Career Center

About the Opportunity

For complete details about this opportunity, the search process, and how to apply, please visit https://www.butlerwhite.com/opportunities.

Established in 1922 by nine dedicated mothers, The Orchard School was founded with the aim of providing an alternative elementary school experience grounded in John Dewey’s philosophy and the Progressive school movement. Over the course of the past century, Orchard has remained true to its founders’ vision by creating a joyful learning environment rooted in experiential learning, an integrated curriculum, abundant access to the outdoors, and a focus on addressing each child’s unique academic, social, emotional, and physical needs. Today, this nonsectarian independent school serves more than 500 students from age three to grade eight.

Orchard has flourished under the leadership of Dr. Sherri Helvie, Head of School since July 2018. The school continues to ride the momentum from its centennial celebration last year and the success of an $11 million capital campaign. With an exciting strategic plan in place, the school is actively seeking a dedicated, visionary, and energetic Assistant Head of School to join a thriving leadership team.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a collaborative and experienced leader with a passion for Progressive education. It will be a highly visible role throughout the community, and ideal candidates will be creative problem solvers, excellent communicators, future-oriented, and eager to be actively engaged in supporting and inspiring the work of faculty and staff across all aspects of school life.

Please visit the school’s website to learn more about the facilities, people, and programs at Orchard: https://www.orchard.org/.

Who Should Apply

The Orchard School seeks an experienced educational leader who is passionate about Progressive teaching and learning, driven to cultivate a school-wide community of belonging, and excited to find mission-aligned ways to innovate across the academic program and daily operations.

The ideal candidate is energetic, innovative, and proactive, and someone who is eager to work side-by-side with talented faculty, division directors, and fellow administrators in pursuit of Orchard’s mission and strategic plan. Successful candidates will have a strong record of classroom teaching, faculty and staff supervision, curriculum review and improvement, and data analysis, as well as the professional skills to support student growth and instructional differentiation across a range of student learning profiles. This role is designed for collaborative problem solvers, future-oriented thinkers, and excellent communicators who enjoy being present and highly visible across all aspects of school life. To view a complete list of desired qualities and qualifications, please visit https://www.butlerwhite.com/opportunities.

Butler/White Strategies is partnering with the Head of School, Dr. Helvie, to lead the recruitment and selection process for this opportunity. For priority consideration, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible at https://tinyurl.com/Orchard-AHOS and no later than January 5, 2024. Candidates may be considered on a rolling basis, and the school reserves the right to fill the position at any time.

Applicants will be expected to submit a cover letter, resume, statement of educational philosophy, and a preliminary list of three professional references. (No references will be contacted without the permission of the applicant.) Nominations may be submitted directly to jo@butlerwhite.com.

Applications must be submitted directly to Butler/White Strategies; applications and inquiries submitted through NAIS or any other employment platform may not be acknowledged or reviewed.

About Search led by Butler/White Strategies in partnership with The Orchard School

Butler/White Strategies is an executive search and coaching firm focused exclusively on independent schools. The company was founded in 2021 by Jo Butler and Zachary White, who together have more than 25 years of combined experience recruiting independent school leaders. A boutique firm with a forward-looking ethos, the company's approach to search is focused on community engagement, trusting relationships, seamless administrative support, and sourcing outstanding candidates. Knowing that no two schools are alike, the firm prides itself on its flexibility and tailors its approach to the timeline, budget, and leadership needs of each client.

Connections working at Search led by Butler/White Strategies in partnership with The Orchard School