The Director of Studies and Strategic Initiatives champions the 6-12 academic program with a focus on identifying, implementing, and supporting meaningful innovation and professional growth. The ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree, a strong background in curriculum development, and proven success in both teaching and administrative roles. Strong organizational and communication skills, a genuine understanding and affection for adolescents, and a passion for fostering respect and support among students, colleagues, and parents are essential. The candidate must be able to work diplomatically with faculty and parents, offering both support and firm leadership when necessary, and have the ability to build and sustain collaborative teams.

Key Responsibilities:

· Collaborate closely with division heads on curricular initiatives, cross-divisional efforts, and policy implementation.

· Implement teaching and learning strategies and technologies based on current research in education and neuroscience, including making necessary curricular adjustments. Maintain and expand a robust professional development program.

· Oversee all faculty professional development, including the Severn Summer Institute for faculty and staff. Approve PD requests (in coordination with division heads), review and make recommendations for graduate study requests, and design and implement PD days, including coordinating PD speakers.

· Serve as a member of the Executive Administrative Team, attending weekly meetings and a summer retreat.

· Support MS/US division heads in the faculty hiring process.

· Attend all Board of Trustee meetings, presenting initiatives to enhance their understanding of academic and professional developments at Severn.

· Monitor the implementation of the strategic plan, in alignment with goals generated by the forthcoming reaccreditation process, including the integration of all three divisions. Oversee future AIMS accreditation efforts, including the full accreditation process and the 5-year report, and create a timeline for the next three years leading up to the next accreditation.

· Oversee Severn School’s participation in the Malone Online School Network (MSON); serve as the liaison, promoting classes, student orientation, scheduling, and reporting. Schedule rooms for in-house tests and proctor them throughout the year.

· Supervise and evaluate the Library and Learning Resource Center (LRC) staff, programs, and budgets.

· Work closely with the Director of Innovative and Entrepreneurial Programs to promote the Graw Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship.

· Contribute to diversity initiatives through student engagement and by increasing faculty participation in local and national events.

· Oversee the LRC’s support for students in academic jeopardy, including the return-to-learn protocol for students recovering from concussions and medical leaves. Meet regularly with learning specialists to address issues and ensure follow-through with student strategies. Participate in parent meetings related to LRC issues, academic deans, and mental health support.

· Oversee Upper School scheduling (using Blackbaud software), course sign-ups, placement tests, and other academic processes. Collaborate with the Upper School Head, Department Chairs, and College Counseling.

· Work with the Director of Development to assess Middle and Upper School program needs and priorities, identifying strategic opportunities for donor stewardship, cultivation, and solicitation.

· Serve as a member of the admissions committee for both Middle and Upper School.

Other Related Responsibilities:

· Attend Department Chair and Dean meetings in the MS and US when necessary.

· Collaborate closely with department chairs in both the US and MS.

· Provide support for new initiatives by divisions (presence, encouragement, troubleshooting, etc.).

· Oversee US placement test administration and course placement. In coordination with the US Head, meet with all new families to discuss course sign-ups and placement. Work with the MS to manage 8th-grade placements and lead student and parent presentations on the US transition.

· Manage the US exam schedule, room assignments, and proctoring duties.

· Attend MS Flex Time as needed to stay informed about MS initiatives and school life. Work with the Middle School Head on any MS-specific PD needs or initiatives.

· Teach a class as needed.

· Oversee the library and LRC budgets, as well as 2-3 additional budgets related to this position, including the PD account.

· Attend all Open House and Back to School Nights.

Qualified applicants should send their cover letter and resume to Doug Lagarde, Head of School, at d.lagarde@severnschool.com.

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