Friends Seminary invites nominations and applications for an innovative, thoughtful, and inspiring leader to serve as its next Associate Head of School, effective July 1, 2023.
WHO WE ARE
Founded in 1786, Friends Seminary—New York City’s oldest continually operating co-educational K-12 school, and the only Quaker school in Manhattan—is seeking an experienced institutional leader with a strong vision for innovative, values-driven academic and co-curricular programs.
The next Associate Head will work closely with the Head of School to strengthen a school culture grounded in Quaker values and traditions, excellent academics, and outstanding programs in athletics, arts, global immersion experiences, social justice, and more. This person will provide supportive leadership to a talented and energetic team of program directors, division heads, and department chairs, all committed to forward-thinking innovation, while also engaging in a critical partnership with the Head of School in the School’s daily operations as it launches an historically ambitious capital campaign.
The primary work of this position is to support the administrative functions of the School. While the School benefits from an urban campus in the Gramercy Park/East Village of Manhattan that has been largely renovated or purpose-built over the last twenty years, the new Associate Head will have the opportunity to shape, imagine, and create the space in a new building for math, science, technology, and engineering, and to inspire accelerated collaboration between and among these departments. The successful candidate will have educational leadership experience, preferably at the division head level or higher, and a clear vision for day school programming that attends to the whole child—the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and the artistic. Overseeing the work of the Dean of Faculty and Curricular Innovation (a new K-12 position for the School), the Associate Head will encourage innovation and reflective growth among faculty and staff, as well as the ongoing pursuit of programmatic excellence. Importantly, the Associate Head will possess and convey optimism, positivity, and a sense of humor.
The Associate Head reports to Head of School Robert “Bo” Lauder, who has led the School since 2002. In addition to leadership in all programmatic areas, the Associate Head is a critical thought partner to the Head of School. The position provides both immediate upper level administrative experience and the opportunity for growth in school management under seasoned leadership in a setting that is not complacent, but always evolving.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as an educational and co-curricular program leader who, along with the Head of School, manages the day-to-day life of the School;
Provide oversight to the Dean of Faculty and Curricular Innovation and, with him/her/them, implement strategic initiatives related to curricular cohesion, pedagogical innovation, and faculty development;
Lead operational aspects of recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention of faculty with an emphasis on increasing faculty and leadership diversity;
With the Dean, strategically manage all individual and institutional professional development activities in alignment with school priorities;
Represent the School and Head of School in a variety of public settings and on various committees;
Meet with the Board of Trustees;
Oversee academic and co-curricular program budgets;
Serve on the Senior Administrative Committee and other groups as needed;
Participate in negotiations between the School and the faculty union; and
Attend to other priorities, include advancement, admissions, strategic planning, trustee
initiatives, capital improvements, crisis management, and other special assignments.
QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES
The most successful candidates will possess:
Compelling experience as a school leader and teacher;
Deep commitment to and experience in Diversity, Equity, and Belonging work, both at the institutional and personal levels;
A proven affinity for working with faculty and the belief that learning is a lifelong process;
A collaborative approach to leading with confidence;
Significant experience with and knowledge of students, their developmental needs, and the K-12 curriculum;
Demonstrated experience as a strategic, forward-thinking, innovative academic leader;
Flexibility, imagination, positivity, strong sense of self, and outstanding relational skills;
Fluid and highly developed speaking and writing skills;
A sense of humor, love of children, and high expectations for self and others;
Experience at a Quaker school or a deep interest in the educational practices and values of the Religious Society of Friends; and
Master's Degree or significant experience preferred.
SALARY RANGE
Starting Salary Range: $250,000-$300,000 (salary depending on experience); includes a generous benefits package.
APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS
If you are a dynamic and visionary leader who would like to learn more about Friends Seminary, its pedagogical approach, academic rigor, strategic direction, and how an exceptional learning community makes it all happen, please confidentially reach out to any of the Storbeck Search team members listed below.
Evaluation of candidate materials will begin immediately and continue until a permanent Associate Head of School is named. The start date for this opportunity is July 1, 2023. Inquiries, nominations, and applications consisting of a cover letter and résumé, may be sent in confidence to:
Friends Seminary actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all its programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, hiring, and all facets of the educational experience. To form a community which strives to reflect the world’s diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Friends Seminary is an equal opportunity employer.