Career Center

Founded in 1901, The Cathedral School is committed to academic excellence in a curriculum that integrates critical thinking, the arts, athletics, and leadership development. The School believes that the recognition and appreciation of differences in race, socioeconomic status, cultural or religious tradition, age, gender, ability, or sexual orientation enhance the individual's sense of identity and broaden respect for others. Through curriculum and informal school experiences, students at The Cathedral School come to understand the inherent value of all people and the importance of working towards equity in all that they do. The School’s mission is brought to life on the idyllic 11-acre campus of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights on Manhattan’s Upper West Side through seven Core Values: Cooperation, Courage, Integrity, Kindness, Passion for Learning, Respect, and Responsibility. 

As an independent K-8 day school rooted in the Episcopal tradition, The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine educates students to become articulate, confident, and responsible citizens of the world through rigorous academics, innovative approaches to learning, and the nurturing of their aspirations in a diverse community of all faiths. Cathedral is currently seeking a high-performing and collaborative Head of Upper School (Grades 5-8). 

Administrative Responsibilities

The Head of Upper School holds a key leadership position at The Cathedral School to create and execute a vision for the Upper School. The successful candidate will bear administrative responsibility for the Upper School, including the educational program and activities, students, teachers, and staff of the division. This position reports directly to the Head of School. The Head of Upper School:

• Serves on the senior administrative team
• Hires and evaluates teachers in the Upper School
• Communicates with teachers in-person and via email in a timely, clear, and routine manner
• Plans and leads division meetings to support goals established for the Upper School
• Serves on the Admissions committee to review all student applicants for Grades 5-8
• Supervises the Upper School on a daily basis to ensure the effectiveness of the program
• Structures and/or coordinates class schedules, the divisional calendar (including field trips and overnight trips), and issues pertaining to school safety
• Proposes and manages the Upper School budget with the Chief Financial Officer
• Works with the Chaplain to coordinate chapels and evensongs
• Coordinates the use and development of technology with the Technology Department
• Fulfills other duties as requested by the Head of School

Faculty Supervision and Development

The Head of Upper School works with faculty collectively and individually to provide opportunities to build upon their expertise and improve their performance. In this capacity, the Head of Upper School:

• Observes teachers, both formally and informally, and provides them with constructive feedback on a routine basis
• Meets with teachers to discuss their goals and support their professional development
• Plans professional development opportunities for the faculty as a whole, including faculty orientation, full faculty meetings, and professional days
• Leads routine guidance meetings with Upper School teachers, advisors, learning specialists, and psychologist
• Supports and/or supervises the Grade Deans
• Supervises the High School Counseling personnel

Curriculum Development

With respect to curriculum, the Head of Upper School:

• Guides and manages curriculum development, assuring ongoing assessment and review
• Ensures the implementation of the curriculum by the faculty
• Supervises the Upper School Academic Dean(s)

Student Support and Guidance

As an advocate for the needs and development of students in the Upper School, the Head of Upper School:

• Works closely with the teachers, learning specialists, consulting school psychologist, and other appropriate school staff to support and monitor student progress
• Monitors student behavior and safety in the Upper School on a daily basis
• Teaches/co-teaches a class based on professional skill set as schedule allows
• Coordinates information provided by external evaluators and ensures that the School is following recommendations as is deemed appropriate
• Leads monthly divisional assembly
• Actively supports student athletics, community service, student council, student clubs, and affinity groups

Parent Relations

Serving as a liaison between parents and faculty, the Head of Upper School:

• Ensures the accuracy of faculty and administrative communication from the Upper School
• Facilitates communication to parents, both in conferences and written reports, about each student’s progress
• Reviews all student report cards
• Attends Parent Association meetings to support clear communication with parents in the Upper School
• Coordinates parent communication as it relates to the academic calendar and student activities
• Organizes and/or leads regular meetings and presentations for Upper School parents to discuss grade-level issues, curriculum topics, and child developmen

Teaching and administrative experience within Grades 5-8 is required. Independent school experience is preferred. The Head of Upper School is a 12-month, in-person role with a start date of July 1, 2023.

About The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine

The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine is an independent, Episcopal, K-8 day school for girls and boys of all faiths. The School is committed to a rigorous academic program that integrates the arts, athletics, and leadership development. Located on New York City’s Upper West Side on the 11.5-acre Close of the Cathedral, the School offers a unique setting for the celebration of the many traditions shared by its families. The School prides itself in being a diverse community in partnership with families who take an active role in their children’s intellectual, ethical, social, and emotional growth. The Cathedral School offers a stimulating environment in which each child can become an articulate, confident, and responsible citizen of the world. Continuing a century-old relationship, the School draws upon the Cathedral’s vast resources and provides its children’s choir.

Connections working at The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine