Assistant Head of Intermediate and Middle School

(Begins July 1, 2026)

Francis W. Parker School is a renowned JK-12th grade independent day school. Founded in 1901 on the tenets of progressive education, the School currently enrolls 940 students and employs 200 dedicated faculty and staff members who, in addition to assistant teachers, substitute teachers and coaches, work together to ensure that the School lives up to its Mission to “educate students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse, democratic society and global community.”

The Assistant Head of Intermediate and Middle School is a 12-month administrative position that supports the work of the Head of the Intermediate and Middle School and partners with the Head of Intermediate and Middle School to oversee the 4th -8th Grade program. As a member of the Intermediate and Middle School Leadership Team, they will be involved in all aspects of the daily operations of the Intermediate and Middle School, including supporting students and faculty, faculty and assistant teacher recruitment/hiring/onboarding/retention, student academic, behavioral, and wellness support, parent communication and education programming, and collaboration with our development and admissions team. The Assistant Head will also work with colleagues to plan, organize, and maintain a high-quality student life for all students in 4th -8th grades. Additionally, this role will be a present, visible, and a relationship builder by engaging with students, colleagues, and families day-to-day and during key transitional times including: arrival, lunch/recess, and dismissal. The ethos and responsibilities of this role should be aligned with Parker’s mission and values so that Parker is a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for all.

Essential Functions:

Academic Program Support:

• In coordination with the Division Head and Directors of Studies:
  • Guide the academic growth of Intermediate and Middle School students
  • Maintain complete academic records on all students
  • Support assessment, grading practices, and communicating/reporting of standards and practices used by teachers in measuring student progress and achievement.
  • Manage the use of the school’s learning management system (specifically Blackbaud, portal, etc.)
  • Help plan, facilitate, and attend Departmental, Divisional, and All-School meetings
• Serve as a member of the divisional Student Support Teams (IS/MS)
• Assist the Head of the IS/MS School with student placement decisions/sectioning
• Support the Division Head in overseeing the development of the master schedule and tracking of teaching minutes/loads

Student Life and Co-curricular Program Leadership:

• Manage day-to-day student discipline matters that arise, and documentation of those matters, while lending counsel to the Head on larger or more serious violations of school norms/expectations.
• Oversee LifeKit programming and staffing
• Teach civic, ethics, and leadership focused LifeKit lessons for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
• Attend and participate in MS grade-level team meetings weekly, and IS team meetings.
• Oversee student travel and community engagement programs, including 4th Grade K-Walking and the 5th Grade overnight trip; MS fall retreats and the 8th Grade D.C. Trip;
• Collaborate with the Head, Team Leaders, Counselors, Grade Heads and other colleagues to plan, facilitate, and evaluate advisory and wellness programming and curricula in the Intermediate and Middle School.

Transitional Events:

• Collaborate with the Head of IS/MS, Director of Studies and Counseling to support 3rd to 4th, 5th to 6th, and 8th to 9th Transitions. (Intermediate to Middle School and Middle School to Upper School)
• Plan, lead, and implement the Middle School Summer Bridge Program for new students and rising 6th graders.
• Support a healthy and sound transition for students into the divisional program during transitional events during the opening and closing of the school year (i.e. IS Open House, MS Orientation, New Parent/Guardian orientation, IS/MS Curricular Nights, and culminating IS/MS end-of-year programs)

Assistant Teacher Support:

• Oversight of the Assistant Teacher experience, including the hiring, selection, and onboarding processes, guidance, ongoing professional development; and observation and feedback processes
• Day to day management of payroll and timesheet approval processes
• Collaborate with the Assistant Head of Lower School and relevant Division Heads for the planning and execution of professional development opportunities for JK-8 Assistant Teachers

Admissions:

• Collaborate with the Head of Intermediate and Middle School and the Director of Admissions to support prospective students
• Serve as a standing member of the IS/MS Admissions Committees
• Read and evaluate student applicants, as assigned, and also assist with evaluation, as needed

Other Administrative Responsibilities:

• Managing the division whenever the Head is away.
• Collaboration with other staff and administrative team members.
• Maintain, update and supervise the division’s emergency plans and arrival/lunch/recess/dismissal schedule.
• Support the Director of Activities with club & activities budget management and other duties.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education or other human development field required
• Experience working with upper elementary and middle school students preferred
• School administrative experience preferred
• Experience in managing student life and academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support preferred
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Enjoy working with intermediate and middle school students in both classroom and non-classroom settings
  • Experience as a team-builder and collaborator; ability to build effective relationships
  • Strong communication skills in both oral and written formats
  • Demonstrate high emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex dynamics within an independent school setting
  • Effective organizational, managerial, and planning skills with keen attention to detail and follow through
  • Ability and the wisdom to maintain the delicate balance between having compassion for students while maintaining the school’s community values and standards.
  • Balance visionary leadership with hands-on engagement, promoting excellence in both long-term planning and daily operations.
  • Display excellent conflict resolution and decision-making skills, ensuring fairness and consistency in all interactions.
  • The cultural competence and fluency in identity development needed to empower students to work for an inclusive and equitable community
  • Cultivate a joyful and inclusive school culture that values the voices and experiences of all community members.
  • Database management skills and competency with technology

Compensation:

Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000

Francis W. Parker School provides an excellent employee benefits program, including but not limited to: health and dental insurance, term and supplemental life insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSA’s), commuter benefits, and 403b retirement plan. Information on Parker’s comprehensive benefits package can be found here.

To Apply:

Please submit the following by clicking here (no telephone inquiries please):

• A current resume
• A cover letter indicating the candidate’s particular interest in and qualifications for the position
• A statement of educational philosophy

The faculty, staff and administration of Francis W. Parker School are integral parts of the School's community. Through their passion, dedication and commitment to the School's mission, they create and support an environment where exceptional child-centered learning can occur.

Francis W. Parker School is committed to cultivating a community of dedicated students, parents, faculty and staff, trustees, administrators and alumni, who acknowledge, respect, and esteem diversity in our school; and who reflect, through their presence, the diversity of Chicago communities and the wider world.

Francis W. Parker School is an equal opportunity employer.

About Francis W. Parker School

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