Upper School Director

Job Details
Job Location
The Northwest School - Seattle, WA
Position Type
Full Time Administrative Faculty
Job Category
Education
Description
Upper School Director
Reports to: Head of School
FLSA: Exempt
The Upper School Director serves as the division director for the Upper School and is responsible for the overall direction and operation of the Upper School, grades 9-12. This position reports to the Head of School, serves on the Senior Leadership Team and sets the direction for the Upper School.
Essential Functions:

• Lead a community of teaching and administrative faculty, and students in a manner that is congruent with the intentional, intellectual, and diverse culture of The Northwest School and aligns with the strategic plan and goals of the School.
• Act as the educational leader of the Upper School, responsible for the day-to-day operation and the direction of the activities of teaching and support faculty in the division as well as serve as a member of the Curriculum Committee responsible for setting curricular direction for the program. Act in a manner that ensures the highest quality of instruction in the Upper School academic program, fostering a culture of professional growth among faculty, including recognizing, developing, promoting, and supporting teaching excellence.
• Lead efforts to promote, monitor, and evaluate efforts with diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Collaborate with administrators and program coordinators in the delivery of a co-curricular program that, combined with the curricular program, prepares our students to graduate with the discipline, agility, and creativity to conquer the toughest global challenges as thoughtful, humane world citizens who are critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, and effective communicators.
• Ensure effective coordination of planning, review of student progress, workload balance, and student dynamics within each Upper School grade.
• Serve as a leader of communication efforts in the Upper School and broader school community by articulating the philosophy of the Upper School and the needs of Upper School students to parents and the wider school community, maintaining close communication with the Head and other administrators about life in the Upper School, and maintaining regular communication with parents about issues of academic performance, behavior, school philosophy and practice, teaching, curriculum, and events. Guide teachers and advisors to ensure proper communication with students and families about school life and performance.
• Collaborate with the Director of Admissions and Enrollment to represent the school effectively in communication with applicant families and consult with the Admissions Office and Registrar in determining the qualifications of applicants and in selecting new students and the placement of students in classes and advisory groups.
• In collaboration with the academic administrators and department chairs, assist in defining staffing needs in the Upper School and manage the hiring, orienting, and mentoring process for new teachers and the supervision and evaluation of Upper School teachers.
• Supervise the Upper School Dean of Students, Director of Global Outreach and Programs, School Counselor, Registrar, Athletic Director, Director of Residential Life, Academic Program Coordinator, and assigned department chairs.
• Accountable for the on-campus boarding program, serving international and domestic students.
• Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to carry out the strategic plan and goals of the school as it relates to the Upper School.
• Partner with the Middle School Director to ensure philosophical and programmatic alignment of the school program and ensure that the full school program is implemented effectively.
• Serve as a member of the Budget Committee, which defines budget priorities and policies for the school as a team.
• Serve as a member of the Financial Aid Policy Committee, which reviews and steers the development of the schools philosophy and methodology for financial aid policies.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• All candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the schools mission, values, and philosophy, especially related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
• A bachelors degree and seven years of progressively responsible experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job are required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with large groups, as well as in writing.
• Experience in a school with international students.
• A minimum of 2 years of teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Masters degree is preferred.
• Experience in a school with international students.

Competencies:

• Philosophically student centered
• An environmental steward
• A champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Global minded
• Social justice oriented
• An excellent communicator in written and verbal methods
• At ease speaking to a crowded room
• Energized by working collaboratively and appreciate process deliberation, and intentionality
• A thoughtful listener
• Able to manage multiple and shifting priorities

Compensation:
This position offers a salary range between $150,000 and $165,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The Northwest School offers an excellent benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life and accident insurance coverage, fully paid for employee only coverage. A retirement program matches up to 6% of an employee's salary after one year of service in a 403(b) plan. An intentional, mission focused school culture, generous time off, lunch, access to the on-site fitness facility, an exceptional commitment to professional development, and a unique urban location are also benefits of working at the Northwest School.
Application Process:
Please submit a cover letter and resume online: http://northwestschool.org/about/employment
**Please note: we are unable to fully consider materials submitted through other avenues such as Indeed.com without a corresponding application through our website.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that values workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, or marital status.