Job Summary
CIS is a college preparatory independent school with a rich history of whole-child
education and a global perspective. CIS is seeking a creative, committed, and
relationship-focused Upper School Director to provide leadership and support to the
students and faculty of the upper school. As a member of the school’s leadership
team, the Upper School Director is responsible for developing an engaging and rich
upper school program and culture within the context of a dynamic and unique,
junior kindergarten – 12th grade school environment. The focus of the curriculum is
to provide an individualized educational experience for each student and to foster
the pursuit of excellence and joy in learning and living. Class sizes are intentionally
small to facilitate high quality teaching and mentorship. 

Columbia, Missouri
CIS is a growing school of 450 students, age 3 - 12th Grade, and 80 faculty and staff,
located in a mid-sized city halfway between the major metropolitan areas of St.
Louis and Kansas City. Columbia is home to the flagship University of Missouri, and
so offers all the amenities of a college town—and a populace that values education,
cultural opportunities, award-winning restaurants, and collegiate athletics. Outdoor
opportunities abound in the area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
? Participate as an active and engaged member of the school’s leadership team in support of the school’s mission
? Maintain a positive presence in school activities during day and evening activities
? Dynamically lead the upper school faculty and students
? Serve as the academic leader for the upper school through:
o Supervising, evaluating, and supporting the upper school classroom teachers
o Reviewing the upper school curriculum in conjunction with the upper school faculty to ensure a developmentally appropriate, engaging, and effective curriculum
o Provide support and coaching to upper school faculty through individual mentoring, faculty meetings, and professional development
? Coordinate robust and engaging upper school (US) retention and recruitment efforts
? Communicate with parents through regular weekly updates in the CIS Lion’s Letter
? Interview and hire classroom teachers as part of the hiring committee and in conjunction with the head of school
? Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the upper school (scheduling, counseling students, extra-curricular activities, socials, etc.)
? Oversee the upper school budget
? Lead the upper school student council
? Communicate with students on a weekly basis through the US News
? Communicate with faculty on a weekly basis through the MS/US Update (in conjunction with MS Director) 

Other Duties
? Examine and update the MS/US handbook on an annual basis
? Oversee and enforce all aspects of student disciplinary process: student, parent, discipline committee meetings as well as communication and documentation
? Attend bi-monthly department meetings
? Facilitate bi-monthly faculty meetings in conjunction with Middle School Director
? Coordinate Mission Day with the Middle School Director
? Analyze US testing data in conjunction with department chairs and implement necessary changes to the curriculum.
? Share student of concern list twice a month
? Work with learning support specialist to implement/teach student accommodation plans
? Plan and lead all division transition activities
? Review material related to, meet with, and participate in admissions meeting for all US applicants
? Oversee the various student award programs and ceremonies
? Develop the extensive summary reports on students progress on standardized testing to the school community as appropriate
? Serve as an administrator on-duty for school-wide functions in addition to upper school activities
? Participate in and lead professional development opportunities related to the functions of the position
? Attend critical meetings related to the wider school community (Parent Association meetings, development activities, athletic competitions, etc.)
? Work with faculty to design and facilitate annual Intersession Program 
? Work with faculty to plan annual grade-level trips
? Assess curricular offerings on a annual basis and design master schedule for MS/US students
? Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School

Qualifications
? Master’s degree preferred
? School leadership experience such as mentoring, departmental, or the equivalent preferred
? Highly skilled teacher with effective pedagogical and classroom management techniques
? Demonstrated passion for working with students of various ages and an understanding of the developmental needs of the adolescent age groups
? Commitment to the success of every student
? Proven collaborator and team member
? Innovative and optimistic thinker; able to adapt to rapidly shifting priorities and needs.
? Life-long learner with a growth mindset 

How to Apply
Interested candidates for the 2025-2026 academic year should submit the following to
resumes@cislions.org: Letter of Interest, Statement of Educational Philosophy, and
Resumé/CV.

About Columbia Independent School

Columbia Independent School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school of 378 students in junior kindergarten through grade twelve, located in mid-Missouri near the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Columbia College. Founded in 1998, CIS seeks to foster superior academic, artistic, athletic, and social growth for each of its students. Students come from a variety of socio-economic, religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds from Columbia and the surrounding area, as well as foreign countries. Columbia Independent School is a member of National Association of Independent Schools, ISACS, National Association for College Admission Counseling, The College Board, Educational Records Bureau, and National Honor Society. Columbia Independent School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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