Head of Upper School

5/2/2024

The Carmel School is looking for a dynamic, growth-oriented, academic, and administrative leader to be its first-ever Head of Upper School, effective July 1, 2024. The Head of Upper School is responsible for carrying out the mission of the school while inspiring all Upper School stakeholders towards growth in the core tenants of a Carmel School education- high academic achievement, honor and integrity, physical growth, community engagement, and spiritual formation.

The ideal candidate is an experienced Independent school leader whose passion for college-preparatory education is contagious. The Head of Upper School must be a strong communicator who effectively models collaboration, innovative program design, and a deep commitment to relationships. Along with the complete oversight of the Upper School division, this position requires a strategic thinker and empathetic problem solver who has the ability to problem solve, build consensus, and work in collaborative partnerships across all constituent groups. This full-time, 12-month position (July 1, 2024) works directly with the Head of School, divisional leaders, faculty, staff, students, and parents.

Interested and qualified candidates should email our Head of School, Matt Johns.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Mission and Leadership

Maintain congruency between the school’s mission statement and all division activities.
Be a visible presence in all areas of the school.
Promote a school climate that is safe, supports learning and innovation, and emphasizes spiritual and character development.

Operational

Act as the educational leader of the Upper School division, responsible for its day-to-day operation while overseeing the coordination of the co-curricular and extra-curricular activity programs, including the planning and the presentation of school assemblies and programs
Maintain a comprehensive calendar of school events and keep the entire school community informed of various school programs and activities.
Plan and manage the divisional budget, approve all purchases and any allocations required to meet the needs of the division, and work with the business office to ensure proper facilities provisions.

Curriculum and Pedagogy

Be knowledgeable and able to articulate advances and trends in pedagogy and education.
Review and evaluate the academic programs, including horizontal and vertical curricular alignment.
Lead the academic policies and curriculum in the articulation of the school mission, school goals, department goals, course objectives, materials, methods, and means of assessment.
Ensure consistency in programming across the division and vertically in coordination with other division heads.

Faculty

Inspire, observe, supervise, and evaluate the Upper School teaching faculty while fostering a professional, respectful, and appreciative environment that values the contributions of all team members.
Lead with a deep passion for curriculum development and forward-thinking pedagogy.
Serve as a consultant to teachers in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, and general school procedures.
Coach faculty through observation, evaluation, growth goals, and opportunities for professional development.
Ensure that teachers are familiar with and adhere to school policies in all areas of the school’s operation; maintain and execute the development of faculty duty schedules and oversee their execution.

Students

Relish the joys and challenges of working with students while committing to the building of impactful relationships.
Possess a deep understanding of human development, including a particularly strong understanding of the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development typical of Upper School students.
Promotes positive student interaction, focuses on student well-being, and has a proactive approach to student conduct
Oversee student leadership development and student life programs, including student councils and honor societies.
Oversee the maintenance of complete academic records and instructional practices for all students.

Families

Works collaboratively, effectively, and efficiently with school families.
Leads and facilitates parent education programs.
Acts as a key communicator to, and educational leader for, school families.

Qualification Requirements

Master's degree in education or school administration
Upper School teaching and administrative experience in a private/Independent school is required.
Possess a deep appreciation for and understanding of how to build a vibrant Upper School culture.
Proven ability to transition students from Middle School into Upper School with an understanding of the importance of a college-preparatory academic program.
Approachable; an ability to communicate clearly and with appropriate empathy to students, parents, and colleagues.
Outstanding organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
Exceptional experience with educational technology
Embraces the whole-child educational philosophy and seeks to help students develop in all aspects.
Ability to respond thoughtfully and decisively to the diverse needs of faculty, students, and their families
Possess qualities of enthusiasm, courtesy, flexibility, integrity, gratitude, kindness, self-control, perseverance, and punctuality.

Please note that additional responsibilities may be assigned.

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