School Overview:

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy is an independent coeducational, college preparatory day school serving grades Pre-Kindergarten (including 2 year olds) through 12. The school has a current enrollment of approximately 900 students and 170 employees located on two campuses in Suffolk, Virginia. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. 

Job Summary:

Under the direction of and in cooperation with the Head of School, the Head of Lower School for the Harbour View campus will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Harbour View campus including the areas of academic and co-curricular programs, parent communications and relations, budget management, and faculty professional development and will be the face of the Harbour View campus. It is the expectation that the Head of Lower School for the Harbour View campus will set a positive tone of mutual respect, a strong work ethic and promote excellence in a student-centered environment necessary to accomplish the school’s mission. The Head of Lower School for the Harbour View campus will be expected to attend evening and weekend events pertaining to various school-related events, which may pertain to the Harbour View or Main campuses of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy.

Essential Functions:

• Ensure a nurturing, stimulating, engaged, and disciplined learning environment with an appropriate

balance of challenge and support;

• Observe and evaluate teachers and set professional goals and objectives with each;
• Oversee the many details of Lower School life ensuring operational effectiveness in terms of policy 

and procedure development, scheduling, curriculum oversight and development, and extra and co-curricular programs and activities;

• Retain and recruit an outstanding team of diverse teachers who demonstrate excellence in teaching;  
• Provide opportunities and encourage faculty to seek professional growth and development;
• Encourage students to realize their academic potential, and actively engage in their learning;
• Maintain a high level of visibility at student, parent, and faculty activities and foster relationships within the NSA and North Suffolk communities;
• Assist the Office of Admissions with continued recruitment and retention of students enrolled at the Harbour View campus and serve as a member of the admissions committee to assess student applicant files for the Harbour View campus;
• Conference and counsel with parents, as needed;
• Collaborate regularly with the Head of School and other Division Heads, as needed, regarding school related initiatives and projects;
• Serve on the Academic and/or Administrative Teams; 
• Work closely with the Director of Extended Day and Summer Programs in planning appropriate academic, specialty and day camps and extended day activities that may take place at the Harbour View campus;
• Interact with other fellow educational professionals in Virginia and across the country to stay abreast of educational trends and best practices for independent schools;
• Remain current on and evaluate emerging technologies that have potential value for teaching and learning; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Background:

• An advanced degree in education and/or education administration and leadership, or related field from an accredited College or University.

• 5-10 years of proven leadership experience in an independent or public school setting as an administrator, principal, assistant principal, or as a Lower School Head, Assistant Lower School Head.

• Prior successful experience managing and motivating faculty and staff in an independent school setting.  
• Experience using instructional and educational technology.

Required Skills:

• Possess a strong educational background and understand the changing role of education and technology.
• Extensive classroom experience and the understanding of strong academics balanced by inspirational, innovative, and energetic leaders who practice collaboration but understand the importance of strong decision making. 
• Ability to implement new technology initiatives in the classroom and collaborate with faculty regarding best practices in technology instruction.
• Familiar with multiple computer operating systems, preferably with the Apple platform. Demonstrated experience using Excel, Word and Google Workspace for Education. Blackbaud experience preferred. 
• Excellent organizational and communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines.

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy offers a competitive salary, health, retirement, disability and life insurance benefits. Qualified applicants shall submit a completed NSA employment application (form posted online), resume with references and a cover letter explaining their interest in and qualifications for this position to Angie Thompson, director of finance and accounting, athompson@nsacademy.org, for further consideration. Salary commensurate with experience. 

At Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, students are engaged in personal growth, inspired to discover their passion and empowered to make a difference in the world.  

About Nansemond-Suffolk Academy

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy is an independent, non-profit, coeducational, college-preparatory day school, which offers an academic program to approximately 900 students encompassing pre-kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Governed by a Board of Trustees, the Academy seeks to admit students who are prepared to enter an academically challenging educational environment. To prepare students for success in a pluralistic society, the Academy pursues diversity as a component of a selective enrollment process. The city of Suffolk, Virginia, located twenty miles from Norfolk and thirty-five miles from Virginia Beach, retains the charm of tidewater community living while offering easy access to urban and ocean-resort attractions. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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