The Upper School Director is a key member of the school’s leadership team, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Upper School, which serves students in grades 4-8. This role requires a dynamic and experienced leader who can foster a strong academic environment, support faculty and staff, and manage external relationships. The Upper School Director ensures that the division maintains high standards of academic excellence, character development, and student well-being while working collaboratively with the leadership team to fulfill the school’s mission.
Key Responsibilities:
Divisional Oversight:
Oversee the academic, extracurricular, and co-curricular programs in the Upper School.
Ensure the curriculum aligns with the school’s mission and meets rigorous academic standards.
Promote the development of the "whole child," balancing academic achievement with emotional, social, and physical growth.
Along with the Student Support Team, monitor student progress and oversee appropriate interventions to support student success.
Faculty and Staff Leadership:
Lead, mentor, and evaluate Upper School faculty and staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and innovation.
Work with faculty to review and enhance curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.
Along with the Head of School and Assistant Head of School, oversee hiring, retention, and professional development of Upper School faculty.
Encourage ongoing faculty engagement with research-based teaching practices and professional development opportunities.
Collaborate with the Assistant Head of school to maintain seamless K-8 vertical alignment in academic and co-curricular programming.
General Leadership and Administration:
Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to the strategic vision and operational goals of the entire school.
Ensure compliance with all school policies and relevant regulations.
Lead the Upper School in a manner consistent with the school’s core values and mission.
Oversee upper school student discipline, character education, and behavioral expectations, maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.
Engage in consistent communication with the Assistant Head of School to promote positive behavior management and a respectful school culture while also fostering collaboration among faculty and staff across divisions to ensure a cohesive educational experience
Coordinates the lunchtime visits of visiting high schools
Coordinates practice interviews for 8th-grade high school applicants, in coordination with the Head of School and the Assistant Head of School
Oversees the high school admissions process for eighth-grade students and families
External Affairs:
Represent the Upper School to external audiences, including prospective families, community partners, and educational organizations.
Collaborate with the admissions and marketing teams to highlight the strengths and unique offerings of the Upper School.
Maintain strong relationships with current parents, providing clear communication and opportunities for engagement in their child’s educational experience.
Along with the Senior Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, partner with alumni, external institutions, and professional networks to enhance the Upper School’s visibility and reputation.
Other Duties:
Participate actively in the life of the school, attending school functions and supporting school-wide events.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
Personal Attributes:
Visionary leader with a passion for education.
Collaborative and transparent leadership style.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
A commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse school environment.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in education, educational leadership, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of 5-7 years of leadership experience in an upper school or secondary education setting.
Proven track record of divisional leadership, curriculum development, and faculty supervision.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with students, parents, faculty, and external stakeholders.
A commitment to academic excellence and the holistic development of students.
Since 1975, The Gooden School has dedicated itself to fostering a nurturing student-centered environment within a supportive, caring community. We believe high-quality education must be engaging, individualized, and inspiring. We value curiosity. We celebrate differences. We pride ourselves on our commitment to others. A Gooden graduate is a student of the world with a strong moral compass guiding them towards fulfilling and bright futures.