Upper School Director

Job Overview:

The Upper School Director is a key member of the school’s leadership team, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Upper School, which serves students in grades 4-8. This role requires a dynamic and experienced leader who can foster a strong academic environment, support faculty and staff, and manage external relationships. The Upper School Director ensures that the division maintains high standards of academic excellence, character development, and student well-being while working collaboratively with the leadership team to fulfill the school’s mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Divisional Oversight:

• Oversee the academic, extracurricular, and co-curricular programs in the Upper School.
• Ensure the curriculum aligns with the school’s mission and meets rigorous academic standards.
• Promote the development of the “whole child,” balancing academic achievement with emotional, social, and physical growth.
• Along with the Student Support Team, monitor student progress and oversee appropriate interventions to support student success.

Faculty and Staff Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and evaluate Upper School faculty and staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and innovation.
• Work with faculty to review and enhance curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.
• Along with the Head of School and Assistant Head of School, oversee hiring, retention, and professional development of Upper School faculty.
• Encourage ongoing faculty engagement with research-based teaching practices and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Head of school to maintain seamless K-8 vertical alignment in academic and co-curricular programming.

General Leadership and Administration:

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to the strategic vision and operational goals of the entire school.
• Ensure compliance with all school policies and relevant regulations.
• Lead the Upper School in a manner consistent with the school’s core values and mission.
• Oversee upper school student discipline, character education, and behavioral expectations, maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Engage in consistent  communication with the Assistant Head of School to promote positive behavior management and a respectful school culture while also fostering collaboration among faculty and staff across divisions to ensure a cohesive educational experience
• Coordinates the lunchtime visits of visiting high schools
• Coordinates practice interviews for 8th-grade high school applicants, in coordination with the Head of School and the Assistant Head of School
• Oversees the high school admissions process for eighth-grade students and families

External Affairs:

• Represent the Upper School to external audiences, including prospective families, community partners, and educational organizations.
• Collaborate with the admissions and marketing teams to highlight the strengths and unique offerings of the Upper School.
• Maintain strong relationships with current parents, providing clear communication and opportunities for engagement in their child’s educational experience.
• Along with the Senior Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, partner with alumni, external institutions, and professional networks to enhance the Upper School’s visibility and reputation.

Other Duties:

• Participate actively in the life of the school, attending school functions and supporting school-wide events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in education, educational leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of leadership experience in an upper school or secondary education setting.
• Proven track record of divisional leadership, curriculum development, and faculty supervision.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with students, parents, faculty, and external stakeholders.
• A commitment to academic excellence and the holistic development of students.

Personal Attributes:

• Visionary leader with a passion for education.
• Collaborative and transparent leadership style.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse school environment.

Contact Information