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Summary

Fessenden’s Head of Upper School serves as a Senior Team administrator and reports to the Head of School and Assistant Head of School. The Head of Upper School oversees the students, faculty, and programs for grades seven through nine; a purposeful, joyful, and inclusive division of the School. The overarching goals of this position are to: carry out the mission of the school; work with students and parents as they experience the Upper School; support faculty in their various roles with students; and lead and implement the Upper School program. The Head of Upper School must display a passion for middle school education and foster a love for learning, a commitment to character development, and a celebration of boys and boys’ education amongst students, staff, and parents.

Student Responsibilities

• Set and uphold standards and expectations for Upper School students

• Lead efforts to support students as they meet academic, personal, and social challenges, including student academic placement

• Use division meetings and other student and faculty gatherings to ensure that the core values of honesty, compassion, and respect are exhibited on a daily basis within the Upper School

• Work with the division’s Dean of Students to shape and respond to student conduct

Administrative Responsibilities

• Embody and lead the School’s mission to cultivate each boy’s talents and develop in balance his character, mind, and body in an inclusive and joyful community

• Serve as a member of the School’s Senior Administrative Team, Administrative Council, and PK-9 leadership groups

• Meet regularly with administrators, the division’s Dean of Students and Administrative Assistant, grade-level administrators, and program leaders to coordinate full Upper School program

• Manage the Upper School budget and approve expenditures

• Coordinate with Upper School teachers including specialists in arts, athletics, the Ciongoli Center for Innovation, and the Wheeler Library to develop and implement the program

• Foster partnerships with families and faculty in support of the students and program

• Coordinate with school psychologist, counselor, and Director of Learning Resources on student referrals, and manage action steps to support students and families

• Collaborate with the Director of Residential life to ensure a positive Upper School experience for boarding students

• Assist with Upper School scheduling

Faculty and Staff Responsibilities

• Observe, supervise, and evaluate faculty and staff through Folio, the School’s professional evaluation and growth platform, and in additional ways

• Work with Assistant Head of School to hire and retain a diverse faculty and to support and develop all Upper School faculty members

• Plan and facilitate Upper School faculty meetings

• Meet regularly with individual faculty, mentor new faculty, and build open and supportive lines of communication with all Upper School faculty

Curriculum Responsibilities

• Collaborate with PK-9 team, the Director of Teaching and Learning, Department Chairs and Directors, and the Director of Equity and Inclusion to assure a comprehensive, cohesive, multicultural Upper School curriculum

• Oversee with fellow administrators the implementation of the Upper School curriculum

Professional Development Responsibilities

• Model for colleagues Fessenden’s professional development best practices

• Design and implement cultural competency education programs for Upper School faculty

• Collaborate with the Assistant Head of School, the Director of Equity and Inclusion, and the Director of Teaching and Learning around professional development for Upper School faculty

Admissions Responsibilities

• Attend all Upper School admissions events

• Welcome new Upper School families and oversee their transitions to the School

Additional Responsibilities

• Oversee activities for all on- and off-campus Upper School-sponsored student events

• Coordinate with parent coordinators on Upper School service learning opportunities

• Promote communication among Upper School parents, and specifically with representatives of the Parents Association

• Actively engage with students and faculty in classrooms and other program spaces

Preferred Qualities and Qualifications

• Five years or more of school experience

• Effective School administrative leadership

• Warmth, enthusiasm, and a passion for education

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and multicultural education

• Open, collaborative, and supportive work style

• Integrity, strong work ethic, and demonstrated leadership ability

• Discretion and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters discreetly

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred

• Commitment to boys and boys’ education

• Successful criminal background check

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Steve Armstrong, Head of School, at sarmstrong@fessenden.org (no phone calls, please) by January 30, 2023.