Sweetwater Episcopal Academy
Bright Minds • Creative Hands • Caring Hearts
Head of School Job Description
Responsibilities
The Head of School will report to the Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection (ECR) and
will have overall responsibility and authority for carrying out the mission of Sweetwater Episcopal
Academy (SEA). This person will communicate with the School’s internal and external constituencies
and will provide leadership and vision as SEA builds on its present strengths and embraces the
future. Specific duties will include the following:
 Continue SEA’s student-centered, individualized, and nurturing learning environment in
which students, parents, and teachers collaborate and share responsibility for a young
person’s intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual development.
 Build on our strengths and the aspects of SEA that differentiate us from other independent
schools in Central Florida including the Kind Zone, the property on Lake Brantley and our
teaching methods.
 Work closely with the Board on its strategic plan and identify other, as yet undiscovered,
opportunities to enhance and improve the quality of the SEA experience.
 Guide educational policy and continue to evaluate SEA’s academic, artistic, and athletic
offerings in order to maintain the School’s high level of excellence.
 Identify, recruit, mentor, retain, and otherwise support exceptional faculty and staff.
 Manage the School on a day-to-day basis by empowering faculty and staff through
delegation of responsibility and authority, while retaining ultimate accountability.
 Assure that administrative policies and structures effectively support the educational mission
of the School.
 Communicate the School’s mission internally, including to the church family, as well as to the
broader Central Florida community.
 Build enrollment and work closely with designated SEA staff to raise the operating, capital,
and endowment funds necessary for the continued sustenance of the organization.
 Serve as the public face of the School and faithfully represent its academic, spiritual, and
communal values.
 Promote diversity among students, faculty, and administrative staff
251 E. Lake Brantley Drive Longwood, Florida 32779
407-862-1882 FAX 407-788-1714
www.sweetwaterepiscopal.org
Accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools & the Florida Kindergarten Council
In short, the Head of School will provide Sweetwater Episcopal Academy with academic vision,
spiritual energy, internal and external communication, and management expertise as it continues to
develop and mature as a significant educational institution.
Candidate Qualities
Leadership
A source of energy and motivation, driving ideas and initiatives. Tenacious and resourceful in
realizing the full potential of selected initiatives and taking them to their ultimate conclusion.
Able to overcome political and organizational barriers while maintaining a positive and engaged
team.
Visible and engaged person who projects a positive presence in the life of the School.
Role model who embodies and reflects a strong moral character, a passion for academic
excellence, and respect for others in all aspects of his or her life.
Comfortable with matters of religious faith and spirituality who can exercise leadership in a
school dedicated to the values of Christianity and is familiar and supportive of the Episcopal
tradition.
Leads by combining a serious and mature focus on achieving the School’s goals with the sense
of wonder of a young person.
Vision
Unique ability to create, communicate and lead SEA with the view of a realistic, credible,
attractive future for SEA.
A person of faith whose life and career integrate the values and traditions of SEA and make
them relevant to modern life.
Passion for Educating Children
Significant experience as a teacher and senior administrator in an independent or public school,
including lower or middle school experience with a growing institution.
Warm and hospitable, with a genuine love for children, based on a profound sense of vocation
and a passion for education.
Conflict Management
A good listener who has the ability to hear multiple sides of a discussion and can build
consensus without alienating stakeholders.
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Curriculum Development
Experience overseeing and coordinating curricula that emphasize lifelong inquiry-based
learning skills.
Experience in developing and implementing curriculum which fosters intellectual curiosity,
creativity and inspires a sense of wonder in the students.
Demonstrated competence in childhood educational theory and practice, curriculum
development, program creation, and the ability to integrate technology as an effective and
engaging learning tool in the classroom.
Communication
Exceptional communication and presentation skills in both one-on-one situations and large
group settings.
An individual with a positive outlook who will be energized and invigorated by the vitality of the
School, who projects an upbeat and encouraging manner, and who has a good sense of humor.
Ability to encourage, enhance and facilitate collaboration among teachers to coordinate efforts
which will strengthen subject matter across multiple disciplines.
Encourage and enhance learning communities for teachers.
Execution
A person with a creative educational philosophy.
An innovative person who is willing to challenge conventional thinking and enjoys taking
appropriate risks.
Recruiting and Enrollment
Overall responsibility for continued growth and retention of enrollment, and ability to drive
recruitment for the long-term benefit of the school.
Performance Management
The expertise to recognize, hire, mentor, and motivate all school faculty and staff consistent
with maintaining outstanding educational outcomes for all grade levels.
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Team Building
Adept at forging relationships with a variety of stakeholders in order to develop a sense of
trust, mutual respect, and support.
Other Considerations
Compensation:
Competitive with comparable schools in the region
Travel:
Light
Education:
Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in Education or Educational
Leadership preferred
Website:
www.sweetwaterepiscopal.org
Location
Longwood, Florida: Just 10 miles north of Orlando, and only 45 minutes from beautiful Florida
beaches, Longwood has a population of approximately 14,000 in a metropolitan area that
numbers well over two million people. More than one person has described Central Florida as
“one of America’s best kept secrets.” Over the past several decades, both private and public
funding have revitalized the community, with tourism (Disney World, Universal Studios,
Legoland, and SeaWorld) as the primary industry. The redevelopment also spurred artistic and
cultural amenities such as the Amway Center (home of the Orlando Magic, Solar Bears, and
Predators) and the brand new Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center (currently under
construction). In addition to its beautiful physical surroundings and numerous lifestyle
amenities, Central Florida has a friendly atmosphere, a moderate cost of living, and a strong
sense of philanthropy and giving back to the community. In addition, the Central Florida area is
host to two of the finest schools in the Southeast, University of Central Florida and Rollins
College.
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