Posted: 06-Feb-26
Location: CHARLOTTE, North Carolina
Type: Full Time
Categories:
POSITION TITLE: Assistant Head of Upper School
DEPARTMENT: Upper School
REPORTS TO: Head of Upper School
FLSA: Exempt
Term: 12month, Full-Time
Mission Statement
Through excellence in education, Charlotte Country Day School develops the potential of each student by fostering intellectual curiosity, principled character, ethical leadership, and a responsibility to serve.
Overview
Charlotte Country Day School (Country Day) is one of the largest independent, co-educational schools in the Charlotte area and one of the 15 largest in the continental United States. Enrollment is very strong, and the school is thriving. Highly regarded for the rigor of its academic program and the breadth of its offerings in the arts, athletics, community service, and leadership, Country Day is noteworthy for a long tradition of positioning itself at the forefront of curricular innovation.
A strong, forward-thinking institution, Country Day offers every child a chance to shine. The school is a diverse, inclusive community with strong academic and co-curricular programs designed for students to learn to think critically, act respectfully, and show sensitivity to the feelings and needs of others. The unique curriculum offered by Country Day prepares and strengthens students for participation in their local and global communities. With its focus on diversity, service, global study, and technology, Country Day positions students for future success in an ever-changing world.
Country Day is committed to living as an authentic, inclusive community. Our pursuit of this commitment to community recognizes and affirms the richness brought by difference and discovered through commonality.
Position Details
The Assistant Head of Upper School is a senior leadership position at the Upper School, responsible for advancing the school’s mission through instructional leadership, academic programming, faculty development, and a deep commitment to the academic, social, and emotional growth of adolescent learners. Reporting to the Head of Upper School, the Assistant Head will be a relational and systems-oriented leader who works collaboratively with the administrative team to ensure a coherent, developmentally responsive Upper School culture of high expectations paired with strong support.
Essential Responsibilities include:
Leadership & Strategic Partnership
- Collaborate with the Head of Upper School to advance mission and values through strategic planning, policy implementation, and daily school operations.
- Act on behalf of the Head of Upper School as needed, providing leadership continuity and operational oversight as delegated.
- Support accreditation, institutional effectiveness, and continuous school improvement initiatives.
- Model ethical leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to inclusive practices and community belonging.
Academic Program & Instructional Leadership
- Collaborate with the Head of Upper School, Director of Studies, and Department Chairs to support curriculum development, vertical and horizontal alignment, assessment practices, and program coherence.
- Gather perspectives across departments and coordinate internal expertise to support school initiatives and projects.
- Provide instructional leadership grounded in best practices in secondary education and adolescent development.
- Support the design and oversight of Upper School scheduling, course offerings, and IB/AP sequencing.
Faculty Leadership & Professional Growth
- Observe, mentor, and support faculty to promote excellence in teaching and learning.
- Work with the Head of Upper School, Director of Studies, and Department Chairs on faculty recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and professional growth in alignment with independent school best practices.
- Foster a collaborative, reflective faculty culture aligned with high expectations and shared responsibility for student outcomes.
Student Life & Community
- Collaborate with Upper School Deans on student life and student discipline to promote a strong sense of community.
- Build strong relationships with students and maintain a visible, engaged presence in the life of the Upper School (assemblies, lunches, events, arrival/dismissal, and co-curricular programming).
- Partner with Upper School Counselors, College Counseling, and advisors to build thoughtful, student-centered systems that support academic planning, college preparation, and healthy, balanced decision-making.
- Support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and foster a positive school climate and staff morale.
Family Engagement & Institutional Partnership
- Communicate proactively and constructively with parents and faculty to strengthen partnerships in support of student learning and well-being.
- Partner with colleagues across admissions, athletics, advancement, and other areas of the school to support shared priorities and schoolwide initiatives.
Qualifications
- Education & Experience
- Master’s degree strongly preferred in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field.
- Minimum of 8–10 years of teaching experience, with significant upper school experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in roles such as department chair, grade-level leader, dean, assistant principal, or division-level administrator.
- Experience with:
- Faculty supervision, coaching, and evaluation
- Curriculum development and instructional leadership
- Student discipline and adolescent support systems
- Faculty hiring and onboarding
- Experience in an independent school setting is preferred.
- Commitment to ongoing professional growth, collaboration, and reflective practice.
- Teaching Expectations
- Teach 1-2 Upper School classes to maintain direct engagement with students and faculty.
- Communication Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and constituencies.
Salary and Benefits
Charlotte Country Day School is committed to attracting and retaining talented employees through nationally competitive salaries and benefits. Individual salaries are determined by background and experience. Some of the highlights of working at Charlotte Country Day School include:
- Regular professional development opportunities that enhance professional skills.
- Full tuition remission for up to two children (full-time educator) based on admissions criteria and availability of openings.
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
- Financial assistance with relocation expenses.
- On-site physical, mental, and financial health and wellness classes.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, current resume, and list of references with telephone numbers via the Employment Portal at https://www.charlottecountryday.org/employment. Review of materials and initial interviews will begin as applications are received. References will only be contacted for applicants who advance in the process.
This position will be open until filled.
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at CCDS will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. CCDS does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.