Purpose:  The Upper School Division Director handles the overall leadership and strategic direction for the ninth through twelfth grade students and faculty at Vail Mountain School. This position will manage the day-to-day operations of the Upper School, working collaboratively with our other Division Directors and reporting directly to the Head of School.

What You Will Do:

Vision and Mission

• Maintain congruence between the school’s board-approved mission statement and all activities of the division
• Act as the educational leader responsible for the day-to-day operation of the division 
• Function as the chief articulator, and creator of the division’s programs, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and other information necessary to ensure that all constituencies are fully informed consonant with their individual roles

Student Support and Discipline

• Implement personalized strategies that help students adhere to VMS’s handbook’s standards and rules
• Communicate regularly and effectively with parents
• Provide opportunities for conferences with teachers, parents, or administrators
• Facilitate additional support services when needed in conjunction with teachers and families 
• Maintain discipline in harmony with school policies
• ensure continuity and improvement of mission appropriate, and developmental programming for all students in areas of student life, student health and wellness, education, character, ethics and community.

Faculty Support and Oversight

• Observe, supervise, evaluate, and provide feedback to  the faculty through classroom observation and  daily teacher interactions
• Participate in the hiring, on-boarding, and specific assignments of new faculty
• Support faculty in communicating personal and academic progress of students
• Ensure that teachers are familiar with and adhere to school policies
• Conduct regular meetings with faculty that deal with routine school matters, but also provide opportunities for the stimulating exchange of ideas of an educational and philosophical nature
• Maintain the budget for the division
• Serve as a consultant to teachers in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, and general school procedures

Collaboration

• Work as a member of the Leadership Team at Vail Mountain School. Attend meetings, fully participate, and utilize all executive functioning systems as a great member of our team.
• Contribute as a member of our Academic Team, under the direction of the Assistant Head of School, to ensure a unified K-12 experience for all of our students.
• Lead and participate in implementing Learning Elevated, our 10-year strategic plan. 

Who You Are:

• A “raise your hand” type of person. You’re interested in leading and participating in school events like  orientation trips, field trips, sitting at lunch tables, assisting with carpool, hut trips, and Ski Fridays. You are ready to participate fully in the life of the school.
• An educator deeply committed to the the educational, physical, social, and psychological needs of the school community, and who is able to develop plans for meeting those needs
  • The ideal candidate has significant experience in an independent school, with demonstrated administrative or other leadership experience. Someone who will continue to stay up-to-date with current trends and research in education allowing programming decisions to be supported by research and best practices in the field.Ready to provide supervision of students for all ages both inside and outside of the classroom.
• A change champion who is open to new ideas and willing to put in the time and effort to implement, facilitate, and evaluate their success. Able to communicate in a timely and professional manner with students, parents, colleagues, and volunteers
• Ready to initiate, facilitate, and attend related meetings and assist with afternoon/evening programs; some of which may occur outside of the school day
• Willing to actively promote the mission of the school
• An advanced degree holder from an accredited university.
• Passionate about fostering and furthering a culture of belonging and inclusion in our school.

Who We Are:

We are a rapport-based independent school that is proud of our roots in the Vail Valley. As a group, we are made up of active people who are committed to instilling the value of our natural surroundings to the next generation through education, responsibility, and kindness. VMS is a caring and thoughtful organization committed to the lives of our employees. We offer a competitive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to fit the needs of our faculty and staff. We offer a monthly wellness benefit reimbursement as well as FSA and HSA options depending on your health insurance elections. We focus on the professional development of our faculty and staff through individual professional development opportunities. Vail Mountain School is proud to offer competitive compensation based on your life experience.

VMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, intentionally committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We welcome candidates representing a full spectrum of race, ability, gender, national origin, religion, and sexual orientation. A VMS education embraces both the open exchange of ideas and learning from differing perspectives, inclusive of the beliefs and identities reflected within the community. Qualifications for employment include a demonstrated commitment to these principles.

To Apply: Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@vms.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!

About Vail Mountain School

We are Vail, Colorado’s leading independent K-12 school. We are an experiential learning destination. We offer extensive outdoor learning experiences and leadership opportunities for all students. Our academic programs are second to none. Our community has a strong family feel and our athletic programs are both inclusive and competitive.

Connections working at Vail Mountain School