Harding Academy’s Lower School Director supports and supervises the day-to-day activities and operations of faculty and students in grades 1-5. Working with approximately 25 teachers and 275 students, the Lower School Director is responsible for evaluating and developing faculty, monitoring academic growth and support of students, managing student programming/events, and all other facets of the division. The Lower School Director supervises multiple budgets, manages student disciplinary decisions, and engages in curriculum related work. 

Expected start date: July 1, 2026

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Lower School Director reports to the Head of School. They are charged with comprehensive responsibility for all activities involving students and faculty in the division. Specific responsibilities include the following: 

• To maintain congruency between the school's board-approved mission statement and all activities of that division.
• To act as the educational leader of the school division, responsible for its day-to­-day operation; to direct and evaluate the activities of the members of the school instructional and the non-instructional staff in the performance of their duties - specifically, the lower school faculty and assigned special area faculty
• To coordinate joint activities, shared spaces, shared faculty, etc. with the primary and middle school director.

• In coordination with school counselors, be aware of the educational, physical, social, and psychological needs of the members of our school community and to develop plans for meeting these needs.
• To oversee and to direct the activities of the sponsors of various student organizations, activities, and ad hoc faculty committees.
• To ensure compliance with the educational standards established by SAIS,  the accrediting agency of the school.
• To make recommendations to the head of school regarding the hiring, retention, and the assignment of faculty, as well as retention of students. 
• To establish programs for the orientation of new teachers, for in-service training of all teachers, and for the evaluation of classroom teachers, to ensure that teachers are familiar with and adhere to school policies in all areas of the school operation.
• To conduct regular meetings with faculty which deal both with routine operational school matters and with the stimulating exchange of ideas on issues of educational/philosophical interest and concern.
• To oversee the grading and the reporting of standards and methods used by teachers in measuring student achievement.
• To be responsible for establishing guidelines for proper student conduct and dress; to maintain student discipline consonant with school policies; to monitor students' adherence to established school rules; to maintain accurate records of student attendance and citizenship.
• To be a visible presence in all areas of the school to work toward a resolution of all problems - both routine and unique as they arise; to keep the head of school informed of the general programs, activities, and problems of the school.
• To function as the chief articulator of the division‘s programs, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and other information necessary to ensure that all constituencies are fully informed consistent with their individual roles.
• To instill honesty and a sense of responsibility within each student; to work with teachers and parents to see that each student does his/her best work.
• To assist in the planning and the presentation of special assemblies and programs; to assist in maintaining a comprehensive calendar of school events (i.e., field trips); to keep the entire school community informed of various lower school programs and activities through CompassNet.
• To be responsible for establishing guidelines for proper student conduct and dress; to maintain student discipline consonant with school policies; to monitor students' adherence to established school rules; to maintain accurate records of student attendance and citizenship.
• To prepare a master class schedule and to assign teachers and students to classes and other obligations.
• To serve as a consultant to teachers in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, and general school procedures.
• To assist in the admission process for the testing, interviewing, and evaluating of applicants for enrollment. 
• To support the school, its leadership, and to perform other duties as assigned by the head of school.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak; hear; stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, grasp or feel; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  Reasonable accommodations may be available to allow the employee to perform the essential functions of the job. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

1. Master’s degree from four year college/university 
2. Direct classroom teaching experience 
3. 3+ years in lower school administrative experience  
4. Knowledge of independent schools and educational landscape

 ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

1. Clear and consistent management approach that focuses on the needs of the institution while understanding an individual’s particular context
2. Professional and effective written, oral and listening communication skills
3. Respectful attitude toward school faculty, students and parents 
4. Demonstrate a high level of work, personal, and professional ethics 
5. Demonstrates professional conduct and demeanor consistent with the values and expectations of an independent school environment
6. Adheres to professional dress and grooming standards consistent with an independent school environment
7. Enthusiasm for working collaboratively as part of the Harding Academy team
8. Active involvement in school functions, strategic initiatives beyond the division, extra curricular activities, etc.
9. Ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills
10. Working knowledge of office technology including email, spreadsheets, written and electronic correspondence, internet, and health database

About Harding Academy

Harding Academy is a coeducational, nonsectarian day school serving pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. With a focus on rigorous academics taught by nurturing teachers, Harding Academy students thrive within a uniquely balanced and motivating environment. At the heart of the Harding Academy advantages is our fundamental commitment to the PreK-8 structure, which supports every student’s social, emotional, and academic needs in a developmentally appropriate manner. We seek to serve a diverse community of families searching for the optimal pathways to some of the nation’s most challenging public and independent high schools, and who share our mission to foster thoughtful, lifelong learners and responsible, caring citizens. Harding Academy strives to inspire the mind and nurture the spirit in all we do. Our PreK-8 model provides the optimal environment in which to strike this balance. We serve each and every student with a whole-child approach and through challenging and developmentally appropriate curriculum, character education, and extracurricular activities.

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