Head of School

About Verde Valley School

Verde Valley School (VVS), founded in 1948, is an extraordinary co-ed college preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9–12. Nestled in the breathtaking red rock landscape of Sedona, Arizona, VVS combines rigorous academics with a commitment to global citizenship and cultural understanding, environmental stewardship, physical labor, service to others. We proudly offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program and a student cohort diversely drawn from over a dozen countries.

VVS is where young people come not only to learn but to grow as engaged citizens and curious thinkers. This is a community that believes in the power of experiential learning, the value of hard work, and the transformative nature of diversity and adventure.

Position Summary

Verde Valley School seeks a visionary and dynamic Head of School to lead us into our next chapter, starting July 1, 2027. This is a rare opportunity to lead a mission-driven school with a powerful legacy and an ambitious strategic vision.

Our next Head will be an inspiring leader with proven administrative skills, deep knowledge of the domestic and international boarding school landscape, and an authentic commitment to experiential education. This is more than a job; it is a calling to live and lead in a place where learning meets purpose and where community, challenge, and character thrive together.

Leadership Philosophy and Expectations

The successful candidate will be:

• A mission-centered leader who lives the values of VVS and models integrity, empathy, and resilience.
• A strategic thinker and visionary capable of guiding the school through a time of change and growth.
• A collaborative community builder who fosters an inclusive and empowered culture for faculty, staff, students, and families.
• A skilled communicator who brings transparency, trust, and unity to all relationships, including interactions with the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise the administrative team, faculty, and staff.  Manage all employment matters including hiring, evaluation, retention, and dismissal.
• Lead and evolve the curriculum strategy in alignment with IB standards and VVS’s mission.
• Oversee admissions strategy to ensure healthy recruitment, enrollment, and retention.
• Foster and maintain a supportive, inclusive, and values-driven student life experience.
• Inspire and manage faculty development and cultivate a workplace culture of trust, growth, and accountability.
• Develop and manage the School’s financial plan with discipline and transparency.
• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to execute a long-term strategic plan focused on enrollment, campus development, and market positioning.
• Support and co-lead all fundraising efforts in partnership with the Director of Advancement.
• Forge strategic partnerships and alternative revenue initiatives in accordance with the guiding principles of VVS (e.g., land use, summer programs, rentals).
• Serve as the chief ambassador of the School to all constituencies—students, parents, alumni, donors, educators, and the surrounding community.

Strategic Priorities and Challenges

The next Head of School will be expected to:

• Execute a bold strategic plan that refines VVS’s competitive edge in the international boarding school market.
• Lead with courage through the challenges of a small, tuition-driven school with finite resources.
• Expand enrollment through thoughtful admissions and program development.
• Strengthen operational systems and faculty recruitment/retention.
• Embrace sustainability initiatives and leverage our unique high-desert setting.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted until January 5, 2025.

To apply, please send:

• A cover letter
• Full resume/CV
• Statement of educational philosophy
• Five letters of reference

Email: headofschoolsearch@vvsaz.org

Subject Line: "Head of School Application"

No phone calls, please.

Position Details

• This is a 12-month position.
• Vacation and personal leave terms are negotiable.
• On-campus housing and meals (during the school year) are provided.

Come lead a school where the sky is truly the limit—where ambition meets purpose, and where red rock canyons echo with the voices of tomorrow's leaders.

Verde Valley School is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diverse candidates.