HEBREW DAY SCHOOL OF ANN ARBOR
HEAD OF SCHOOL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
An invitation to lead a beloved institution where academic excellence, vibrant Jewish life, and joyful community come together
About the Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor
Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor is a beloved institution serving young fives through fifth grade. For decades, we have been the home for Jewish families seeking an educational experience that honors both rigorous academics and authentic Jewish living. Our school is intimate by design - approximately 70 students - allowing for deep relationships between teachers, students, and families.
What makes Hebrew Day School distinctive is how academic excellence, community and character, and Jewish life and learning weave together - creating an environment that feels both rigorous and warm. Our thoughtful, professional teachers bring joy to their classrooms. Our strong administrative team provides steady support and our signature experiences, from Rosh Chodesh celebrations and first-grade siddur ceremonies to community Purim festivities and student-led sedarim, create lasting memories and deep connections to Jewish tradition.
Recent investments have given us a bright new library and updated administrative offices. Our commitment to forward-thinking, data-driven pedagogy includes intentional technology integration and a celebration of literacy that permeates every classroom. There is room here for a new leader to add fresh flavor while honoring cherished traditions.
Visit this link to learn more about Hebrew Day School: https://tinyurl.com/HebrewDaySchool
Mission Statement
The mission of the Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor is to nurture the development of knowledgeable, caring and committed Jewish children in a dynamic learning environment. Through exceptional general and Judaic studies and Hebrew language immersion, students will create a meaningful and joyous connection to their heritage and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and involvement in the wider community.
Our Educational Philosophy
Hebrew Day School provides a Jewish and secular elementary school education, with instruction in conversational Hebrew. Hebrew Day School prizes academic excellence, critical thinking, joy in the learning process, strong traditional Jewish education, and the building of confident children.
Anchored by standards and grade-level expectations, yet flexible enough to meet and teach all students where they are, our curriculum is continually evaluated, updated and refreshed. High expectations coupled with a supportive environment allow students to move beyond their comfort zones and rise to the challenges before them. Our emphasis is on process: the process of thinking, the process of developing skills, and the process of understanding.
Hebrew Day School provides students and families with:
- A nurturing, attentive, and supportive learning environment.
- A strong, vibrant community. Hebrew Day School families form a tight and supportive community, and the children see Hebrew Day School as a second home.
- Playful learning, ethics-based conversations, deep intellectual work, and curious exploration.
- Recognition of each student’s gifts. We celebrate our students for who they are as individuals and for their contributions to the group.
- Learning that is active, alive, contextual, and relevant. Through our multi-faceted dual curriculum, students develop the skills and habits of lifelong learners.
- Reinforcement of students’ Jewish values and identities. Our goal is to support the development of mensches.
Head of School Position
The Board of Trustees is committed to realizing the school’s full potential. We are accordingly seeking an inspirational leader with the energy, administrative skills, and drive to advance the school’s mission.
The Head of School serves as the educational and organizational leader of Hebrew Day School, responsible for bringing our mission to life each day. This role encompasses vision-setting, community building, staff leadership, family engagement, and institutional advancement. The Head of School has the authority to employ and discharge personnel, to propose a budget, and generally to conduct the business of the school. The Head of School is also the spokesperson for the school with all constituencies including students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, governmental agencies, and local, state, regional and national educational organizations. The Head works closely with a committed Board of Directors and leads a capable administrative team.
Since Hebrew Day School is the only full-time Jewish elementary school in Ann Arbor, it is imperative that the Head of School help the entire Ann Arbor Jewish community feel welcome. The school deeply values pluralism and inclusiveness. This environment requires a leader who communicates easily with people from many different Jewish backgrounds. The Head of School should have a leadership style that is warm, caring, perceptive, open, and team-oriented. They should be sensitive to the academic, spiritual, and emotional well-being of students and their families while being able to provide clear communication with students, parents, and the broader school community. The Head of School should assume a leadership position in, and build strong relationships with, the broader Jewish community and its schools, synagogues, and other organizations.
This is an excellent opportunity for a leader with vision and moxie - someone who can see what makes this school special and help it flourish while navigating the real challenges facing small day schools today.
Key responsibilities for the Head of School
Education
The Head of School is responsible to lead the evolution and consistent improvement of the Judaic and general studies curricula. They should be knowledgeable about the theory and practice of elementary education and work with staff, students, and parents to sustain an educational climate that is joyful and rigorous in Jewish and general studies.
