Assistant Head of Upper School for Academic Affairs 2025-26

Ravenscroft is an independent, coeducational day school in Raleigh, NC, with approximately 1,250 students in grades PreK-12.

Reports to: Head of Upper School

The successful candidate will be a master educator with a passion for teaching and learning, developing faculty, and building a healthy school culture based on mutual respect and open communication.

The Assistant Head of Upper School for Academic Affairs will work closely with the Head of Upper School to:

• collaborate effectively with the other members of the Upper School Leadership Team to create a cohesive, supportive, and joyful Upper School for students and faculty alike.
• conduct faculty evaluations, including formal and informal observations, teacher coaching, and annual review meetings.
• monitor and support innovation in the overall academic program in the Upper School, including the development of new courses, updating curriculum, and the sunsetting of outdated or obsolete programs.
• ensure consistent academic standards and expectations across the upper school departments.
• support the academic progress of all students, while providing specific support for those with more global concerns.
• onboard new families, including reviewing their prior academic record and supporting the Department Chairs in placement decisions.
• design and implement the administration of division-wide events such as semester exams, the PSAT, etc.
• recruit and retain a faculty composed of talented, diverse, and highly collaborative professionals.
• convene and facilitate the Teaching and Learning Committee in the Upper School.
• work closely with the Registrar and Department Chairs in executing the course recommendation, course request, and scheduling processes.

In addition to these responsibilities, other duties include:

• advising 10-12 students and facilitating the integration of our “Lead from Here” curriculum.
• serving on committees and/or supporting extracurricular activities; coaching a sport is highly desirable.
• teaching one section of an academic course.
• serving on the school-wide Academic Committee.

Traits and skills essential to success in this position include:

• exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, and a willingness to engage all constituencies with empathy.
• systems thinker with the ability to quickly pivot between strategic priorities and tactical problem-solving.
• a growth mindset and the ability to receive feedback, adapting to the diverse needs of others, and being a valued colleague in a strong and cohesive division.
• strong collaboration skills with the ability to foster an environment of teamwork and engagement amongst all upper school faculty and staff.
• a willingness to have compassionate and courageous conversations.
• an inviting personality that is approachable, adaptable, responsive, visible, and warm.
• a sense of humor and a thirst for joy in working with students and adults alike.
• effective technology skills, including the ability to use our learning management systems (Veracross and Canvas).
• a willingness to provide input and feedback on areas of the division across roles and responsibilities.
• the ability to exercise the utmost confidentiality with both student and faculty/staff information.
• modeling the statements of Ravenscroft’s Portrait of an Educator: I teach with joy and strive for excellence; I model lifelong learning and collaboration; I encourage students to explore their passions and interests; I create a nurturing and inclusive community where all are valued.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have at a minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree highly desirable.
• at least 3 years of academic leadership experience such as serving as a Department Chair, curricular team lead, instructional coach, etc.
• a proven track record of building and leading cohesive teams, including talent identification, hiring, and morale building.
• knowledge of contemporary teaching best practices with an understanding of and ability to support the nuances between academic disciplines.

Salary/Benefits: Ravenscroft School is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding employees through a compensation plan that compares favorably with those of regional peer schools. A full benefits package includes TIAA retirement and generous medical/dental coverage, and equals the best plans in Independent Schools.