The Opportunity
As a key member of The Summit’s Senior Leadership Team and the Educational Team, the Upper School Director will step into a role that is rich in opportunity for creating a vibrant Upper School learning community with clear and compelling expectations for students, faculty, and staff.
Per The Summit’s most recently approved Strategic Plan, the Upper School Director will work collaboratively with faculty and staff to thoughtfully transition the traditional Upper School program into one that is more highly interactive, project-based, and focused on student centered action learning without diminishing the academic rigor and success of the existing program.
Some of the Director’s most significant opportunities include:
- Inspiring and supporting curricular growth and technological innovation to more fully prepare students to impact our world beyond the classroom
- Refining the administrative structure within the Upper School to best serve both the division and The Summit as an all-school community
- Expanding community, corporate, and university engagement and partnerships to support and further develop Centers of Excellence within the school
- Ensuring that The Summit is the school of choice for educational professionals because of its focus on leadership, wellness, and professional development
- Re-affirming the school’s open, welcoming, and respectful invitation to all members of the school community, regardless of faith tradition and culture, to full participation and partnership in the school’s mission, commitment to the Five Pillars, and service
Expertise/Experience Sought:
Candidates meeting the following criteria will receive the most serious consideration for this position:
- Previous upper division head or high school principal experience, preferably in a pre-K through 12 environment
- Masters or doctorate degree preferred
- Specific experience in change management, that is, has successfully led a faculty/staff through an innovational shift in school culture, collegiality, and pedagogy
- Knowledgeable and experienced with transitioning a traditional upper school/high school curriculum and pedagogy toward student-centered, project-based learning
- A Catholic in good standing
Qualities Sought:
- A genuine and visible warmth of personality; demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence
- An expressive and articulate communication style that reflects transparency and accountability, with listening as a foundational value
- A distributive style of leadership that supports, empowers, appreciates, and develops the leadership potential of all colleagues within the school community
- An open-mindedness and collaborative spirit that informs and invites stakeholders throughout the school in engaging in the process of innovation
- A growth mindset appreciating the assets already in place while identifying what additional resources and progress will be necessary for growth
- Comfortable reflecting a strong sense of personal faith and integrity, and serving as a role model for others -- including students and adults -- in the school community
The Search Process
The Summit Country Day School has engaged the national executive search firm Educational Directions to assist with the search. Candidates should submit all materials below as soon as possible, but not before first speaking with one of our search professionals:
Renata Rafferty, Partner
renata.rafferty@edudx.com
Jay Underwood, Partner
jay.underwood@edudx.com
Electronic submission of materials is required. Please send the following materials as ONE consolidated file in PDF format. Reference letters are not requested or required, but if included should be submitted separately from the consolidated file.
INTERESTED AND QUALIFIED CANDIDATES SHOULD SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:
- Cover letter of interest indicating how your knowledge, qualifications, and experience reflect the needs of The Summit as outlined in this profile
- Complete resume (including chronological employment history and accomplishments in each position)
- Brief personal statement that includes the candidate’s vision for leading The Summit’s Upper School
- A minimum of five (5) professional references with current email addresses and phone numbers (references will not be contacted without prior consent of candidate