What are the responsibilities and job description for the Upper School Division Head (Start Date: July 1, 2025) position at Bancroft School?
About Bancroft School
Bancroft School is a vibrant PreK-12 independent day school in Worcester, Massachusetts, dedicated to empowering students through active, inquiry based learning. Our dynamic academic program fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world. With the guidance of exceptional educators, students engage deeply with one another, celebrate diverse perspectives, and develop the skills needed for lifelong learning and leadership.
Founded in 1900, Bancroft is situated on a beautiful 30-acre campus in a residential neighborhood just north of downtown Worcester—a thriving city with a rich history and a promising future. Our 445 students come from over 70 cities and towns across Central Massachusetts, bringing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences that enrich our inclusive learning environment.
As Bancroft continues to grow and innovate under the leadership of Head of School Stephanie Luebbers, who began her tenure in July 2023, we remain committed to our mission and vision, guided by the strategic plan BluePrint125. Our goal is to be the first choice for families seeking an educational experience where every student is challenged, supported, and inspired to own their journey to mastery and independence in a community where they are truly known and valued.
Position Summary
The Upper School Division Head serves a central role in the school's leadership and daily administration of the Upper School (200 total students and 23 faculty). This position reports to the Head of School and is charged with the comprehensive responsibility for all curricular and non-curricular programs involving students, faculty, and staff in the Upper School (Grades 9-12).
The Head of the Upper School:
- Ensures that the school's mission, vision, and values are reflected in all Upper School programs and activities.
- Serves as the academic, cultural, and operational leader of the Upper School.
- Ensures the academic program is innovative, flexible, culturally responsive, and student-centered.
- Fosters an atmosphere of trust and open communication among faculty, students, and parents in order to appropriately involve all members in decision making.
- Supports an atmosphere that fosters the intellectual, social, physical, and emotional growth of each student.
- Ensures that every element of school life reflects the principles of equity, diversity, and the dignity of each individual.
- Manages student discipline.
- Oversees communication between the school and families and meets with parents/guardians about issues of mutual concern.
- Partners with the Head of School to recruit, hire, evaluate, and retain exceptional Upper School faculty and staff.
- Develops and maintains a sense of teamwork and collaboration among the Upper School faculty and staff.
- Collaborates with the Director of Enrollment Management in the enrollment and retention of Upper School students.
- Serves as a member of the school's administrative team.
- Collaborates with colleagues to ensure a consistent and cohesive PreK - Grade 12 program.
- Monitors divisional spending and budget.
- Evaluates and mentors Upper School faculty & staff.
- Attends Board of Trustees meetings when invited.
- Leadership: Ability to lead by example and inspire others to achieve common goals.
- Passion for Upper Level Education: Dedication to fostering a positive and enriching learning environment for adolescent students.
- Communication: Strong communication skills to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to handle various challenges and adapt to changing educational needs.
- Decision-making: Sound judgment in making decisions for the benefit of the school community.
- Advanced degree in educational leadership or related field.
- Prior teaching experience, preferably in an upper school setting.
- Prior instructional leadership and/or administrative experience preferred.
- Knowledge of and experience in curriculum development, instructional methodology, and professional development.
- Ability to manage budgets, evaluate staff, and implement strategic plans.
- Understanding of diverse learning needs and the ability to create an inclusive environment.
- The next Head of Upper School will work closely with the administrative team to actively and vibrantly tell the Bancroft School story of excellence within the Upper School community and with current and prospective families.
- The incoming Head of Upper School will have an opportunity to further enhance the curricular program with best practices in student-centered instruction and innovative approaches, where students engage in active learning experiences and develop self-advocacy and agency.
- There are opportunities for the Upper School Head to further capitalize on the 'One School Model' within the PreK-12 construct that the school affords and also build continuity of experience for students and families across divisions.
- The Head of Upper School will play a vital role in fostering a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and families by creating opportunities for student engagement, faculty collaboration, and family partnership.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement plan with employer match
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Long-term disability, life, and AD&D insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Access to on-campus gym facilities
- A cover letter expressing interest in this position,
- A current resume,
- A one-page statement of educational and leadership philosophy and practice, and
- A list of five professional references, including name, phone number, and email address. References will not be contacted without the candidate's permission.
