Head of Lower School

Description

Saint Andrew’s School is conducting a national search for the Head of Lower School with the assistance of Carney, Sandoe & Associates. Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following materials in PDF format to consultants, John Faubert and Allison Stiles at john.faubert@carneysandoe.com and allison.stiles@carneysandoe.com.

1. A cover letter expressing their interest in the position;
2. A current and comprehensive résumé of no more than four pages;
3. A list of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission)
   
    

The Head of Lower School is responsible for providing leadership and direction for the daily operations of the Lower School, including all academic, co-curricular, and student life programs. This position oversees all LS Faculty, LS Dean of Students, LS Administrative Support Staff, and Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator. This position also works in collaboration with LS Instructional and Technology Coaches, LS Learning Specialists, LS Guidance Counselor, and LS Chaplain. In addition to serving as the instructional leader of the Lower School and nurturing and supporting the faculty, the Head of Lower School also partners with Senior Administrators, and works closely with the Office of Admissions, given the important early entry points in the seven years of Lower School.

Opportunities & Challenges

• Maintain congruence between the school’s mission and the activities of the division.
• Effectively support lower school co-teaching model with faculty.
• Evaluate and develop priorities with various curricula (including PYP Programme).
• Strive for strong faculty retention in lower school.
• Represent lower school needs and perspective as member of all-school leadership team.
• Collaborate with admissions team to admit mission appropriate students into lower school.
• Manage lower school budget effectively.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Head of School, Dean of Studies, Department Chairs, and Lower School Leadership Team to support the professional growth of the faculty.
• Serve on Committee on Equity and Justice and support DEIJB initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the Academic Affairs Committee, the Educational Leadership Team, the Senior Administrative Team, the Committee on Ethics and Compliance, and all divisional hiring committees.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Personal Attributes

Leadership

• Demonstrated success in educational leadership administration, ideally in independent schools.
• An approachable, accessible, and visible leader who takes joy from being involved in the daily life of the lower school, building genuine relationships with adults and students alike, and nurturing a culture of respect, collegiality, and collaboration.  
• An understanding of and appreciation for the Episcopal tradition and how it informs values and practices within an inclusive and multicultural independent school community.  
• Well-versed in and committed to equity and inclusion practices with experience in guiding students, colleagues, and parents in their growth in these spaces. 

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or related field
• Experience or familiarity with PYP/IB framework
• Lower school classroom teaching experience with a solid understanding of curriculum needs and academic development.
• An educational philosophy that is rooted in balance, honors students’ individual strengths and interests, and cultivates their well-rounded development.  

Skills and Knowledge 

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage disagreements and disputes constructively by using negotiation, and problem-solving techniques to reach mutually agreeable resolution.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, organizational and presentation skills.
• Adept at recruiting, hiring, supporting, and retaining exceptional faculty and staff who are aligned with Saint Andrew’s mission and core values.
• Experience in budget management and admissions.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to empower, motivate, and inspire faculty and staff to have a positive impact on the lower school.
• Displays discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential information.
• Possess sound judgment and problem solving capabilities with a high degree of integrity, ethics, and dedication to Saint Andrew’s mission and core values.
• Commitment to a growth mindset and continuous professional development.

Physical Demands:  Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift for the majority of the work day. May be required to lift up to 25 pounds.

Saint Andrew’s School is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices without regard to age, gender, race, religion, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or familial status, pregnancy, disability or handicap, genetic information, military status, or any other protected status in accordance with the requirement of all federal, state, and local laws. 

Saint Andrew’s is a drug-free workplace. All employees must successfully maintain an acceptable Level II criminal background check.  Saint Andrew’s School may, in its discretion, modify or adjust the position to meet the school’s changing needs.