Lower School Head
The Bement School, Deerfield, MA
The Lower School Head provides comprehensive leadership for all activities involving students and faculty in the Lower school. This includes curriculum development, support of teachers in their classroom initiatives, communication with parents, and oversight of educational programs.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Serve as a member of Bement’s Leadership Team
- Develop, maintain, and lead the culture of the Lower School in accordance with the mission of The Bement School
- Observe, supervise, and assist in evaluating the faculty in the development and implementation of curriculum.
- Oversee the Lower School programs, activities, services and procedures including co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, assemblies, events and programs.
- Promote learning, building a sense of community, and meeting the academic, aesthetic, and affective needs of Lower School students
- Play an active leadership role in articulating and implementing the Lower School’s relationship with parents in terms of its policies, rules, and expectations, behavioral guidelines and other necessary information pertinent to the Lower School. Responsible for all Lower School parent communication (written, printed, and online).
- Supervise and guide faculty and students in maintaining student discipline and implementing preventative measures through social-emotional support consonant with Bement’s policies, monitoring student’s adherence to established school policies, and maintaining accurate records of student behavior.
- Oversee the ordering of instructional materials for the Lower School curriculum.
- Establish programs for orientation of new teachers, inclusive of all in-service training, processes for evaluation of classroom faculty and professional development opportunities.
- Conduct regular meetings with Lower school faculty.
- Make recommendations to the Head of School regarding hiring and retention, and the assignment of Lower School Faculty.
- Support and encourage the professional development of faculty members in terms of their knowledge of their subject areas; teaching-related skills; advising-related skills; and pursuing new subject interests.
- Assist in the admission process for the testing, interviewing, and evaluating of applicants for enrollment in the Lower School.
- Provide academic guidance and social-emotional support to all Lower school students.
- Work collaboratively with the Director of Finance and Operations and Head of School to formulate and monitor the operating budget for the Lower School.
- Facilitate a resolution of all problems- both routine and unique- as they arise, keeping the Head of School apprised of the general programs, activities, and concerns in the Lower school.
- Participate in Administrative Team meetings.
- Direct instruction of students as needed.
Position Requirements: Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of administrative experience in a similar capacity, preferably with direct knowledge of independent schools.
- Classroom teaching experience in grades K – 5
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or additional equivalent experience.
Skills & Knowledge
- Proven management and leadership capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and thorough understanding of strategic development.
- Demonstrated ability to prospect, cultivate, and steward potential donors.
- Proficient at using computers, including the Google Suite and the Internet.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated attention to detail.
- Experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
- Strong organizational skills for multi-tasking and prioritizing responsibilities and strong problem-solving skills.
- Must be able to work independently on multiple projects simultaneously and work well under limited time constraints.
Additional Requirements:
- Successful completion of a criminal background check
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity and to serving the needs of a diverse and inclusive community with diplomacy and tact.
- Positive attitude with a proven ability to maintain confidentiality
- Regular and consistent attendance and punctuality is required and a condition of employment
- A valid passport and willingness and ability to occasionally travel domestically and internationally.
- All faculty and staff must occasionally perform different duties during special events.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. This job description reflects the administration’s assignment of essential functions, and nothing in this herein restricts the administration’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Bement is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and candidates who represent diversity for the school are strongly encouraged to apply.
To apply, Follow this link.
The Bement School