Palm Beach Gardens, FL United States
Opportunities & Expectations for the Next Head of School
St. Mark’s Episcopal School is a mission of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. For 45
years, the school has provided a values-based Episcopal education coupled with
excellence in academic preparation. Accredited by the Florida Council of Independent
Schools (FCIS) and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools
(NAIS) and the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES), St. Mark’s
adheres to the highest standards of Episcopal and independent education.
To build a foundation for the success of the next head of school, the board has appointed
Scott Laird, former head of St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Tampa, to serve as the
interim head of school for the 2024-25 school year. The next long-term head of school
will be an Episcopal educational leader who is student-oriented and experienced in
unifying a school community around the mission and a vision for the future.
The next head of school will have the opportunity to preserve the traditions embraced by the St.
Mark’s community while advancing the educational programs for future generations
of students. Opportunities and expectations for the next head of school include:
• Establishing an inspirational vision that supports the Episcopal identity
of St. Mark’s Episcopal School and promotes the educational programs
needed to prepare students for high school and beyond.
• Collaborating with the school constituents to develop a strategic plan
and tactics to strengthen the unique identity of St. Mark’s School.
• Developing a plan that attracts, on-boards, and supports outstanding faculty and
staff who will be committed to extended careers at St. Mark’s Episcopal School.
• Enhancing and aligning educational and spiritual programs across all grade
levels, with a commitment to honoring time-honored traditions and practices
while driving programs that prepare students for an ever-changing world.
• Ensuring that athletics, the arts, and other co-curriculars provide
students with opportunities for enrichment and growth.
• Identifying a clear market position, including a public articulation of the value
of students staying at St. Mark’s Episcopal School through 8th grade.
• Communicating both internally and externally the unique brand and value proposition
of St. Mark’s while becoming the school’s public face and chief cheerleader.
Candidate Attributes & Experiences
The new head of school will be a student-oriented, high-energy leader capable of engaging the greater St. Mark’s community around a well-articulated vision. Being a confirmed Episcopalian, or committing to becoming confirmed upon appointment, is a prerequisite for the position.
In addition to the above, the successful candidate will demonstrate:
• A passion for providing students with an outstanding faith-based
education that balances academic with spiritual formation
• Strong executive leadership with both internal and external communities
• Outstanding communication skills in both writing and speaking
• The ability to consider and manage multiple perspectives while having the
courage to make difficult decisions and to say “no” when necessary
• An aptitude for building strong teams, including the appropriate delegation and
clarification of responsibilities, setting clear expectations, and upholding accountability
• Conflict resolution skills, including the ability to listen and honor differing views while working to reach common ground
• The ability to unify a community around a bold vision, with a special focus on strengthening the school’s reputation
• Transparency in decision making and authenticity in all relationships
• A commitment to creating and promoting robust professional development opportunities for teachers and staff
• Enthusiasm for developing and implementing strategic fundraising plans and initiatives
• Approachability and visibility, creating a strong sense of psychological safety for all members of the school community
• Strong business acumen with an understanding of both operational and strategic financial practices
Contact Information
Application Procedures
A search is underway to identify a new head of school by October
2024 who will begin his or her tenure on July 1, 2025.
The school has engaged the national executive search firm Educational Directions
to assist the Search Committee and the St. Mark’s Episcopal School community
with the search.
Please direct all inquiries, applications, and nominations to:
Mike Murphy mike.murphy@edudx.com
Jay Underwood jay.underwood@edudx.com
Candidates should express their interest and begin the application process as soon as
possible. It is expected that interested candidates will contact the consultants prior to
submitting their application portfolio for additional information.
Candidates should submit:
• A letter of interest addressed to the Search Committee explaining
their explicit interest in St. Mark’s Episcopal School
• A current resume
• The names, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, and affiliation to the candidate of
5 professional references. References will be contacted after obtaining permission
from the candidate. Finalists will be expected to provide 7 additional references.
• A personal statement detailing their professional journey
and philosophy of education and leadership