About Taft:

Founded in 1890, The Taft School is a coeducational boarding and day school for students in grades 9 - post graduate. The school’s mission is to educate the whole student with an emphasis on the importance of not only academic achievement but also the development of integrity, service, and a lifelong love of learning. Taft maintains a strong belief in high academic standards, recognizing the importance of intellectual rigor as a foundation for success. Student wellness — ensuring that students are supported emotionally, physically, and mentally — is also at the forefront of the school’s work.

Academically talented students from as many as 50 different countries and 35 different states are guided by an extraordinary faculty on its beautiful 226-acre campus. Taft’s community includes approximately 495 boarding and 100 day-students, and an employee base of nearly 270, including approximately 135 faculty members.

The Opportunity:

Taft has a long history of offering a rich slate of summer programs on campus, anchored by two offerings, Summer@Taft (formerly The Taft Summer School) and the Taft Educational Center (“TEC”). More recently, the school has expanded an on-campus summer program in partnership with the Police Athletic League (“PAL”) in Waterbury. Over a long history, the school has had many partnerships with other outside groups conducting programs on the Taft campus.

A unique opportunity exists to build off of existing program strengths while establishing new programs to benefit the Taft community. Taft’s first Director of Auxiliary Programs & Services will work with school leadership to assess its existing programs while evolving a vision of how summer program and facility usage supports the school’s mission, provides enrollment benefit, and generates incremental revenue. It is critical that the Director is eager to understand the culture and norms of boarding school education and Taft in particular and is excited to be a full member of the Taft community. The Director also has a unique opportunity to work with other leaders at Taft to consider how Taft programs connect the school to Watertown and other towns nearby in mutually beneficial ways.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Auxiliary Programs and Services is responsible for strategic planning, market development, program design, promotion, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation of auxiliary program opportunities, including the oversight and day to day management of Summer@Taft. The Director will also oversee the rental of Taft facilities throughout the year.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the Director of Auxiliary Programs and Services include, but are not limited to:

• Strategic Program Development
  • Collaborate with school leadership, administration, and employees to ensure all auxiliary programs align with and support Taft’s mission.

  • Continually explore opportunities to leverage the intellectual and physical assets of the School while building the school’s exposure in the boarding school market.

  • Seek to identify partnerships that may enhance auxiliary programs potential.

  • Establish and achieve annual and longer-term net revenue targets.
• Program Management
  • Oversee and manage all auxiliary programs:
    • Serve as Head of Summer@Taft.
    • Coordinate with leaders of other primary programs on campus, including TEC and PAL.
    • Coordinate facility rentals throughout the year.

  • Provide an appropriately safe, caring, and enriching environment for all auxiliary program participants.

  • Establish and enforce policies in accordance and consistent with Taft values.

  • Ensure all auxiliary program staff have appropriate training, professional development, and support.

  • Oversee all elements of campus facility rentals, including evolving policies, protocols, pricing, and procedures in coordination with other departments across campus.
• Human Resources
  • In collaboration with the Business Office, Human Resources, and program directors:
    • Recruit, hire and train all Taft-led auxiliary program employees.
    • Ensure that all necessary and required employee forms, including background checks, are coordinated and on file/available for inspection as applicable.
    • Communicate with the Payroll department as needed.

  • Coordinate and conduct annual performance evaluations of all Taft-led auxiliary program personnel.
• Financial Management
  • Work with individual program directors to develop budgets while also preparing an overall annual Auxiliary Programs and Facility Rental budget covering all aspects of program revenue and expenses to ensure financial objectives are achieved.

  • Monitor budget monthly, and coordinate with the Business Office to ensure financials are completed in an accurate and timely manner.

  • Work with the Business Office and Human Resources to develop appropriate compensation for all Taft-led auxiliary program employees.
• Marketing, Communication and Recruitment
  • In coordination with the school Marketing and Communications office, develop and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy for auxiliary programs that aligns with the School’s strategic branding initiatives.

  • Ensure that all auxiliary programs have an effective internet presence including web site, social media and digital marketing.

  • Plan and coordinate the publishing and advertising of program catalogs, brochures, and schedules as well as other public relations and marketing initiatives such as open houses and camp fairs.

  • Serve as primary recruiter for Summer@Taft and manage the activities of others charged with recruitment for other programs.

  • Work closely with the Admissions Office to identify and follow-up with participants who have strong potential to convert to Taft student prospects.

  • As appropriate, accompany Admissions and Advancement offices to regional marketing events and receptions.
• Other Administration and Operations
  • Oversee registration for all auxiliary programs.

  • Evolve a database for auxiliary programs that is accurate and comprehensive.

  • Prepare reports at regular intervals for Taft senior leadership.

  • Ensure all auxiliary programs are in compliance with all applicable regulations.

  • Coordinate the execution of all contracts with the Business Office.

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School and CFO.

Qualities and Qualifications:

Successful candidates will have the energy and ambition to manage and develop Taft Auxiliary Programs and Services to the highest degree of excellence. They will be organized, attentive to detail, and motivated by authentic interest in the experience of the participants in the programs. Moreover, they will be driven by entrepreneurial spirit, while being resourceful, innovative and forward thinking in developing and overseeing program that is aligned with the School mission and strategic vision.

• The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:
  • 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience managing auxiliary programs or equivalent to include experience with residential living.
  • The ability to think strategically in developing, enhancing, and refining summer/auxiliary programs in the broader context of a mission-driven boarding school.
  • A creative self-starter requiring minimal supervision who brings wisdom, perspective, confidence and excellent problem-solving skills to the position.
  • The ability to work effectively on multiple projects simultaneously.
  • A high level of integrity and professionalism in all aspects of the position including but not limited to the handling of confidential and sensitive data.
  • A demonstrated commitment to creating and supporting diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities.
  • Strong financial acumen with demonstrated ability to develop and manage a budget.
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills.
  • Expertise in marketing summer or similar programs using a variety of technology resources including social media.
  • Well-developed collaborative work style; ability to interact with employees at all levels of the School.
  • Ability to understand youth development programming, applicable regulations/laws, trends, best practices and new developments in the field.
  • Knowledge and skill to negotiate and manage contracts. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to quickly and regularly adjust strategy based on the School’s needs.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office products, Google applications, database management, website development, and digital media.
  • A positive outlook and a sense of humor.

Application Instructions:

Please include uploading the following:

• Resume
• Cover letter, addressing the following:
  • What attracts you to this role at Taft? What relevant experience has prepared you to take on this role?

  • Your philosophy around teaching and/or project management and collaborating with colleagues.

  • Examples of supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in a professional setting
• Reference List