Head of Middle School

Job Description

Founded in 1961, Sandy Spring Friends School is a Quaker, coed, academically-rigorous day and boarding school serving approximately 620 students from age three through 12th grade. The campus is located on 140 acres in the historic Sandy Spring area of Montgomery County, Maryland, and the School is approved by the Maryland State Board of Education and accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools.

Our school’s culture, rooted in the idea that collaboration engenders achievement, can be traced to our Quaker heritage and abiding belief in the Quaker values of simplicity, equality, honesty, stewardship of the environment, and peaceful resolution of conflict.

2025 - 2026 Head of Middle School

Summary: Sandy Spring Friends School seeks a dynamic educational leader to lead a creative and forward-looking Middle School Division in a school with a strong sense of community. The Middle School Head is the academic and administrative leader of Sandy Spring Friend School’s Middle School. As such, the MS Head bears responsibility for all aspects of the curricular and extra-curricular program. Additionally, the Middle School Head is charged with fostering a school environment that is consistent with Quaker values and principles.

This position reports directly to and works closely with the Head of School and as a member of the school’s senior leadership team (Administrative Council), and partners in implementing and managing strategic and operational initiatives. The Middle School Head represents the needs and concerns of Middle School faculty, staff, students, and parents to the Head of School, and serves as a liaison to all other constituencies of the School.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the Middle School program, ensuring alignment with the values and standards outlined in Sandy Spring Friends School’s Philosophy Statement.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate all Middle School teachers and staff.
• Lead the ongoing development and refinement of the Middle School curriculum, initiating curricular changes when necessary.
• Foster strong relationships with Middle School parents and the Parents Association to enhance community engagement.
• Provide leadership in addressing major discipline issues and ensure consistent, fair practices.
• Collaborate with the Admissions Office to support student enrollment and retention efforts.
• Serve as the Middle School’s primary representative for all public relations and communications needs.
• Plan, manage, and monitor the Middle School budget.
• Review and update the Middle School Faculty Handbook, Community Handbook, and Program Guide annually.
• Manage the creation, content, and distribution of all Middle School communications, including grade mailings, comment mailings, letters to parents, and transcripts.
• Lead the planning and execution of the Middle School division calendars and schedules.
• Support student and parent transitions between divisions to ensure a smooth and supportive experience.
• Oversee the continued integration of technology into the Middle School’s academic and administrative programs, ensuring proper training and support.
• Actively support and integrate Quaker values and practices into the Middle School experience.
• Balance and promote the integration of academics, athletics, arts, and service within the Middle School curriculum and activities.
  
  

Knowledge and Skill Set Requirements: The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree (Master's degree strongly preferred) and demonstrated classroom teaching experience. Proven leadership experience is essential, along with the ability to communicate diplomatically and build meaningful partnerships. A passion for education and a deep understanding of child development are critical, as is a commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within early childhood and middle school education. The successful candidate will be an effective delegator and a visionary leader who embraces Quaker values and processes in administrative work. Additionally, the candidate should have a knowledge of the independent school landscape in the Washington Metro area. The candidate must be proficient in current technology as it applies to administrative tasks and curricular programs.

Physical Requirements: Daily desk work includes significant amounts of telephone and computer time as well as mobility around the entire campus. This includes frequent walking inside and outside, maneuvering stairs as a part of daily routines. Bending and squatting is required to participate in activities; lifting/carrying boxes up to 25 pounds; and the ability to maneuver as necessary within a regular classroom and office setting.

Please note that the School has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination.

Summary Of Benefits

Annual salary: $100-$130K

At SSFS, we offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. Our benefits include:

• Comprehensive Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• Disability & Life Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage, along with life insurance for peace of mind at no cost to employees.
• Retirement Savings: 403(B) plan with employer contributions to help you save for the future.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including holidays and parental leave.
• Employee Assistance: Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
• Tuition: Financial aid available to children of SSFS employees.
• Childcare Discounts: Discounted After Care and Summer Camp programs for employees' children.
• Convenience Perks: Free parking, free lunch, and access to our library and gym facilities.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for growth through tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, and ongoing professional development initiatives.
• Campus Amenities: Work in a beautiful, historic campus with walking paths. We are a smoke-free, environmentally conscious community.
  
  

Commitment to Diversity: Sandy Spring Friends School embraces the Quaker testimony of Equality and seeks applicants who represent all backgrounds and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We greatly value our diverse student population and we actively seek faculty representatives of our students’ diversity. Click to learn more about diversity at Sandy Spring Friends School. Special consideration may be given to members of The Religious Society of Friends.