Upper School Director

Upper School Director

Gilmour Academy, an independent Catholic, college preparatory school in the Holy Cross tradition, seeks an Upper School Director to serve as the division’s academic and mission leader. The Upper School Director reports to the Associate Head and Head of School, and collaborates closely with the Academic Leadership Team. The Director provides strategic leadership for teaching, learning, student formation, and faculty development while advancing the Academy’s mission and strategic priorities.

The Director works in partnership with the Middle School Director, Director of Student Support Services, Dean of Student Life and Leadership, Director of College Counseling, Director of Academic Services, and Athletic Director to ensure a cohesive and mission-aligned Upper School experience.

Key Responsibilities

Mission Leadership and Integration

• Lead with visible and consistent commitment to Gilmour’s Holy Cross identity in all aspects of Upper School leadership

• Ensure mission and charisms guide decision-making, curriculum, culture, and community life.

• Model integrity, fairness, compassion, and hope as foundational leadership principles.

• Foster the formation of graduates prepared to lead lives of purpose, service, and responsibility.

Academic Leadership

• Lead the Upper School’s academic program with responsibility for the quality, innovation, consistency, and rigor of teaching and learning.

• Oversee curriculum, instruction, and assessment to ensure a mission-aligned program that prepares students for college, leadership, and service.

• Drive instructional improvement by supporting effective teaching practices and guiding faculty growth.

• Use data to inform decisions about student progress and program effectiveness.

• Communicate academic expectations and outcomes clearly to families, trustees, and accrediting bodies.

Student Formation and Support

• Foster the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth of each student in partnership with faculty, counselors, and administrators.

• Cultivate a culture of student responsibility, character development, and ethical decision-making.

• Partner with parents and guardians to strengthen trust, support shared expectations, and foster a cohesive Upper School community centered on each student's growth

• Collaborate with Admissions to support enrollment decisions and student transitions.

• Ensure co-curricular programs, including athletics, provide opportunities for students to develop talents, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Faculty Leadership and Development

• Advocate for faculty perspective in school-wide leadership while serving as their primary source of guidance and support.

• Create opportunities for faculty collaboration, professional growth, and shared learning

• Partner with senior leadership to recruit, support, and retain faculty who embody the school’s mission and demonstrate teaching excellence.

Strategic Leadership

• Set and advance a shared vision for the Upper School rooted in Holy Cross values of professionalism, trust, and care.

• Build effective leadership teams by establishing clear expectations, delegating purposefully, and fostering shared accountability.

• Mentor divisional leaders and coordinate communication and planning across the Upper School.

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated commitment to Catholic education

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field; Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or Administration strongly preferred.

• Minimum five years of secondary teaching experience.

• Minimum five years of administrative experience with progressive responsibility for curriculum, instruction, and faculty development.

• Valid Ohio teaching certification or administrator license (or equivalent).

Preferred

• Experience in independent or Catholic schools

• Familiarity with the Holy Cross educational tradition and Catholic Social Teaching

Essential Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and organizational skills with the ability to set priorities, delegate effectively, and build sustainable systems.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with Gilmour stakeholders.

• Proven ability to balance faculty advocacy with institutional needs.

• Capacity to make thoughtful, mission-aligned decisions in a fast-paced environment.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and holistic student formation.

• Personal alignment with Gilmour Academy’s mission and the educational philosophy of the Congregation of Holy Cross.