Title: High School Head
Reports to: Head of School
Supervises: High School Faculty and Staff (Grades 9-12)
Employment Type: Administration; Full-time, Exempt
Start Date: July 1, 2026, or earlier as available

Application Deadline: November 14th

The IDEAL School of Manhattan is an inclusion school dedicated to creating a diverse community that affirms and accepts the full identities of all people, while inspiring academic excellence, creative leadership, and a desire to build a more just and equitable world.   

Position Description 

The High School Head is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the High School (Grades 9-12), ensuring a safe, nurturing, rigorous, and inclusive learning environment. This role requires comprehensive expertise in both special and general education, with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. The High School Head will lead curriculum development, faculty supervision, student support, and community engagement, while collaborating with senior leadership to align High School initiatives with the overall mission of The IDEAL School. 

Key Objectives of the Role 

• In partnership with the Head of School and other members of the admin team, provide visionary leadership for the High School, aligned with school goals and fostering a culture of academic excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. 

• Ensure the effective development and implementation of curriculum that meets the diverse needs of all students, emphasizing differentiated instruction and educational best practices. 

• Promote an inclusive school environment that respects and celebrates diversity in all forms.  

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:  

Leadership & Vision 

• Develop and communicate a clear educational vision for the High School that aligns with the mission of The IDEAL School. 

• Lead initiatives to enhance student growth, inclusivity, and innovative learning practices. 

• Establish a positive and collaborative school culture that supports the social, emotional, and academic development of all students. 

Curriculum & Instruction 

• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of the High School curriculum, ensuring it meets diverse learning needs. 

• Lead instructional practices that emphasize differentiated instruction and integration of technology. 

• Ensure that educational programs promote creativity, critical thinking, and academic excellence. 

Faculty Supervision & Development 

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate High School faculty to foster professional growth and collaboration. 

• Support faculty in utilizing inclusive teaching strategies and adapting curriculum to meet diverse student needs. 

• Contribute to and support professional development programs, coaching, and peer collaboration initiatives. 

Student Support & Development 

• Ensure that all students receive appropriate academic, social, and emotional support. 

• Collaborate with other administrators, teachers, support staff, and parents to address individual student needs, including behavioral interventions and learning accommodations. 

• Promote a nurturing and inclusive environment that supports holistic student development. 

Parent & Community Engagement 

• Maintain proactive communication with parents and guardians, providing updates on student progress and school initiatives. 

• Build strong partnerships with the school community, encouraging active involvement and collaboration. 

• Foster an inclusive community that values diverse perspectives and encourages engagement. 

Administrative Leadership 

• Manage daily operations of the High School, including scheduling, budgeting, record-keeping, and staffing. 

• Ensure compliance with school and administrative policies, procedures, and relevant educational regulations. 

• Oversee the admissions process for High School students, collaborating with the admissions team. 

Collaboration with Senior Leadership 

• Collaborate with the Head of School and the administrative team to promote cross-divisional and divisional initiatives and strategic planning that support the mission and vision of the school 
• Contribute to school-wide consistency and alignment with the mission and strategic goals of The IDEAL School. 

Required Qualifications 

• Master of Education with a Special or General Education designation 

• Hands-on experience in both special and general education settings 

• At least three years of experience in a school leadership role, preferably within an inclusive educational environment 

• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of effective team management and collaboration 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, parents, and the community 

• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive education and diversity within a school community. 

• Experience with curriculum development, differentiated instruction, and educational best practices 

• Knowledge and experience in working with students with various disabilities, supporting an inclusive educational environment 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in strategic planning and school leadership at an administrative level. 

• Familiarity with technology integration in educational settings. 

• Professional development or certification in educational leadership or administration. 

Key Skills and Competencies 

• Visionary leadership and strategic thinking. 

• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. 

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and innovative learning environment. 

• Collaborative approach to leadership, with the ability to build positive relationships within the school community. 

Other duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Salary Range: $110,000-$140,000 (this represents the expected salary range for this position. Salary will be determined based on education, experience, and other job-related factors) 

To Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials to Educator’s Ally
at leadershipsearch@educatorsally.com:

• A cover letter expressing interest in this particular position
• A current résumé

Educator’s Ally provides senior leadership retained search services to independent schools throughout the U.S. With 50 years of experience working in support of independent K-12 school hiring, EA runs retained searches with the same personalized approach that has long distinguished out work in the contingency space, resulting in fluid and comprehensive processes and successful appointments.

Learn more at https://educatorsally.com/

About Educator's Ally

Educator's Ally connects teachers and administrators with independent day and boarding schools throughout the U.S. Since 1975, EA's highly personalized and thoughtful approach to recruiting has been valued by schools and candidates alike. We appreciate and understand each of our schools' unique characters and the importance of making the right match. Known for our commitment to establishing trusted relationships with both candidates and school administrators, EA carries out each of its searches with care and diligence. At no cost to our candidates, we offer support, guidance, and counsel throughout the search process. We know that job searches can be stressful and that teachers have busy schedules so partnering with EA is both smart and effective. We help candidates navigate the world of independent schools and connect them to opportunities that are the right fit.

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