What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lower School Assistant Head position at Holton-Arms School?
Founded more than a century ago, Holton-Arms School encourages young women in grades 3-12 to approach the world with a thirst for challenge, unflinching curiosity, and a sense of responsibility to use what they learn for the greatest good. A nationally-recognized school that prioritizes purposeful connections, Holton is a vibrant place where both students and faculty are deeply engaged in the process of learning and bring tremendous spirit and passion to their work.
With a long legacy of excellence in educating girls, Holton provides students with time-tested and future-forward programming, preparing them for what the world needs next. The mission of the Holton-Arms School is to cultivate the unique potential of young women through the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.” Founded in 1901 by two visionary women, Holton-Arms continues to cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and equitable school community; tend to the health and wellbeing of its members; and build a global curriculum that responds to the learners in its classrooms and the world around us.
The school’s aspirations and current program are rooted in Mrs. Holton’s founding vision: “My high hope is that they who enter through the ‘Open Door’ of Holton-Arms remember they felt, in the friendliness of a home, the urge to learn and the joy of overcoming obstacles as the way to happiness and the fullest life.” In this vibrant community committed to academic excellence, discovery, creativity, and joy, students are scholars, artists, and athletes who find their voices, take risks, learn from mistakes, pursue leadership opportunities, and build lifelong friendships. The school motto, Inveniam viam aut faciam (I will find a way or make one), exemplifies this spirit of agency and empowerment.
We seek applicants from diverse backgrounds, talents, and interests who share our passion for helping girls learn, grow, and thrive. Together, we are committed to cultivating the leaders of tomorrow who will make a positive impact on their communities and the world.
The Assistant Head of Lower School reports directly to the Head of Lower School, grades 3-6, and is a key member of the Lower School Leadership Team. This role ensures alignment with the school’s mission through leadership, administration, faculty support, and student-centered programming. This is a 12 month role.
Primary Responsibilities
Leadership and Administration
- Assist with overall division management and daily operations.
- Represent the Lower School at events for current and prospective families.
- Oversee the school calendar and act as the division leader in the Head of Lower School’s absence.
Faculty and Staff Support
- Onboard and support new faculty, promoting retention through regular check-ins.
- Partner in faculty evaluations, goal-setting, and instructional coaching.
- Collaborate on professional development, curriculum oversight, and documentation.
- Support teacher, student, and parent meetings as needed.
Student Programming
- Lead and coordinate student leadership, clubs, and co-curricular activities.
- Collaborate on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) programming.
- Oversee student council and community engagement initiatives.
- Organize field trips and support student admission processes.
Behavior and Discipline Management
- Maintain a positive, safe environment that promotes academic and social-emotional growth.
- Address behavioral concerns, manage disciplinary actions, and communicate with stakeholders.
Communications
- Serve as a liaison for the Lower School, ensuring clear communication across constituencies.
- Manage internal and external communications, including newsletters and event coordination.
Other responsibilities
- Teach two sections of a class
- Co-lead an advisory
Core Competencies
The ideal candidate is:
- A collaborative leader with strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Flexible and adept at managing complex situations and priorities.
- Student-focused, with a deep understanding of the needs of Lower School students.
- Organized and skilled in time management, planning, and decision-making.
- Mission-driven, emphasizing inclusion, growth, and holistic development.
- Professional, with sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
- Effective in building meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
- Balanced, demonstrating patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred.
- Three to five years of teaching experience.
- Academic leadership experience.
- Proficiency in or ability to learn Veracross, Canvas, Google, Outlook, or comparable systems.
To be considered for this position, please submit your cover letter, resume, statement of philosophy of educational leadership, and name and contact information of three references.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Holton-Arms cherishes the uniqueness of each of our members, including current and former students, faculty, and staff. We seek to create an inclusive environment that sees, values, and supports diverse identities and experiences, cultivates engaging discourse, and empowers our students to be thriving members of the global community.
At Holton-Arms, each of us is responsible for fostering an equitable, respectful, and just community. We are committed to:
- Discovering, developing, and valuing our full authentic selves.
- Deepening awareness of personal and systemic biases and being accountable for the impact of our words and actions.
- Developing an understanding of the historical origins and perpetuation of systems of power and privilege.
- Engaging in open and brave conversations that promote growth, understanding, connection, and agency.
- Embracing every individual as essential to the community.
The average salary range for this position is $70,000 to $100,000, the exact salary to be determined based on education and experience. Additional stipends are available for coaching, club sponsorship, or significant extracurricular commitments. Benefits include health insurance with a generous employer contribution to medical, dental and vision; life and disability insurance; 403b retirement savings with an employer match and non-elective contribution; employee assistance program, tuition remission for eligible children; professional development opportunities; paid parental leave after one year of employment; paid vacation, paid sick and personal days; and lunch is provided on school days.
Salary : $70,000 - $100,000
