Providence St. Mel School located on Chicago’s West Side has an impressive legacy of providing children with a high quality education for 45 years. PSM makes college a reality for students by building the foundation for students' future with a proven model of academic excellence. Home to an engaging and challenging curriculum from preschool through high school. a variety of extracurricular activities, and a focus on building character and confidence in students, this approach is truly a college preparatory education. PSM instills in their students a sense of pride in their lives, a mature acceptance of responsibility, a personal discipline which will enable them to attain their goals, and an unwillingness to accept anything less than their best. In the face of skepticism that says goals cannot be reached, the Providence St. Mel School voices their belief that,” With’s God’s help, we will either find a way or make one.”

Providence St. Mel School is a private independent school that was founded by Paul J. Adams III on July 1, 1978. In March of 1978, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced that Providence St. Mel would close as a Catholic School. Mr. Adams spearheaded a national fundraising campaign and the PSM story received editorial support from local and national television stations and major newspapers, as well as positive mention in Time, People, Ebony, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal to name a few. A Board of directors was formed, which was instrumental in securing donations to help fund the gap between tuition and actual cost of education. Today, the Board continues to serve as a critical force in fundraising, institutional governance, and stewardship.

Providence St. Mel seeks a Head of School who is a passionate leader and visionary strategist. Primary responsibilities for this position include Leadership and Strategic Planning, Operational Planning and Management, Leading a High-Performing Team, and External Relations and Development. In conjunction with these responsibilities, the Head of School will help to maintain and develop the institutional soundness of Providence St. Mel by overseeing enrollment initiatives, cultivating fundraising opportunities, ensuring efficient program implementation, and maintaining financial oversight over the school. Ultimately, the Head of School is responsible for the organizational development of Providence St. Mel. As such, this position requires a demonstrated understanding of educational philosophy and the skill to balance a well-established college prep program with emerging opportunities to build workforce readiness. Keeping in mind the competitiveness and changing landscape of high school choice in Chicago, the Head of School will utilize creative and strategic measures to increase enrollment, maintain and build a strong faculty and staff, and build positive and long lasting relationships with parents, students, and community stakeholders. 

PSM is committed to equity in pay practices and compensation. Qualifications include a minimum of ten years of teaching and educational administrative experience in an urban setting. An advanced degree in leadership is a preferred qualification and a minimum of a master’s degree is required. Applications should include CV, a cover letter addressing interest, leadership philosophy, and commitment to diversity. Applicants should also submit three professional letters of reference. All application materials should be directed to HeadofSchool@psmnow.com