Founded in 1901, The Cathedral School is committed to academic excellence in a curriculum that integrates critical thinking, the arts, athletics, and leadership development. The School believes that the recognition and appreciation of differences in race, socioeconomic status, cultural or religious tradition, age, gender, ability, or sexual orientation enhance the individual's sense of identity and broaden respect for others. Through curriculum and informal school experiences, students at The Cathedral School come to understand the inherent value of all people and the importance of working towards equity in all that they do. The School’s mission is brought to life on the idyllic 11-acre campus of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights on Manhattan’s Upper West Side through seven Core Values: Cooperation, Courage, Integrity, Kindness, Passion for Learning, Respect, and Responsibility. 

As an independent K-8 day school rooted in the Episcopal tradition, The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine educates students to become articulate, confident, and responsible citizens of the world through rigorous academics, innovative approaches to learning, and the nurturing of their aspirations in a diverse community of all faiths. Cathedral is seeking a highly skilled and collaborative Director of Equity and Engagement. 

The Director of Equity and Engagement is a key member of the Senior Administrative Team and reports directly to the Head of School. The person in this role is responsible for developing and implementing policies, procedures, and programs that sustain an inclusive and equitable school community. The Director of Equity and Engagement will: 

• Provide strategic leadership for colleagues, students, and parents in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Teach People & Perspectives/Community Action Lab courses in the Upper School (Gr. 5 - 8)
• Facilitate, routinely review, and refresh the Lower School (Gr. K - 4) Identity Curriculum
• Serve as a resource for faculty in their work with students and in their development of inclusive curriculum and programs
• Set and achieve qualitative and quantitative goals in providing an equitable and inclusive setting for families and employees
• Serve as a staff liaison to student and parent affinity groups
• Plan and facilitate parent programs, special events, and community celebrations 
• Support efforts to recruit and retain excellent employees from diverse backgrounds and/or historically excluded communities
• Support strategies led by the Admission and Advancement Offices to admit and maintain a diverse community
• Serve on the Board of Trustee’s Equity and Engagement Committee 
• Participate in a variety of community events
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School

The successful candidate will be experienced in facilitation and project leadership, will be a clear and engaging communicator, will approach and lead the work with enthusiasm and optimism, and will partner with students, colleagues, and parents to achieve the School’s mission. The Director of Equity and Engagement will deftly navigate the personal, political, and institutional dynamics related to modern diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work in independent schools. This position requires a skilled public speaker who is experienced with Google Suite. Significant prior DEIB-related training, facilitation, and leadership are required, preferably in an independent school setting. 

This is a 12-month role with a hiring range of $105,000 - 125,000 based on experience. Full-time employees who have completed one full year of service are eligible for tuition remission for their child/ren upon application and admission to the School. Cathedral offers a comprehensive benefits package, generous holiday and vacation time, an allotment of remote days for annual use by eligible staff, and a supportive, inclusive work environment within a dynamic, diverse, and authentic school community that believes in the magic and genius of childhood. 

The Cathedral School is an equal opportunity employer. 

About The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine

The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine is an independent, Episcopal, K-8 day school for girls and boys of all faiths. The School is committed to a rigorous academic program that integrates the arts, athletics, and leadership development. Located on New York City’s Upper West Side on the 11.5-acre Close of the Cathedral, the School offers a unique setting for the celebration of the many traditions shared by its families. The School prides itself in being a diverse community in partnership with families who take an active role in their children’s intellectual, ethical, social, and emotional growth. The Cathedral School offers a stimulating environment in which each child can become an articulate, confident, and responsible citizen of the world. Continuing a century-old relationship, the School draws upon the Cathedral’s vast resources and provides its children’s choir.

Connections working at The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine