Qualities of the next Director of Intercultural Affairs

As Bush seeks to develop intercultural fluency among its students, faculty, staff, parents and leadership, it also expects such a fluency in its next Director. This new member of The Bush School must be a model of careful listening, diplomacy, compassion, empathy, humor, and humility.

As Bush has evolved, this position needs a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of DEI issues and what it takes to advance an institution towards its aspirations. The successful candidate will demonstrate their ability not only to generate ideas but also to put in the hard work to put those ideas into action. As part of the senior leadership team, the Director must display a high level of administrative, organizational, management, and interpersonal skills, all rooted in collaboration and integrity.

Education, Experience and/or Competency Requirements

•     Master’s Degree and at least 3-5 years related experience preferred;
•     Training, education or background in DEI education, with experience in developing or supporting the development of inclusive communities and diversity in curricula programs;
•     Experience or connections with community organizations, preferably in the Seattle area;
•     Effective interpersonal skills, both written and verbal. 

Certificate, License, Registration and/or Background Requirements

•     CPR/First Aid certification
•     Clean Background check

The Bush School

Founded in 1924 and approaching its centennial, The Bush School’s matriarch Helen Taylor Bush was inspired by John Dewey’s progressive educational philosophy. The School has since grown to become one of the finest K-12 progressive schools in the nation.

Academic Programs

Lower School

The Lower School involves each student in an environment of inquisitiveness and connectedness. At Bush, we believe that every time we consider a new idea, do something in a different way, or try something out of our comfort zone, we exercise the possibility to imagine. Every time we build, create, tinker, and muck around with materials, we open a window to that world of imagination.

At Bush, social, emotional, and academic growth is fostered through a curriculum that encourages skill-building. Through literacy, math, social studies, science, language, the arts, technology, and physical education, we teach critical and creative thinking, ethical judgment and action, intercultural fluency, and local and global citizenship.

Middle School

Middle School at Bush builds on the foundation of joyful learning in the Lower School by challenging students to discover their strengths and to turn their ideas into reality. The Middle School program harnesses the growing capacity for critical thinking and self-awareness in young adolescents, meeting all students where they are and enabling them to find success in a progressive and demanding educational program. 

Upper School

In Bush’s Upper School, students are called upon to ask questions, test out big ideas, make mistakes, seek out mentors, and create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. Students develop skills as independent thinkers and collaborative learners through a combination of high academic expectations and signature experiential programming. The Upper School prepares students exceptionally well for college and for life, inspiring involved, active citizens who want to make a difference in the world.

INTERCULTURAL AFFAIRS

The Act of Empathy

Diversity becomes an experience through intercultural affairs at The Bush School. As a community, Bush is intercultural by nature, helping students achieve the foundation of being local and global citizens.

We believe that the intellectual, emotional, social, and psychological development of our students happens most effectively in a community that embraces and values diversity, whether based on cultural and ethnic background, nationality, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion or creed, ability/disability, learning differences, age or generation, in addition to beliefs and values, and attitudes and opinions.

We believe that a community that welcomes, respects, and values different experiences, perspectives, and points of view establishes a platform for the development and exchange of new ideas, innovation, creativity, problem solving, improved decision making, and critical thinking, as well as a more dynamic educational and life experience.

Bush Terms, Defined:

Intercultural Fluency: The ability to interact across cultural lines with ease and compassion.

Local and Global Citizenship: Understanding the many communities that each of us is a part of—our grade, school, family, neighborhood, city, country, and world—and seeking to play a positive role in each community. 

Fast Facts

Enrollment - 677

Student Teacher Ratio 8:1

Student Diversity - 34% students of color

Faculty # - 84

Faculty diversity 19.8%

Geography

Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest and is one the fastest growing in the country.  Home to Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks, Seattle’s thriving economy and growth have been attributed to these tech giants. Seattle’s rich cultural history and geographic beauty makes it an attractive destination and a place to call home.

Procedure to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials confidentially as one PDF attachment in one email:

• Cover letter expressing interest in the position
• Current resume
• Statement of educational philosophy and practice

Email to: Orpheus Crutchfield orpheus@strategenius.org and Mary Rose Fernandez maryrose@strategenius.org with the subject line: “The Bush School—Director of Intercultural Affairs.”  All candidates must also complete a simple form through this link: 

https://forms.gle/sMmvkZe9k1Y5kRZ1A

Search Calendar

Applications due:                         November 22, 2019                

Semifinalists interviews:            January 6-10     

Finalists interviews:      Second & third week of January         

Hiring announcement:               January 28th

The Bush School is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admission or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information.  In addition, The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment based on the basis of age or marital status.