Associate Head of School

The Pingry School, a prestigious K-12 coeducational, independent day school with a rich history dating back to its founding by Dr. John F. Pingry in 1861, stands at the forefront of academic excellence in the United States. With campuses located in Basking Ridge, Pottersville, and Short Hills, New Jersey, Pingry is celebrated for its academic programs, a student-written Honor Code that underpins our community values, and a comprehensive commitment to arts, athletics, community, and civic engagement. Our mission is to inspire in our students a lifelong passion for learning, personal development, and social responsibility, preparing them to be global citizens and luminaries of the 21st century. Rooted in relationships and guided by our foundational philosophy, Pingry is a vibrant community of more than 1,100 students hailing from over 90 towns across New Jersey and New York. At Pingry, we are united by a love of learning and a commitment to preparing students to navigate the complexities of the 21st century with confidence and integrity. For more information, we invite you to visit our website at pingry.org or connect with The Pingry School on Facebook, X, and Instagram to discover why we love school.

Position Overview

The Associate Head of School serves as a key member of the senior leadership team at the Pingry School, supporting the Head of School and ensuring the seamless operation of the K-12 program. Reporting directly to the Head of School, this role offers an exceptional leadership opportunity for a visionary educator with aspirations to become a Head of School. Acting as the "Head Instead" during the Head's absence, the Associate Head provides visible leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight while upholding the school's mission and values.

The Division Directors, the Director of Academics, the Director of the Pottersville Campus, and the Director of Athletics all report directly to the Associate Head. In leading the delivery of The Pingry School's comprehensive student program, the Associate Head provides direction and support to these leaders and other student-focused program heads. This role involves overseeing the teams that shape the academic and student life experience, faculty development, curriculum development, and strategic planning, all while ensuring alignment with Pingry's program and culture. The Associate Head is a vital facilitator and connector, harmonizing the programmatic, operational, philanthropic, and business aspects of school life.

The Associate Head of School collaborates closely with the Board of Trustees, attending all board committee meetings during board weekends to ensure alignment with the school's mission and strategic priorities. Actively engaged in key committees, the Associate Head contributes to shaping institutional initiatives, including the Strategic Plan and NJAIS accreditation. While specific responsibilities may shift, engagement with board activities and strategic priorities remains essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Culture

• Collaborate with Division Directors, Department Chairs, and Human Resources to recruit, onboard, and retain exceptional faculty and staff aligned with the school's mission and values.
• Promote ethical practices, cultural cohesion, and alignment with the values of honor and excellence.
• Cultivate meaningful connections within the school and local community to advance the school's dedication to social responsibility and inclusivity.
• Serve as a visible, inspiring presence at school events, modeling the values of respect, empathy, and service.
• Promote an environment where every individual feels valued and respected, which helps build the Pingry community together.
  
  

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Collaborate with the Head of School to communicate and implement strategic priorities across academics, student life, and operations.
• Spearhead initiatives that enhance student engagement and holistic education, integrating non-academic experiences into the K-12 program.
• Contribute to the vision and execution of capital projects and campus planning initiatives.
• Guide strategic initiatives that position the school as a leader in the independent school community.
  
  

Operational Management

• Ensure the efficient functioning of student-facing programs and academic departments and align student-facing auxiliary programs that use the Pingry name with our academic approach in collaboration with the CF & OO.
• Lead the school community with confidence, care, and clarity in the Head's absence.
• Support accreditation processes, policy adherence, and institutional assessments.
• Address conflict resolution and provide mentorship to administrative teams.
  
  

Programmatic Alignment & Collaboration

• Ensure alignment across K-12 academic programs, fostering intellectual exploration and personal growth.
• Provide direct support and oversight to the Division Directors, the Director of Academics, the Director of the Pottersville Campus, and the Director of Athletics.
• Work with leaders to integrate divisional and departmental goals with school-wide priorities.
• Partner with the Chief Financial Officer to manage budgets and allocate resources in service of institutional priorities.
  
  

Special Projects & Initiatives

• Manage initiatives that advance the school's strategic goals and foster innovation.
  
  

Serve on key committees and provide leadership for ad hoc projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Proven track record of leadership in K-12 education, preferably within an independent school setting.
• Master's degree in education or a related academic field; advanced leadership training preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex operations, lead cross-functional teams, and drive institutional alignment.
• Deep understanding of curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and student-centered programming.
• A strategic thinker who can balance high-level planning with day-to-day operations.
• Empathetic and collaborative, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Deep commitment to the school's values of honor, respect, and inclusivity.
• Calm and decisive in addressing challenges and fostering solutions.
• Passionate about growth, innovation, and best practices in education.
• Commitment to the mission and vision of the Pingry School, including a commitment to DEIB and the requisite skills to work cross-functionally with diverse constituency groups across the organization.
  
  

Why Join The Pingry School?

The Associate Head of School position offers a unique pathway for an aspiring Head of School to gain hands-on leadership experience in a dynamic and supportive environment. At the Pingry School, you will have the opportunity to work closely with a talented team of educators and administrators, all dedicated to building community and shaping the future of education.

Apply online today at https://www.pingry.org/careers to join a community where innovation meets tradition and where every individual is committed to fostering excellence, empathy, and integrity. Application deadline Friday, January 24, 2025.

The Pingry School aspires to be an anti-racist community and is committed to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Pingry is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Pingry School's employment policy is that individuals will receive equal opportunity in all matters pertaining to recruitment, employment, salary, promotion, and assignment, regardless of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy status, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran, or other basis proscribed by federal, state, and local law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.