Position Description:

Position Title: Assistant Head of School

FLSA Classification: Exempt, calendar-year (12-month) position

Reports To: Head of School

Summary

Strategic Planning Implementation

In SY 2023-2024, the Board approved Post Oak’s latest institutional road map. That plan seeks to position Post Oak for programmatic and financial sustainability while also strengthening a host of cultural underpinnings that has made Post Oak a sought-after option for families and professionals. The Assistant Head of School will be a key figure in coordinating, sequencing, communicating and troubleshooting initiatives and tactics related to the strategic plan.

Academic and Auxiliary Program Support

Post Oak enjoys an enviable position in Houston’s Montessori market with a reputation for excellence. In addition to its 60-year-old, well-established lower school, a unique feature is the Montessori programming in the upper grades, an innovation that has served scores of middle and high school students as they have matriculated to top colleges and universities. To continue its excellence and further its growth, there are aspirations for improved integration of Student Support Services, ongoing and robust training for teachers, and iterative design work for the middle and upper grades.

Additionally, the need for broader services for families continues to grow as does the desire for alternate revenue streams. The Assistant Head of School will serve as a conduit between the Business Office and the Auxiliary Programs Director in order to maximize revenue, grow programming in the Montessori ethos, and become a stronger part of the enrollment strategy.

Core Responsibilities:

The Assistant Head of School communicates and collaborates regularly with the Head of School to address school-wide issues for all levels. The Assistant Head of School assists the Head related to the delivery of programs and is a core member of the administrative leadership of the school.

• Communicate and support the school’s vision, mission, and strategic plan to both internal and external audiences.
• Support Directors (Division and Auxiliary Programs) as they oversee program and curriculum:
  • Serve as coach/trainer regarding individual program needs, teacher growth and development, as well as formal and informal “in-service.”
  • Ensure a through-line of safety, health, and well-being of all students within the academic and extra-curricular programs.
  • Work to promote harmonious and constructive relationships among students, faculty, staff, and families.
  • Create effective cross-divisional collaborations, including professional development, to advance equity across all aspects of the educational experience
• Further integrate the Student Services team:
  • Assess progress and identify strategies to further support students to reach their potential and thrive at Post Oak.
  • Supervise student support services team.
• In collaboration with the HR Specialist and Directors:
  • Foster and develop a sense of community and cooperation among the faculty, administration and staff.
  • Ensure that the recruitment, interview and selection process is designed to ensure fulfillment of Post Oak strategic outcomes.
  • Plan and implement new employee orientation and training in Montessori theory and practice.
  • Work collaboratively on growth and renewal, to include goal setting, and professional development of the Directors.
• Run point on setting the annual calendar.
• Design the operational mechanics of administrative meetings and communication in regard to capacity and efficiency in the coordination between operational and programmatic needs.
• As necessary, provide programmatic decision making in the absence of the Head of School

Qualifications

Experiences : While the search will be interested in reviewing candidates who hold a range of experiences and credentials, we believe that a profile that mirrors the following will align best with the needs of this position and Post Oak School

• Full understanding and experience with the academic, environment, community, and operational aspects of an independent Montessori school
• Leadership experience in an academic department or Montessori school, working on program design, teacher development and student support.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and exemplary results in leading, coaching or mentoring teachers or other adult learners
• Deep experience/training in anti-bias/cultural competence or other relevant DEI training
• An advanced degree and evidence of consistent and comprehensive professional development

Personal Qualities:

• Experience and knowledge of the developmental continuum from PreK through grade 12 Personal Qualities:

• A team player who celebrates the success of the collaborative group
• A hard worker who is motivated by creative problem solving.
• A life-long learner who continues to develop skills and humbly accepts there is always room for growth.
• A leader grounded in values and relationship building.
• An organized thinker who can prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.