The Head of School is responsible for recruiting, retaining, and developing faculty members who can carry out the educational mission of the school. They must support the faculty’s educational decision-making as individuals and as a team. The Head of School should evaluate teachers regularly, support their continuing professional growth, and build a sense of a team that works collaboratively to implement the school’s educational vision.
Administration & Budget
The Head of School structures, organizes, and leads the school’s administrative team. They should be able to delegate responsibility, supervise staff, and foster a productive and positive working climate. A significant portion of the Head of School’s administrative responsibilities is financial: the Head of School proposes an annual budget to the Board of Directors and must operate the school within the approved budget.
Recruitment
It is imperative that the Head of School participate actively in recruiting new families and assist their staff in helping grow enrollment.
Fundraising
The Head of School is an important part of the school’s fundraising efforts, and must be capable of being an effective spokesperson for the school at community events, donor-focused events, and in a one-on-one setting with the school’s supporters.
Governance
The Head of School is the only employee of the school to report to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is a strategic body, not an operational one. Its functions are to hire, support, and evaluate the Head of School; to provide the school with the resources that it needs to pursue its mission; to promote the school in the wider community; and, in conjunction with the Head of School and other stakeholders, to chart the long-term future of the institution. The Head of School is an ex officio, non-voting member of the board and all board committees. They should be an active partner of the Board in their deliberations and a leader in the development of long-term plans and strategic projects.
Qualifications & Leadership Profile
The ideal candidate for Hebrew Day School’s Head of School is a professional educator with administrative skills and experience. The Head of School should also be an effective communicator, a credible representative of the mission of the school, and a passionate leader who inspires others. This individual should also have a genuine love of children, understand how children learn and grow, and be able to appreciate and delight in our students’ experiences and celebrations of Jewish moments.
We are seeking a candidate who excels in:
- Leading and facilitating professional learning and growth for our staff.
- Demonstrating deep knowledge of curriculum and instruction in the elementary classroom.
- Implementing practices that align with and advance the school's educational vision.
- Managing an administrative team with a focus on effective delegation and supportive supervision.
- Overseeing staff recruitment, hiring, and comprehensive onboarding processes.
- Building and nurturing strong relationships with multiple stakeholders across the community.
- Engaging parents as active partners in their children’s educational journey.
- Prioritizing student safety, mental health, and social-emotional wellbeing.
- Developing and managing sustainable annual budgets.
- Cultivating resources through strategic fundraising and development initiatives.
About Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is a vibrant city of 120,000 residents, famous for its big-city sophistication and small-town charm. As the home of the University of Michigan, the city’s character is shaped by a high-energy research environment and a thriving economy centered on high-tech and health services.
Commonly known as "Tree Town" for its 157 municipal parks and beautiful tree-lined streets, Ann Arbor offers an exceptional quality of life. Residents enjoy world-class culture, from internationally acclaimed art fairs and concerts to museums and theater - all within a few minutes' drive or bike ride from home. The city consistently ranks as a top place to live in the U.S., notably ranking #1 on Livability’s 2024 Best Places to Live in the U.S. and being recognized as the most educated city in America by WalletHub (2024).
About the Jewish Community of Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor offers a uniquely nurturing and diverse environment for Jewish life, welcoming the full spectrum of observance - from Modern Orthodox to unaffiliated families. This "beautiful tapestry" includes multiple congregations (Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Reform), a dynamic Jewish Community Center, and a strong Jewish Federation. Families benefit from a wide array of local resources, including vibrant summer day camps, various youth groups, and the University of Michigan’s respected Hillel and Jewish Studies center.
The infrastructure supporting Jewish education here is exceptional, characterized by deep partnerships and a network of collaboration rare for communities of this size. While enjoying a close-knit atmosphere, residents also have easy access to the Detroit suburbs, located just 40 minutes away. This proximity provides expanded options for kosher dining, specialized supermarkets, and Jewish day schools through the high school level. It is a community that deeply values its educational institutions, offering a positive and engaged environment where parents and leaders partner to ensure every Jewish child feels at home.
Position Summary & Compensation
- Position: Head of School
- Institution: Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor
- Website
- Address
- 2937 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
- Phone
- Duration: full-time
- Benefits: medical, tuition, retirement
- Preferred Experience: Professional (6-10 years)
- Preferred Degree: Masters
- Salary range: $100,000 to $150,000, depending on education and experience
- Start Date: June 2026
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a cover letter to Bobby Levine, Hebrew Day School Board President: [email protected]