A K-8 Private School located on beautiful Vashon Island (a short ferry ride from Seattle or Tacoma, Washington!) is seeking a Head of School starting July 1, 2025. An International Baccalaureate candidate school, The Harbor School provides an enriched experience for approximately ninety students through its travel study program, community outreach, and academic life.
Head of School - Role and Responsibility
We are seeking a Head of School who embodies the school’s Cornerstone Values of accountability, compassion, integrity, respect, responsibility, and personal best. A good candidate for this position is positive, confident, and an energetic self-starter with great communication skills. Candidates must be ready to lead a community that desires the best education for their children. A Head of School must be able to forge connections with students, teachers, and parents, which is essential to the success of the school.
Some of the responsibilities as the Head of School include:
- Shepherd the school through the International Baccalaureate process.
- Shepherd the school through the NWAIS accreditation process.
- In collaboration with the Board, execute an annual budget and multiyear strategic plan.
- Lead the admissions functions of the school including the administration of the school’s financial aid program in consultation with the Finance Committee of the Board.
- Plan and optimize the school’s fund-raising programs such as the annual fund, planned giving, and major events.
- Work with the Admissions Director in determining programs for the recruitment of students, including information dissemination, applicant testing and interviews, acceptance, and decisions.
- Allocate duties to staff within the school and manage staff in accordance with school policies and procedures while creating and maintaining a supportive work environment.
- Take overall responsibility for the management of the school's program of teaching, development, and the implementation of the school’s academic policy.
- Ensure the effective delivery of high quality teaching and the maintenance of academic standards.
- Promote excellence and improvement in all matters of teaching, learning, research, and administration.
- Oversee daily operation of two campuses including transportation, facilities, maintenance, IT, etc.
Interested candidates should submit the following materials in a single document no later than Monday, September 23, 2024 at 5pm to: searchcommittee@harborschool.org :
- Cover letter expressing interest in the Head of School position and outlining relevant experiences, leadership approach, and personal qualities which align with the school’s mission.
- Current resume including dates of employment.
- Statement of education philosophy and practice.
- List of four references with name, position/relationship, phone number, and email address.
Search Timeline
- Monday, September 23, 2024 at 5pm - Applications Due
- Monday, October 14, 2024 at 6, 7pm, Tuesday, October 15 at 6, 7pm, Thursday October 17 at 6, 7pm - Zoom Interviews
- Monday, November 18 - Wednesday, November 20 - In-person interviews, school visits, family forums
- Thursday, December 12, 2024 - Offer is made
- Monday, January 6, 2025 - Announce new Head of School to school community
- Saturday, March 22, 2025 - New Head of School attends Harbor School 30th Anniversary auction
- New Head of School invited to attend Zoom Board Meetings
- February 12, 2025 - 7pm
- April 23, 2025 - 7pm
- June 25, 2025 - 7pm
- Tuesday, July 1, 2025 - New Head of School begins
Personal Qualities and Qualifications
A successful candidate for the next Head of School position at The Harbor School possesses the following competencies, experiences, and personal qualities:
- Possession of a Washington State teaching license or equivalent.
- Excitement for alternative or non-traditional education systems.
- Completion of a school based practicum with a deep respect for teaching and learning.
- Experience as a Head of School or with the administrative functions of a school.
- Masters Degree in Education or Educational Leadership.
- Completion of WA State approved Administrator Preparation program is preferred.
- Demonstration of inspirational leadership experience.
- Experience managing budgets and financial reporting.
- Experience with fundraising and developing long term, positive, and mutually beneficial relationships between donors and schools preferred.
- Experience with accreditation processes.
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