Derby Academy seeks a dynamic and mission-driven educator to serve as the Director of Community and Belonging.  This position is a member of the Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Head of School and leads school-wide efforts related to community and belonging. This leadership role encompasses two key areas: 

• Community: Developing and leading a vibrant service-learning program that fosters giving back to our local, regional, and global communities. 
• Belonging: Nurturing a culture of empathy, inclusion, and belonging, ensuring all members of our community feel seen, heard, and valued. 

Essential Responsibilities

Community 

• Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive Pre-K–8 service-learning program aligned with Derby’s mission and Portrait of a Graduate.
• Develop meaningful, developmentally appropriate service experiences that promote student empathy, responsibility, and leadership.
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate service-learning into the curriculum and advisory programs.
• Manage logistics related to service-learning activities, including scheduling, transportation, permissions, and safety protocols.
• Cultivate and sustain partnerships with local, regional, and global nonprofit organizations.
• Lead school-wide community engagement events such as Days of Service, donation drives, and awareness campaigns.
• Track and report student and program participation for internal assessment and external communications.
• Celebrate student and community contributions through assemblies, newsletters, and other channels.

Belonging 

• Support faculty, staff, and students in creating inclusive classrooms and community spaces.
• Collaborate with school counselors and academic leaders to promote social-emotional learning that centers empathy, identity, and respect.
• Provide training and guidance to faculty around inclusive practices and culturally responsive teaching.
• Partner with the Admissions Office to continue efforts to diversify our community and help prospective families understand Derby’s commitment to diversity and belonging.
• Spearhead and oversee the execution of the Strategic Plan for DEIB.
• Work closely with the Communications Office to share community and belonging efforts with internal and external audiences.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the annual budget for Community and Belonging initiatives.
• Maintain a school-wide calendar of service learning and DEIB-related programs and events.
• Serve as a visible and accessible leader for students, families, and faculty.
• Assume other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

 Derby Academy is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive educational community and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, gender, color, veteran status, physical ability, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin or any other state or federally protected classifications. Derby Academy is an equal opportunity employer.   Derby Academy values inclusivity and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds or who have experience in cultural competency work to apply.  If you are an applicant and need a reasonable accommodation to utilize the school’s online employment application, please contact Nicole Anastos, nanastos@derbyacademy.org.  Interested candidates should submit their application, complete with cover letter, resume, and references by Friday, November 7, 2025 Here . No phone calls, please.

While we hope to fill this position as quickly as possible, with a possible winter 2026 start date, we are truly looking for the ideal candidate who is a fit for our community and are willing to wait if that candidate is committed to working at another school through the end of the 2026 school year.

General School Competencies

• Leadership experience in service learning and DEIB initiatives.
• Understanding of student development across Pre-K–8.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills.
• Collaborative, reflective, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Enthusiasm for innovative, student-centered learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in education, youth development, nonprofit work, or community engagement.
• Proven experience in creating and leading service-learning or civic engagement programs, especially in school settings.
• Commitment to building inclusive communities and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including students, families, and external partners.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Successful completion of background checks as a condition of employment.
• Must be eligible to work in the USA 

 Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, move, and adapt throughout a dynamic school day.
• Capacity to lift and operate typical educational and office equipment.
• Ability to exchange information in person and by phone.
• Manual dexterity for computer work, materials setup, and emergency response if needed (first aid/CPR).

About Derby Academy

Derby Academy is a Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 co-educational day school located in Hingham, Massachusetts. Rooted in the school’s motto, “Improve Both Mind and Heart,” the school provides students with a joyful and rigorous academic environment.

Connections working at Derby Academy