directed
- Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive learning environmentÂ
What We Offer:
- Supportive and collaborative school culture
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Meaningful, rewarding work supporting student success
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In personÂ
To apply: please send your resume, cover letter, and position you are applying for to [email protected]
Position:Â Â Substitute Teacher (K-6th Grade)
Overview
As a Substitute Teacher, you will ensure that the quality of education is maintained in the classroom, and that time is used productively to further student learning. Substitutes perform vital functions in maintenance and continuity of daily education, and serve as educational bridges when regular employees are absent.
 Required Qualifications:
- Valid Minnesota teaching licenseÂ
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or related fieldÂ
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide instruction and support to students in the absence of the regular teacher.
- Follow lesson plans and maintain classroom order.
- Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
- Support students’ learning and emotional well-being.
- Communicate effectively with school staff and students.
What We Offer
- Flexible scheduling: Choose when you work.
- Opportunity to impact students’ lives positively.
- Work in a supportive and collaborative community of educators.
Pay: $175.00 per dayÂ
Schedule: School Day Shift
To apply: please send your resume, cover letter, and position you are applying for to [email protected]
Overview:
Marine Village School is looking for part time bus drivers to join our team. This position involves driving a school bus during morning and afternoon shifts on school days, with occasional field trips.
The ideal candidate is safety-conscious, punctual, and passionate about providing reliable transportation for students in a supportive and respectful environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Safely operate a school bus or van in compliance with all traffic laws and regulations.
- Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety.
- Ensure the safety and supervision of all passengers during boarding, travel, and exiting.
- Maintain a positive and respectful atmosphere on the bus.
- Educate students on bus safety procedures and protocols.
- Maintain accurate logs, including route records, passenger counts, and incident reports.
- Communicate clearly and promptly with dispatch, administration, school staff, and team members regarding routes or concerns.
- Top off fluids, as needed.
- Keep bus clean, wiped down, and maintained both inside and out.
- Take the vehicle in for maintenance needs, as needed.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Valid Commercial Driver’s License, School Bus Driver License (Required)
- Passenger Endorsement and Air Brake Endorsement (Required)
- Previous experience driving a bus is preferred.
- Experience working with children or in senior care settings is highly desirable.
- Basic mechanical knowledge is a plus, not required.
- Strong ability to manage group behavior in a calm and professional manner.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Hourly Rate: $25.00 – $30.00
We welcome individuals who are passionate about serving their community and ensuring student safety. If you’re committed, responsible, and ready to make a difference at a small charter school, we encourage you to apply!
To apply: please send your resume, cover letter, and position you are applying for to [email protected]
We are currently and continuously accepting resumes for the following positions:
Substitute Teachers
Paraprofessionals
Bus Drivers
Lunch Servers
If you or someone you know is interested in joining our team, we encourage you to submit a resume for consideration. We are always looking for dedicated and reliable individuals to support our students and school community.
To apply: please send your resume, cover letter, and position you are applying for to [email protected]
