Assistant Head of Upper School
Position Summary
The Assistant Head of Upper School serves as the division’s second-in-command, supporting the Head of Middle and Upper School in overseeing day-to-day operations and assuming leadership responsibilities when the Head is absent or unavailable. This is a highly student-facing role that focuses on fostering a positive and supportive school culture. The Assistant Head manages student discipline in alignment with school policies, oversees advisory programming, and collaborates on the design and implementation of wellness initiatives and student life programming. Working closely with faculty, staff, and families, the Assistant Head of Upper School helps ensure that students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally, and that the division operates smoothly and effectively. As this is a newly created position, responsibilities may evolve. The role requires adaptability and a willingness to assume additional duties as assigned to meet the needs of the School.
In addition, the Assistant Head of Upper School will have a 40% teaching load and model effective classroom instruction that supports the School’s mission to empower students to embrace challenge, live with character, and lead with purpose.
Essential Functions
Operations
- Assist in leading division meetings with faculty, providing timely updates, sharing feedback, and supporting the implementation of school-wide and division-specific initiatives, events, and policies
- Lead and facilitate assemblies, setting a positive tone, reinforcing school expectations, sharing important updates, and fostering a sense of community
- Keep the Head of Middle and Upper School informed of the general programs, activities, and concerns of the division
- Observe and support Upper School faculty, offering constructive feedback and identifying professional development needs and opportunities
- Support hiring and onboarding of new Upper School faculty by assisting with orientation and mentoring to promote successful integration into the school community
- Assist in the admissions process for prospective Upper School students by collaborating with the admissions team to provide informed recommendations for enrollment decisions
- Serve as a primary point of contact for Upper School parents and guardians, maintaining open and professional communication, addressing questions and concerns, and fostering strong partnerships between home and school
- Represent the Upper School at events and school functions, engaging with students, families, alumni, and community members to strengthen relationships and promote the mission and values of the school
- Oversee disciplinary matters for students in grades 9-12 in a fair, consistent, and restorative manner by addressing incidents promptly, communicating effectively with parents and guardians, and involving the Head of Middle and Upper School for major infractions or complex cases
- Collaborate with the Head of Middle and Upper School to develop and implement proactive strategies that minimize disciplinary issues, strengthen community expectations, and promote a positive and respectful school culture
- Uphold and enforce the School’s dress code policy, ensuring consistent application, addressing violations promptly and respectfully, and supporting a culture of inclusivity and accountability
- Lead advisory program for the Upper School, ensuring students receive personalized academic guidance, social-emotional mentorship, and consistent support from faculty advisors
- Partner with counselors, advisors, and faculty to design, implement, and oversee student wellness programs, addressing the social, emotional, and developmental needs of students; monitor program effectiveness and connect students and families with appropriate internal supports or external resources
- Spend 40% of time teaching students in grades 9-12 (two courses)
- Implement an experiential, hands-on program (in subject of need) that encourages intellectual curiosity while building critical thinking, research, writing, reading and oral expression skills
- Collaborate with a team of upper school teachers to develop integrative themes and cross-curricular experiences
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of teaching or administrative experience in an independent school setting
- Understanding of best practices and trends in upper school education
- Proven leadership ability with strong interpersonal and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Education, Educational Administration, or related field
- Demonstrated experience with faculty supervision
Equal Employment Opportunity
Davidson Day School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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©2020 Davidson Day School. All Rights Reserved.
©2020 Davidson Day School. All Rights Reserved.