Lower School Head Job Description

Full-Time

Salary: Harford Day School’s salary and benefits are competitive and include medical, vision, dental insurance, and a retirement plan

Minimum Education: Master's Degree

Experience: Elementary teaching and Supervisory experience preferred

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Harford Day Lower School is a dynamic and caring educational environment, where our students are encouraged to develop independence and responsibility as well as a love of learning and willingness to engage with open minds and hearts. We are seeking a lower school leader who will play a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day operations and the implementation of strategic goals for HDS’s Lower School.

The Head of Lower School is appointed by and acts under the direction of the Head of School. As a member of the Administrative and Academic Teams, the Head of Lower School is committed to the HDS mission, fully aligned with our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion, and a champion for the core values of empathy, perseverance, integrity, community and growth. The Head of Lower School is charged with the comprehensive responsibility for all activities involving students and faculty in their respective division.

Along with excellent organizational and leadership skills, the ideal candidate will have a background that demonstrates most, if not all, of the following:

• A warm, approachable presence on campus, building relationships with all constituencies of the school community.
• A collaborative leader who invites and respects the views of others, yet is decisive when needed.
• A big picture and innovative thinker.
• Strong familiarity with the development of elementary aged learners, including programming and practices that recognize their unique cognitive, social-emotional and physical needs. 
• Familiarity with lower school level curriculum design and pedagogy.
• Ability to work closely with other administrators, counselors and faculty to oversee the social, emotional and educational well-being of students within the division.
• Effective and strong oral and written communication with faculty members, students and parents in a clear, concise and timely manner, keeping these groups appropriately informed of potential issues and needs.
• Teaching and administrative experience at the Lower School level.

 JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise, evaluate, and oversee the development of the division’s teachers in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, scheduling and school procedures.
• Conduct regular division meetings with faculty which incorporate both routine school matters affecting students and faculty and collaboration regarding teaching and learning. 
• In coordination with Department Chairs, oversee textbook and teaching material selection. 
• Maintain student discipline consistent with school policies; monitor students’ adherence to established school rules; and communicate effectively with families regarding disciplinary matters.
• Working with the Assistant Head of School and Director of Auxiliary Programs, oversee the coordination of the co-curricular and extracurricular activity programs of the Lower School; assist in the planning and the presentation of field trips, school assemblies and programs.
• Attend Lower School extracurricular events.
• Support the admission and re-enrollment activities for the Lower School.
• Make recommendations concerning the hiring, promotion, and dismissal of faculty.
• Vet, hire and coordinate substitutes for the Lower School.
• Create and maintain budgets for the Lower School.
• Support the school and its leadership. Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and educational philosophy to the HDS Search Committee at gmyers@harfordday.org on or before January 29, 2025.