Career Center

The Independent Day School is searching for a Head of School to begin on July 1, 2022.

The next Head of School will have the opportunity to build on the school’s unique history, strengthen academics and co-curricular programs, work with a talented, dedicated administrative team and faculty, and engage our committed, connected community. 

Areas of further growth and development include:

Building enrollment and raising the profile of IDS in the community

IDS is one of the region’s best kept secrets. Enrollment is 10%-15% lower than optimal, and the next Head of School with work with the administrative team to continue raising the profile and reputation of IDS in local communities.

Enhancing long-term financial sustainability

Like most independent schools, IDS is constantly trying to manage the rise of tuition by growing non-tuition revenue, growing fundraising and the endowment, and proactively managing expenses.

Fostering a more diverse and inclusive community

IDS has made progress towards being a school that better reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, but there is still important work to be done. The Board of Trustees is committed to achieving this vision; recently established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce; and has made diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority in its new strategic plan.

Enhancing IDS’ strong academic and co-curricular program

IDS has refreshed and strengthened many facets of its academic program in recent years but the work is never done. Opportunities include leveraging the Centers of Excellence, the strong social-emotional program, and DEI work across the curriculum.

Please download  our brochure for more complete information.

Desired Qualities and Qualifications

The Head of School Search Committee is excited to consider a wide range of leaders for this role, including candidates with non-traditional backgrounds. Candidates who are most likely to advance will demonstrate many of the following qualities and qualifications:

Personal Characteristics

• An authentic, caring, kind, and empathetic person who easily connects and builds strong relationships with students, faculty, and parents and fosters community through strong and visible leadership, open and transparent communication, collaboration and inclusiveness, and an infectious enthusiasm for the school’s mission
• A leader with high emotional intelligence, strong situational awareness, excellent listening and communication skills, diplomacy, resourcefulness, and good instincts and judgment
• A desire to be an active, highly visible presence in the IDS community

Leadership

• Sustained and demonstrated successful track record in leadership and management in education, ideally in a K-8 independent school setting, with a clear ability to build, develop, and empower teams
• Deep understanding of important trends in education and the ability to combine this understanding with an appreciation for IDS’ mission, culture, and values in order to articulate a compelling vision for the IDS’ future
• Leadership style that is collaborative and genuinely invites and respects the perspectives and views of others, yet is decisive when necessary
• A strategic and creative thinker who delivers a vision and a plan, has strong execution and organizational skills, and leads by example with a hands-on work ethic
• A skilled navigator of challenging conversations

Prior Experience

• K-8 teaching and leadership experience preferred, ideally in an independent school setting
• Experience hiring, onboarding, supporting, developing, and retaining a talented faculty and staff
• A strong track record of fiscal management and understanding of finance and budgetingLeading diversity and inclusion initiatives, building inclusive communities, and navigating diverse cultural and social situations