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Head of Upper School

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We inspire students to be:
Independent in Thought • Confident in Expression • Compassionate in Spirit • Collaborative in Action • Honorable in Deed

 

Head of Upper School (Grades 9-12)

Germantown Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school located on a beautiful 126-acre campus in the Fort Washington suburbs near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school serves more than 1,200 students in grades PK-12. Founded in 1759, GA is America’s oldest non-sectarian day school with rich traditions and a strong commitment to ongoing innovation of curricular and pedagogical practices.

Germantown Academy is committed to the work of equity and inclusion and believes that equal opportunity in all aspects of employment supports the mission of the school and the successful attainment of our strategic objectives. Candidates must exhibit an appreciation of, a sensitivity to, and a respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying socioeconomic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds.

The Head of Upper School leads and sets the vision for Germantown Academy’s largest division, overseeing the well-being of the 575 students and 80 faculty within the Upper School. Reporting to the Head of School, the Head of Upper School also serves on the senior leadership team of the school, including membership on the Heads of School Committee, the One School Committee, and the Strategic Vision Task Force. We are seeking candidates for a full-time position to join our community beginning July 2024. This is a 12-month position with an excellent array of benefits and a competitive salary. In addition, 100% tuition remission is available for a total of two children who qualify for admission and for whom space is available.

Divisional Responsibilities:

  • The Division Head will develop a vision and identity for the Upper School, including the development and implementation of developmentally-appropriate socio-emotional, academic, and extracurricular programs that fit into the sequence of the broader PK-12, and that advance the school’s mission statement and goals.
  • The Division Head will be responsible for the supervision and evaluation of the Upper School Dean of Faculty, Upper School Dean of Students, department chairs, House Heads, faculty, and staff within the division.
  • The Division Head will meet regularly with department heads regarding the curriculum and will oversee the academic life of the division.
  • The Division Head will meet regularly with the House Heads to manage the daily life of the school, oversee the House System, and partner with individual House Heads to oversee the well-being of Upper School students.
  • The Division Head will develop positive partnerships with students and families, including a working knowledge of every student’s academic and extracurricular program and social and emotional well-being.
  • The Division Head will be responsible for the oversight of all major disciplinary matters involving students.
  • The Division Head will foster a positive culture of growth and collegiality among the Upper School faculty and staff.
  • The Division Head will meet regularly with the faculty and will create meaningful, productive agendas which further the needs of the school and the professional needs of its teachers.
  • The Division Head will be responsible for the hiring process within the division.  
  • The Division Head will be responsible for divisional budgeting, including professional development.
  • The Division Head will be responsible for the oversight of the division’s facilities.
  • The Division Head will be responsible for the daily operations and decorum of the Upper School.  
  • The Division Head will be a dynamic, visible presence in all areas of the school.

School Responsibilities:

  • The Division Head will meet regularly with and keep the Head of School abreast of all relevant student, faculty, and parent concerns within the division.
  • The Division Head will meet with the Head of School on a regular basis to develop, monitor, and revise the academic program and goals of the school.
  • The Division Head will coordinate with the Head of School and the Assistant Head of School regarding the professional development opportunities within the school as well as opportunities outside of school, the management of faculty and staff issues, and faculty evaluation.
  • The Division Head will consult with the Head of School to determine the hiring needs within the division, and will coordinate with the department heads regarding search processes.
  • The Division Head will serve on the Heads of Schools Committee, the One School Committee (school-wide management team), the divisional Admission Committee, the Equity and Inclusion Leadership Team, and other divisional or ad hoc committees as relevant or required.  They are also expected to attend all Board of Trustee meetings.
  • The Division Head will collaborate with the Lower and Middle School heads to develop and implement a school-wide educational vision and program.
  • The Division Head will approach the work at hand with a one-school, collaborative perspective, seeking to communicate effectively and proactively with all constituencies regarding divisional activities that may affect the community at large.
  • The Division Head will work collaboratively and proactively with members of the broader administration and the One School Committee to serve the mission and goals of the school.

Qualifications:

  • A minimum of a master’s degree is required;
  • 3-5 years of successful senior administrative experience as a school leader, preferably as an Upper School Head;
  • Significant experience with and knowledge of Upper School students, their developmental needs, and Upper School curriculum;
  • Outstanding teaching credentials and the ability to teach one course in the Upper School;
  • Demonstrated experience as an academic leader;
  • Flexibility, imagination, and outstanding communication skills.

To apply for the position, please assemble a portfolio including the following information:

  • Detailed letter of interest
  • Resume
  • Personal statement
  • Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
  • A contact list of at least 3 references, including at least one current supervisor

For a fuller sense of Germantown Academy and the Head of Upper School role, please refer to the POSITION PROFILE.

APPLY HERE