Assistant Head of School

SUMMARY

Lick-Wilmerding High School is a private school with public purpose, serving 560 students in grades 9-12 in San Francisco. Since its founding in 1895 as a vocational school, Lick-Wilmerding High School has built upon a long tradition of valuing and integrating the liberal arts, sciences, technical arts, visual arts and performing arts to offer a robust college-prep curriculum. LWHS has a rich and distinctive academic program, with thriving departments, vibrant student life, and signature initiatives like the Center for Civic Engagement and the Public Purpose Program. Faculty and students are passionate, engaged, and driven by values that reach far beyond the classroom.

At this pivotal moment, LWHS seeks an assistant head of school for academics to serve as the school’s primary academic leader and strategic partner to the head of school and the senior leadership team. This new position will lead curriculum and teaching & learning initiatives to thoughtfully integrate the mission of LWHS into its academic programs with clarity and coherence. Another new role—the dean of faculty development and culture—will support the assistant head of school in ensuring that faculty development aligns with the school’s strategic academic vision. Key opportunities for the assistant head of school include developing interdisciplinary throughlines, clarifying how and when to implement and scale new initiatives, and ensuring that student wellness and belonging remain core to the academic experience. The assistant head of school for academics will report directly to the head of school, and will start July 1, 2026.

12M & Ed Tech Recruiting is running the search on behalf of Lick-Wilmerding High School. Applications received by November 30th will receive priority review. For application instructions and the full job opportunity statement, please visit:

www.12MRecruiting.com/jobs/LWHS/AHoS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Priority Deadline: November 30, 2025

Application Review Period: December to Mid-January

On-site Final Round: Late January

Decision Announced: February 9, 2026

Start Date: July 1, 2026

Reports To: Head of School

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Annual Salary Range: $250,000 – $280,000

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Lead and align the school’s academic program and curriculum to intentionally integrate the school’s mission and public purpose across all departments.
• Serve as a trusted strategic thought partner to the head of school and senior leadership team, reinforcing key decisions with clarity, and providing steady internal leadership.
• Chair the Teaching, Learning & Leadership Team (TLLT) and guide the School Life Team to promote continuity, coherence, and curricular alignment of the academic program with classroom and student activities.
• Supervise, and collaborate with, the Dean of Faculty Development and Culture to align hiring, professional development opportunities, and faculty review processes with strategic academic priorities.
• Supervise and coordinate academic and student-support functions including the library, college counseling, learning services, and student support.
• Ensure that the school’s programs and initiatives reflect student wellness, belonging, and mission-alignment.
• Report directly to the head of school and perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in education or in a relevant field from an accredited college or university; graduate degree highly preferred
• 7 years of progressive educational leadership experience
• Demonstrated commitment to mission-driven education
• Experience as a school administrator guiding, coaching, leading, and/or supervising faculty
• Proven success leading academic initiatives and programs
• Skilled in leading complex, ongoing, and consensus-building change management initiatives in schools
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate vision and reinforce key decisions
• Demonstrated track record of leading cross-functional teams and committees

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

• A relational approach to leadership with a focus on building clarity and accountability with a high-performing and passionate faculty
• Collaborative leadership style with interpersonal awareness and the ability to build trust across all constituencies
• A deep understanding of contemporary research and professional growth programs that champion independent school high school teaching and learning practices
• A personal and professional commitment to fostering diversity and equity, and the interest and skill set to partner with leadership around this work
• Enthusiasm toward integrating LWHS’s mission, vision, and values into its exceptional academic program
• An eagerness to participate in campus activities as a full and active member of the LWHS community

TO APPLY

For more information please visit the following link, which contains the job opportunity statement and complete application instructions.

www.12MRecruiting.com/jobs/LWHS/AHoS