Director, Lower School 6309

Position Summary: 

This position oversees the vision and implementation of the day-to-day educational program and operations of the lower school (K - Grade 5). 

Responsibilities include: 

• Acts as the educational leader of the lower school division, responsible for its day to day  mission. 
• Sets the overall vision for the lower school program in alignment with the school’s mission, vision, and core values. Ensure that all components of lower school programming are aligned  with this vision.  
• Is a visible, present, hands-on leader responsible for all academic and cultural systems and all  student outcomes. 
• Oversee the academic/instructional process to drive academic results. 
• Main point of contact for student/family interactions/responsibilities. 
• Hires, manages, and retains a high performing team of faculty and staff including teachers,  guidance counselors and administrators. 
• Sets and supervises the Lower School Budget in partnership with the Chief Academic Officer and  Chief Financial Officer 
• Is aware of the educational, physical, social, and psychological needs of the school community  and guides plans for meeting those needs. 
• Ensures compliance with legal requirements of government regulations and agencies, and  maintains the educational standards established by the state and by those agencies that  examine and accredit the school.
• Collaborates with the lower school’s faculty and staff on matters related to academic operations  (i.e. benchmark testing, testing schedules and coordination) 
• Supports school culture and academic data analysis to identify performance gaps and effectively  problem solve 
• In collaboration with Lower School Assistant Director, and LS Director of Curriculum  and Instruction and LS Director of Student Services, designs and leads ongoing school-based  professional development sessions for faculty and staff. 
• Is knowledgeable and able to articulate advances and trends in education and pedagogical  standards, benchmarks, and indicators. 
• Supervises the implementation of the school’s student services program including guidance, academic referral services, health services, attendance, behavior management and related  issues. 
• Maintains active and strong relationships with faculty, students and families to support students in meeting academic goals and/or provide social-emotional support
• Selects and hires quality faculty and staff to support and maximize student achievement. 
• Coaches administrators (& faculty when needed) to empower teacher growth and development and improve their practice through individualized observation, data analysis, coaching, professional development, modeling, and collaborative planning to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction. 

Qualifications: 

• At least five years of direct experience in instructional leadership in a lower or middle school environment, setting an academic and/or cultural vision for a school, and hiring and coaching faculty and staff. 
• A minimum of a bachelor’s in education or a related field (advanced degree preferred but not required) 
• A track record of success in previous school leadership and/or teacher-leader role preferably in an independent lower school environment. 
• Knowledge and/or experience in developmental milestones and benchmarks for this age group. 
• A growth mindset and able to quickly incorporate feedback into daily practice Thrive on data. 
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to inform instructional planning and decisions 
• Success in this role includes the ability for self-reflection, candor, authenticity, and vulnerability. Strategic thinker and empathetic problem solver. 
• Excellent Communication, Organizational, and Technology Skills 
• Demonstrate the requisite commitment to fulfilling the School’s mission and Philosophy, which includes, providing a religious education consistent with fundamental beliefs of Judaism and teaching children to embrace Jewish heritage.