Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House & Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook “the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America” and in 1989 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. For more, please visit our website: www.cranbrook.edu.
We are accepting applications for The Head of the Middle School for Girls (MSG) at Cranbrook Schools. This position is responsible for the effective operation of the MSG, the development and oversight of curricular and extracurricular programs, and for providing leadership to faculty, staff, parents, students, and other Schools’ constituents. This individual should demonstrate a deep and thoughtful understanding of the developmental expectations and needs of children within this age group (6th-8th grade) and be eager to partner closely with the Head of the Middle School for Boys (MSB) to build curricular and programmatic alignment and cohesion across Cranbrook’s two middle schools. With broad oversight of day-to-day operations, the Head of the MSG should be an experienced leader in curriculum and instruction as well as faculty mentoring, development, and evaluation. Possessing a strong commitment to developing a positive school climate and culture for students, their families, the faculty, and the staff is critical.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Oversee day-to-day operations at the Middle School for Girls (MSG).
Represent and serve as chief spokesperson for the MSG, both within the Cranbrook Educational Community and to the broader public.
Participate in long-range strategic planning for curriculum, programs, staffing, and facilities for Cranbrook Schools and for the MSG in particular.
Work in partnership with the Director of Schools, the Assistant Director of Schools, the Head of the Middle School for Boys (MSB), and other senior-level administrators to review and evaluate existing and proposed educational programs, and maintain or improve them, always in accordance with the mission, vision, and values of Cranbrook Schools.
With the Assistant Director of Schools and Head of the MSB, create necessary vertical and horizontal alignment of the curriculum and program between the two middle schools, encouraging and supporting dialogue amongst faculty from the two buildings.
Hire, develop, evaluate, and retain faculty and staff to attain the curricular and programmatic objectives of the MSG and of Cranbrook Schools more broadly.
Encourage and facilitate effective communication among the Middle School faculty and staff (across the two buildings), within the Schools as a whole, and within the broader Cranbrook Community.
With the Dean of Students, Counselor, and Learning Specialist, administer student behavioral processes and learning interventions and communicate them effectively to families/caregivers. Ensure that responses to both learning needs and student behaviors are thoughtful, developmentally grounded, and anchored in restorative practices so that they foster opportunities for student learning and growth.
Embrace the Cranbrook Educational Community’s mission-driven commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
Build a positive partnering relationship with families/caregivers of Middle School students. This includes, but is not limited to, hosting one-on-one meetings and making presentations to parent groups and other committees, as appropriate.
Serve on the Schools’ Administrative Team, Academic Leadership Group, and Division Heads Group.
Participate cooperatively, constructively, and creatively within the broader Cranbrook Educational Community to help further the Community’s mission, goals and objectives.
Requirements:
Requires a Master’s degree with successful school experience demonstrating progressive leadership and responsibility.
Demonstrated ability for long-range strategic planning, and successful curricular and extracurricular development.
Proven fiscal and personnel management skills.
Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to nurture a diverse and inclusive student and faculty population.
Requires a valid Michigan Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and retirement programs with employer contribution.
For consideration, interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae or résumé, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts and any certifications, a statement of educational philosophy relative to this position, and two or three letters of recommendation with contact information. Please be sure all documents are uploaded at the time you submit your application.
Cranbrook History
Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending its PreK-12 independent college-preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors, students, and campers to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook “the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America” and in 1989, it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of Detroit.
Cranbrook Mission and Values
Mission: Cranbrook Schools are independent day and boarding schools that provide students with a challenging and comprehensive college preparatory education. We motivate students from diverse backgrounds to strive for intellectual, creative, and physical excellence, to develop a deep appreciation for the arts and different cultures, and to employ the technological tools of our modern age. Our schools seek to instill in students a strong sense of personal a...nd social responsibility, the ability to think critically, and the competence to communicate and contribute in an increasingly global community.
Guiding Principles: Cranbrook Schools comprise a college preparatory day and boarding educational institution, early childhood through 12th grade, consisting of three divisions: a lower, middle and an upper school. We are structured to recognize and respond to the developmental, cognitive and creative needs of boys and girls and are dedicated to excellence in all aspects of education.