What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of School position at National Association of Independent Schools?
Northwest Academy – Portland, Oregon
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Northwest Academy, an independent, forward-thinking middle and high school in downtown Portland, Oregon, seeks a visionary and student-centered Head of School to lead the institution into its next chapter of growth and innovation. Rooted in a strong arts and academic foundation, Northwest Academy serves grades 6-12, fostering a culture of critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration in an urban setting.
The Opportunity
The next Head of School will have the unique opportunity to build on Northwest Academy's strengths while shaping a future that ensures long-term sustainability, educational excellence, and community engagement. The school is at a pivotal moment, refining its organizational structure, exploring rightsizing for financial sustainability, and deepening its shared understanding of educational excellence.
Key Priorities Include
Interested individuals may request an in-depth position statement and/or arrange an inquiry conversation by contacting HOSsearch@nwacademy.org
Northwest Academy is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
J-18808-Ljbffr
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Northwest Academy, an independent, forward-thinking middle and high school in downtown Portland, Oregon, seeks a visionary and student-centered Head of School to lead the institution into its next chapter of growth and innovation. Rooted in a strong arts and academic foundation, Northwest Academy serves grades 6-12, fostering a culture of critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration in an urban setting.
The Opportunity
The next Head of School will have the unique opportunity to build on Northwest Academy's strengths while shaping a future that ensures long-term sustainability, educational excellence, and community engagement. The school is at a pivotal moment, refining its organizational structure, exploring rightsizing for financial sustainability, and deepening its shared understanding of educational excellence.
Key Priorities Include
- Strategic Leadership: Strengthening institutional identity and ensuring long-term sustainability.
- Financial Stewardship: Aligning staffing models with financial realities while maintaining educational excellence.
- Academic & Arts Innovation: Upholding and enhancing the school's distinctive interdisciplinary and arts-integrated curriculum.
- Community & Culture: Engaging students, faculty, families, and the broader Portland community in meaningful ways.
- Brings a deep understanding of independent school leadership and operational realities.
- Is excited by the energy of an urban school setting and the interplay of arts and academics.
- Champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of school life.
- Can balance big-picture vision with day-to-day operational leadership.
Interested individuals may request an in-depth position statement and/or arrange an inquiry conversation by contacting HOSsearch@nwacademy.org
Northwest Academy is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
J-18808-Ljbffr
