Our Mission

Bertschi School educates children to become compassionate, confident and creative learners in a global community. 

Our Values
Our community values integrity, inclusiveness, respect, diversity and a commitment to sustainability.

Our Pedagogy
Bertschi School believes that students learn best when they are:

• Safe and known in an inclusive community that values diverse perspectives
• Supported in developing social-emotional skills
• Provided academic choice and challenge at their “just right level”
• Engaged in meaningful work
• Encouraged to problem solve through inquiry, trial, and error
• Empowered to take risks and make change
• Given opportunities to collaborate and dialogue with a diverse group of learners

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement:
Bertschi School values diversity and believes engaging our differences makes us better and stronger. We welcome and honor the unique contributions of people from all racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, gender identities, learning styles, physical abilities and sexual orientations. Our commitment to equity drives us to be inclusive and diverse in all areas of our school.

Our School
Bertschi School, founded in 1975, is a Washington State approved elementary school. We are a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and accredited by the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). The school serves children from pre-kindergarten through grade five. Bertschi School is an exciting environment where professionals are part of a supportive team dedicated to advancing the school’s mission working alongside an active community. The staff enjoys a salary and benefit package in line with other independent private schools in the Northwest.

General Summary
The Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a non-faculty position and reports directly to the Head of School as a  member of the school’s Leadership Team. The DEI Director works closely with academic and administrative staff across the campus. The Director will lead implementation of the school’s diversity efforts, including faculty and staff recruitment and retention; student recruitment and retention; DEI-oriented curriculum; parent community education; and student life.

General Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership in the work of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.
• Develop and implement the “diversity pillar” of the Strategic Plan 2018+  that is centered on the school's mission and DEI statement.
• In collaboration with the Head of School, the Associate Head of School, and the Business Office, improve the effectiveness and success in recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff.
• In collaboration with the Associate Head of School, evaluate, advise on, and support the development of cultural competence in every aspect of the school’s curriculum.
• Work with the Director of Enrollment Management to recruit, welcome, and retain students from diverse backgrounds; and review and implement a mentoring program for new families on an annual basis.
• Develop effective and trusting working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and families and respond to diversity- and equity-related issues among the student body as they arise.
• Act as the liaison to and develop strong relationships with the Board Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and its subcommittees and task forces.
• Work with communications to plan, develop, and market diversity and inclusion-focused education, programs, and events for faculty, staff, students, and families; and professional development workshops and programming for faculty and staff.
• Act as a liaison between the school and local communities of color to serve these communities better and to support the school’s outreach and admissions marketing and recruitment programs.
• Network with diversity coordinators and leaders at other independent schools as well as off-campus cultural resource organizations.
• Represent the school at local, regional, and national multicultural events as determined in conjunction with the Head of School.
• Pursue professional development opportunities; attend conferences and professional meetings in order to remain current with diversity and inclusion issues that may affect the school.
• Promote best practices with respect to diversity issues.
• Assume responsibility for other projects as assigned by the Head of School.

 Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Education, teaching experience, and/or demonstrated work in the area of curriculum planning.
• Communication Skills
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills
  • Tactful and discreet
  • Technologically savvy
• Navigation Skills
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize a multitude of tasks by volume, urgency, and positionality
  • High energy and enthusiastic about working in an academic atmosphere
• Presentation / Facilitation Skills
  • Commitment to diversity and a strong interest in planning multicultural programming
  • Effective facilitator in large groups, small groups and in one-on-one situations
• Leadership Skills
  • Project management skills in implementing complex programs, supervising personnel, and handling a budget
  • Proven success working collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, parents, and community leaders
  • Successful track record managing teams across constituencies - families, staff, school leadership, and Board
  • A strong sense of collaboration that allows for effective team efforts in working with students, faculty, staff, parents, and community leaders
  • Detail oriented and resourceful
  • Enthusiasm, flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor
  • Ability to keep information in the strictest of confidence.

Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s background and experience and will be competitive with similar positions in Seattle area independent schools. Bertschi School offers excellent benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, retirement, sick/vacation days.

To be considered for this position, please upload your cover letter and resume to the CalWest website. Current CalWest candidates need not apply here. Please email: mysearch@CalWestEducators.com

 
Bertschi School is an equal opportunity employer seeking a more culturally diverse workplace. Bertschi School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation or disability.