Head of Lower School

Description

Objective:  
To oversee all activities involving students, faculty, and staff of the Lower School. 
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for the Lower School and maintain congruency between the school’s mission and all activities of the Lower School
• Act as the educational leader of the Lower School, responsible for day-to-day operation.
• Serve as principal decision-maker for the Lower School.
• Serve as the primary articulator of the Lower School’s programs, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and other information necessary to ensure that all constituencies are fully informed consistent with their individual roles.
• Recognize and manage the balance between supporting the independence of faculty and overseeing curricular and programmatic coherence and consistency across grade levels, divisions, and departments.
• Observe and serve as a consultant to faculty in matters of development and implementation of curriculum, classroom management, teaching methods, and general school procedures.
• Conduct regular meetings with faculty which deal with routine school matters and with the stimulating exchange of ideas on issues of educational/philosophical interest and concern.
• Assist in the planning and presentation of school assemblies and programs and in maintaining a comprehensive calendar of school events.
• Work closely with new families to welcome them into the St. Andrew’s community and help them understand the school’s culture.
• Serve as a spokesperson for all issues at the Lower School and represent the Lower School and St. Andrew’s in the larger community.
• Hire, supervise, and provide strategic direction for Lower School faculty and staff.
• Oversee the professional growth and annual evaluations of Lower School faculty and staff.
• Develop and manage the Lower School budget.
• Work with appropriate departments to plan and conduct standardized assessments and communicate results with appropriate stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Office of Admissions to recruit, enroll, and retain mission-appropriate students.
• Ensure effective communication with the Director of Athletics through regularly scheduled meetings and facilitate building mutual understanding between faculty and coaches.
• Serve as one of the principal liaisons with the St. Andrew’s Parents’ Association.
• Work closely with the Office of Institutional Advancement to support the school’s friend- and fundraising efforts.
• Serve on the school’s Senior Leadership Team and appropriate committees.
• Stay current on trends in independent schools and curriculum by taking an active role in professional activities and attending relevant professional meetings and conferences.

Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional school environment.  


Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time, twelve-month position.  Limited travel and occasional weekend and evening work will be required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required.
• Five to ten years of experience in an elementary/lower school is required.  Experience in an independent school is preferred.
• Ability to interface and maintain effective relationships with students, faculty, administrators, parents, alumni, and guests.
• Professional written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required.  Experience with G Suite preferred.
• Ability to handle multiple, simultaneous, and complex tasks and projects efficiently and effectively without constant supervision.