Academy of the Sacred Heart, established in 1851, is Michigan’s oldest independent school, offering a Catholic, college-preparatory education to girls (infant-Grade 12) and boys (infant-Grade 8) of many cultures and faiths. As part of an international network of schools, we are committed to a set of principles shared by all Sacred Heart Schools. Known as the Goals and Criteria, these principles articulate the core components of a Sacred Heart education and charge our community with a unified educational mission.

At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that each child possesses unique gifts. Our job is to unearth those gifts, nurture them, and empower each child of the Sacred Heart to share those gifts with the global community. Academy of the Sacred Heart is committed to being an equitable and inclusive community and seeks candidates who connect to our Mission and Goals.

The Associate Director of the Upper School is a mission-driven educator and administrator responsible for the design, coordination, and implementation of student life, programming, and daily operations for Grades 9–12. Working in close partnership with the Director of the Upper School, the Associate Director ensures that students experience a cohesive, engaging, and supportive environment aligned with the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria.

This role focuses on translating vision into meaningful student experiences, overseeing student life systems, supporting faculty in classroom instruction and program implementation, and maintaining a strong, visible presence in the daily life of the Upper School.

Key Responsibilities

Student Life and Programming

• Design, lead, and oversee Upper School student life programming, including mentor, activity block, leadership development, and co-curricular experiences.
• Coordinate experiential learning initiatives, including Project Term.
• Develop programs that foster connection, voice, courage, and justice in students’ daily experiences.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure programming is cohesive, inclusive, and responsive to student needs.
• Maintain a consistent and visible presence in student life, building strong, trusting relationships with students.
• Serve as a chaperone for student events, trips, and school-sponsored activities.
• Plan and lead Project Term.
• Design and lead Student Leadership Summer Training.
• Partner with the Director of the Upper School to plan and implement the Grade 9 Bridge Program.
  
  

Student Support and Conduct

• Oversee the implementation of student conduct expectations and maintain the Upper School Student Handbook.
• Address student concerns with empathy, clarity, and consistency.
• Partner with families, counselors, and faculty to support student well-being, growth, and accountability.
  
  

Faculty Collaboration and Support

• Work closely with faculty to support effective implementation of student life programs.
• Assist the Director of the Upper School with faculty observations, evaluations, and professional growth conversations.
• Provide feedback to faculty related to student engagement, classroom management, and program alignment.
• Facilitate meetings and professional dialogue related to teaching and learning, advisory, leadership, and student programming.
  
  

Academic and Program Operations

• Manage the Upper School activity calendar and student programming schedules.
• Coordinate faculty duty assignments, including club moderation, test proctoring, mentoring, and activity block facilitation.
  
  

Middle School Collaboration and Special Projects

• Collaborate with the Director of Middle School on mission-aligned special projects.
• Lead the Big Sister/Little Sister Program to support continuity and connection between Middle and Upper School students.
  
  

Admissions and Enrollment Support

• Serve as a member of the admissions committee supporting Upper School recruitment and enrollment.
• Participate in admissions events, tours, and outreach efforts.
• Partner with admissions to articulate the Upper School student experience.
• Support recruitment and retention initiatives.
  
  

Operational Collaboration and Growth

• Coordinate student programming calendars and communications in collaboration with the Director of the Upper School.
• Assist with communication to families regarding student life initiatives and events.
• Act as a thought partner to the Director of the Upper School in advancing schoolwide goals.
• Engage in ongoing professional learning related to girls’ education and student development.
• Contribute positively to the collaborative culture of the Academy.

The ideal candidate should be a great public speaker with strong written and verbal communication skills. Outstanding contenders are detail-oriented, able to follow instructions, and also take initiative. A clear commitment to the educational philosophy of Sacred Heart Schools is essential.

The School Network
Academy of the Sacred Heart is one of 25 schools in the U.S. and Canada Network of Sacred Heart Schools and is affiliated with a network of over 200 Sacred Heart schools worldwide. The school's mission is to cultivate in our students a personal and active faith in God and to lay the foundation for a meaningful life.

Archdiocese of Detroit
The Archdiocese of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer that does not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, height, weight, genetic information, marital or other legally protected status.

Basic requirements include but are not limited to:

• Master's Degree in education or related field.  
• 5 years of successful teaching experience, preferably at the middle or high school level. 
• 3 years or more of successful leadership/supervisory experience at the high school level. 
• An administrative leadership style based on effective human relations and a continuous improvement model.  
• Visible accessibility.  
• Excellent communication and listening skills.  
• Committed to ensuring all students grow.  
• Possesses an understanding and appreciation for diversity.  
• The compassion and enthusiasm for effective team leadership to motivate high standards and continuous improvement.

About Academy of the Sacred Heart

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