Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford
West Hartford, CT
Position: Head of School and Chief Academic Officer
Ages: Early Childhood 2 through 8th grade
Description:
The Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford (SSDS) seeks a dynamic,
transformational academic leader as its new Head of School and Chief Academic
Officer (HOS). The Head of School is responsible for the development,
implementation and coordination of the academic program of the school. The
Head of School will be expected to plan, build, implement and manage a day
school experience in the best tradition of school excellence. The position will
report directly to the Board of Trustees. (The Board of Trustees has made a
strategic decision to recruit a separate Chief Executive Officer with
responsibilities over the school’s finance and operations, institutional
advancement and public and community relations. The successful Head of
School candidate will need to have the desire and drive to build executive
leadership skills and an open mind towards mentoring and learning; additional
coaching and support will be provided to be successful in the school’s external
areas of responsibility).
With a background and knowledge in educational leadership, 21st century
curricular design, and confidence with academic data, this candidate will push
academic outcomes and excellence within the school. Within this role, the HOS
will have an opportunity to place his/her academic desires and footprint within
the school. In a faculty with openness for new ideas and aspirations, the HOS
can build an innovative academic program. The HOS will be responsible for
fostering an environment of academic inspiration, critical thinking and
independence in the school’s current and future students. With a focus on
premier general education and an appreciation for Jewish values, the HOS will
blend these two key areas to provide an integrated academic approach,
consistent with the school’s mission. The HOS will be a mentor to the teachers
and administration, implementing progressive professional development.
The HOS will have the knowledge and expertise to integrate technology into the
learning experience. The HOS will demonstrate intelligence, diligence, passion,
creativity, responsibility, honesty, decisiveness, and strong integrity.
Responsibilities:
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Work together with the administration and faculty to ensure
consistency in setting, managing, and monitoring the EC2-8 (in
conjunction with the Early Childhood Director) curriculum and
expectations for academic achievement and social and emotional
development.
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Encourage, foster and maintain meaningful connections with all
constituencies of the school community such as teachers, staff,
administrators, parents, board members, students, donors, alumni
and alumni parents.
Serve as the chief liaison between the school and its Board of
Trustees by implementing Board decisions, reporting on pertinent
issues and overseeing strategic, long-range planning.
Represent the school in the Jewish and general Hartford
communities as a spokesperson for and personification of the
values of the school. Articulate the school’s mission and values to
the school’s constituencies and to the general public.
Supervise, develop and implement the school’s educational
curriculum and programs. Maintain and ensure accreditation and
compliance with federal, regional and state regulations and
standards.
Demonstrate a level of expertise and comfort with educational
technology so as to provide leadership in ensuring that technology
is integrated into the learning experience.
Implement systems of best practices of an academic environment.
Lead in the recruitment, hiring, supervision and personnel
decisions of faculty.
Supervise and collaborate with the Director of Admission and
guide efforts to recruit and enroll new students, and to retain
current students.
Foster an atmosphere of creativity, collaboration and innovation.
Ensure the school’s curriculum reflects the scope and sequence
appropriate to a college preparatory course of study.
Oversee and directs all learning and enrichment programs.
Prioritize and implement character education throughout the
curriculum.
Coordinate with Early Childhood Director and Judaic Studies
Director to ensure proper and timely publication of curriculum
guides, course objectives, course topics, course assignments,
current syllabi and assessments.
Coordinate with school directors to ensure all courses are taught
in a manner consistent with the school’s goals and objectives.
Work with school directors in overseeing the professional growth,
evaluation and development of faculty, with includes, yet is not
limited to: identifying opportunities for professional growth, hiring
and retention of faculty, mentoring and professional evaluation in
and outside of classroom, new teacher orientation, opening and
structuring school meetings, and speaking outside of school.
Qualifications:
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Advanced degree in Education, Educational Administration, or
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another related field, with a proven track record.
Exceptional talent as a leader and educator with a knowledge and
background in the 21st century academic landscape and newest
best practices.
Charismatic, dynamic, inspirational presence. Excellent people
skills.
Outstanding faculty/staff management experience and an ability to
maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure.
Adept at problem solving and delegating responsibility to seek
shared goals.
Ability to command respect and inspire confidence from staff,
faculty and the student body. Experience and success in the
evaluation and monitoring of staff objectively to hold them
accountable for expected results.
Envision and implement, based on research and best practice, an
innovative, cutting edge program that is developmentally and
pedagogically appropriate for students in a Jewish day school.
Superior communication and interpersonal skills.
Committed to encouraging the values of Conservative Judaism.
Approach work with a sense of creative energy, enthusiasm,
humor, and compassion.
SSDS is located in West Hartford, Connecticut, a vibrant town with a warm and
welcoming community. West Hartford was recently named one of Kiplinger’s top
ten best cities for the next decade and one of ten best cities to raise a family. The
Greater Hartford area has many appealing suburbs with affordable cost of living
and an enjoyable lifestyle.
Duration: full time
Salary Range: Competitive with industry standards
Other Benefits: unspecified
Preferred Degree: Masters or above
Preferred Experience: Educational leadership and management
experience in a school.
Job Location: Solomon Schechter Day School
26 Buena Vista Road
West Hartford, CT 06107
To apply, please send cover letter, resume/CV, and educational philosophy
statement to:
Head of School Search Committee
SSDSSearch@gmail.com