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Upper School Division Director
Portledge School
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Upper School Division Director

Portledge School

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Details
Posted:
November 17, 2020
Location:
Locust Valley, New York
Type:
Full Time - Administration
Category:
Division Head/Principal
Preferred Education:
4 Year Degree
ABOUT PORTLEDGE SCHOOL:
Portledge School was founded in 1965 and is located on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island. Approximately fifty minutes from NYC by train, Portledge is nestled on a pastoral 63 acre tree-lined campus that is known for its cherry blossoms in spring.  Enrolling approximately 535 students in grades PN-12, Portledge offers a competitive college preparatory program in a warm, inclusive community. We seek to inspire our students to realize their individual potential by developing the critical thinking skills and moral courage necessary for lifelong learning in an increasingly complex world. Portledge is fully committed to a culturally diverse faculty and student body. 

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Upper School Director oversees the day-to-day operations of the division, leads the development of curriculum in partnership with the Curriculum Committee and faculty, supports the growth of faculty through professional development and evaluation, oversees the creation of the division calendar and student academic schedules, represents the school in front of current and prospective Upper School parents, and manages Upper School student life issues in conjunction with the Director of Student Life and Athletics and the Assistant Director of the Upper School and Student Life. The person in this position works closely with other division directors and is a member of the Administrative Committee and the Administrative Disciplinary Committee. The Upper School Director reports directly to and partners with the Head of School. The new Director will find a team of faculty committed to growth and excellence, student support, and shared leadership. The next Upper School Director will provide educational knowledge and vision and the organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills to guide and support a talented group of faculty and students.  Having recently added the IB Diploma Program, enhanced the college counseling experience and added a significant number of new courses in STEAM and The Arts, the Director will play a pivotal role in continuing to lead the division forward in curriculum, assessment, and instructional practices as well as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices. 

OPPORTUNITIES AND AREAS OF FOCUS
  • Continue to nourish the culture of academic excellence while catalyzing a spirit of innovation and best practice in teaching and learning as identified by the Strategic Plan
  • Serve as a collaborative leader in Portledge’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, in part by ensuring that the Upper School program is inclusive, reflective, and supportive of all students and voices
  • Support faculty in their professional growth and development particularly through the newly redesigned evaluation system
  • Evaluate and support Upper School systems, structures, and assignments that will ensure the school’s human and financial resources are put to their best use in support of the school
  • Serve as the cultural leader of the Upper School, engaging meaningfully with parents, students, and faculty and supporting the school’s commitment to developing students’ intellectual curiosity, moral courage, and social responsibility

DESIRED QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:
The successful candidate for Upper School Director will possess to varying degrees these qualities and qualifications as follows:
  • The ability to lead, support, and inspire faculty, balancing a culture of creativity and collaboration with consistent feedback, structure and support
  • Personal and professional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the requisite skills to support a diverse student body and faculty and to facilitate critical conversations in the design of a more inclusive Upper School curriculum
  • The ability to foster a culture of both academic rigor and a commitment to student well being, including an understanding of a wide range of learner needs.
  • Nuanced understanding of best practices in curriculum design, instructional excellence and promotion of student learning
  • Experience with hybrid learning and educational technology need to deliver high-quality instruction to both at-home and on-campus learners.
  • A collaborative and relational style built on active solicitation of input, excellent listening skills, and a commitment to building consensus; able to engage in difficult conversations to support faculty growth and development and maintain program efficacy.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills  and the ability to communicate verbally and in writing with inspiration and clarity  
  • Authentic, kind, genuine, honorable, humble, intellectual, sense of humor and compassion; comfort in fast paced environment
  • A track record of exceptional results in an independent school or other mission-centered organization. 
  • Classroom experience and division leadership experience are strongly preferred. 
  • Knowledge of IB Diploma Program preferable
  • Google suite, Blackbaud familiarity a plus.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Manages Upper School faculty and staff, Administrative Assistant/Registrar, IB coordinator, Department Heads, and other staff members as needed
  • Leads Faculty Meetings, Upper School End of Year Events, Back to School Nights and US Parent Events; attends all Upper School Events and Graduation; is a regular presence at athletics, arts, and special events held by the school
  • Collaborates with fellow Division Directors and the Director of Student Life and Athletics and Director of Admission on regular basis
  • Reviews all student applications and academic records and serve on the admissions committee to determine admission of prospective candidates
  • Maintains and updates Student Handbook and is familiar with all school rules and policies, organizational structure, and terms of employee contracts  (as outlined in school publications)
  • Is prepared to offer assistance to faculty in any of the three divisions in whatever capacity possible
  • Serves on committees and board task forces as asked 
  • Develops recommended changes in school policies
  • Is familiar with the school emergency and crisis management plans
  • Develops board reports
  • Responds to all communications within 24 hours
TO APPLY:
Candidates will need to submit the following materials though the application link in the job posting: 
  • A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position
  • A current and comprehensive résumé detailing positions, roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments
  • A one-page statement of educational philosophy and leadership practice
  • A list of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of each (References will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission)

About Portledge School
Portledge School was founded in 1965 and is located on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island. Approximately fifty minutes (28 miles) from NYC by train, Portledge is nestled on a pastoral 63-acre tree-lined campus that is known for its cherry blossoms in spring. Enrolling approximately 525 students in grades PN-12, Portledge offers a competitive college preparatory program in a warm, inclusive community. We seek to inspire our students to realize their individual potential by developing critical thinking skills and moral courage necessary for lifelong learning in an increasingly complex world. Portledge is fully committed to a culturally diverse faculty and student body.
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