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: 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. 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: 1. Advanced degree in Education, Educational Administration, or 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 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