Head of School Position

Head of School Position

Mount St. Dominic Academy is an independent all-girls Catholic high school, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Dominic and located in Caldwell, New Jersey. Our students are a dynamic community of passionate learners who are empowered to become justice-minded truth-seekers and trailblazers. Led by a faculty that specializes in education, our curriculum sparks curiosity, bridging tradition with academic rigor and faith with intellectual exploration, establishing a foundation of independent inquiry, critical thinking, and effective communication.

 The Mount is currently seeking resumes from qualified educational leaders of diverse backgrounds who are committed to fostering an environment of equity and belonging and are interested in a full-time Head of School role beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. The Head of School is responsible for the administration of the school, for ensuring the provision of educational leadership and strategic vision, and for the overall quality of the student experience.  The Head of School is the sole employee of the Board of Trustees. With a commitment to the values of Veritas and Caritas - truth and love - this enthusiastic and inspiring academic leader will:

• Dominican Identity - Faithful to the teachings of the Sisters of St. Dominic, the Head of School, in cooperation with the principal and school faculty and staff, promotes the essential characteristics of the mission and fundamental values of a Catholic institution for young women based in the Four Pillars of Dominican Life: prayer, study, community and mission.
• Leadership- The Head of School holds primary responsibility for providing personal and visible leadership for the school administration, faculty, staff, students and families on issues related to the implementation of school policy and procedure, mission, vision and advancement of the strategic, long-term plan consistent with the mission and goals of the school.
• Fiscal Management - The Head of School’s primary responsibility in the area of finance is compliance and adherence to Board Policy and oversight as they relate to the approved school budget. The Head of School has the authority to enter into legal agreements and serves as the institutional representative in all negotiations. In addition, the Head of School provides for the safe operation and maintenance of the school property and facilities.
• Institutional Advancement - The Head of School in conjunction with the Board of Trustees will establish specific goals and objectives in the area of advancement. The Head of School will work with the Director of Development and Alumni affairs to create and implement a strategic plan designed to cultivate philanthropic initiatives, fundraising and engage the schools financial partners.
• Enrollment Management - The Head of School is responsible for school programs, initiatives, and processes focused on the recruitment and retention of students. The Head of School will work closely with the Director of Admissions to ensure that a strategic plan is implemented, benchmarks established and goals achieved.
• Public Relations/Communication - The Head of School directs marketing efforts, recruitment strategies, development and advancement programs and alumnae activities and events. All public relations, including press and media releases are approved by the Head of School in their capacity as school spokesperson. The Head of School represents the school in the public forum and personally meets with selected constituencies to build community relationships.

 Requirements:

• A master’s degree in educational leadership or similar required; doctorate preferred.
• 3-5 years of successful school leadership experience, preferably in upper school grades.
• History of implementing effective differentiation techniques, pedagogical approaches and assessment with the ability to support the Principal and an established rigorous academic program.
• The ability to advocate for the unique academic, artistic, athletic, and social-emotional needs of young women, placing empowerment of our young women as a priority in day to day decision making.
• Collaborate with the Principal in retaining talented faculty, recruiting excellent teachers where necessary and collaboratively support established instructional leadership and administration.
• Develop and execute a multi-year strategic framework that moves initiatives forward in thoughtful and meaningful ways to support student growth and school progress and longevity.
• Experience working collaboratively with a Board of Trustees or other governing body.
• Ability to utilize data to keep the governing body informed and aid in decision making.
• Experience in collaborating with Development, Alumnae, Admissions, and other important Independent School personnel to seek donors, benefactors, or grants to support educational initiatives a plus.
• Experience with successful fiscal management of the school budgets, grants, and employee compensation program.
• Oversight of the campus facilities including maintenance, capital improvements and security.
• Promote Mount St. Dominic Academy with a forward-facing progressive approach that supports the Dominican values of our school.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.
• Faith-based school experience is a plus.

 Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• Targeted cover letter explaining your level of interest and qualifications for the head of school position at Mount Saint Dominic Academy.
• A brief personal statement that reflects your educational philosophy and how it will impact your leadership of Mount Saint Dominic Academy.
• Current resume.
• Names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of five professional references

Electronic submission of materials is required. Please send materials in a consolidated pdf format to headsearch@msdacademy.org . All documents must be submitted by December 1, 2024 for consideration.