Our community is seeking a dynamic Head of School to provide the overall vision and direction for the school. Preference will be given to applications received by May 9, 2025. The application will remain open until the position is filled.
Position Overview: The Head of School will provide strategic leadership to advance the school’s mission and vision by enacting and embodying participatory democracy through leadership of All School and Student Meetings; modeling the process of consensus building; and using community decision-making and diplomacy as pedagogical elements to help students understand democratic principles.
This individual will be responsible for overall school operations, including academic programming, student recruitment, financial management, fundraising, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in school administration, a passion for progressive education, and the ability to cultivate a collaborative and inclusive school culture.
Key Responsibilities:
Organizational Leadership:
- Uphold and communicate The New School’s mission and philosophy within and outside of the school
- Ensure that families, students, and faculty receive orientation and training to understand The New School’s philosophy and approach
- Develop and implement a strategic plan to increase student enrollment and ensure the school’s long-term financial sustainability
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees to uphold and advance the school’s mission and values
- Attend monthly All School Meetings and serve as a resource to committees
- Attend Board of Directors meetings and serve as a resource to the Board
Enrollment:
- Design and execute effective student recruitment and retention strategies, moving toward full capacity (38 students)
- Build relationships with prospective students and families, clearly articulating the value of The New School’s educational approach
- Administer financial aid
Financial Oversight:
- Develop and manage the school’s budget in alignment with strategic goals
- Identify and pursue diverse revenue streams, including fundraising, grants, and partnerships
- Oversee financial operations to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility
- Overall Budget Creation, Oversight, and Board of Trustees Reporting
- Finance & Bookkeeping Oversight
- Budget Management/Expense Approval
- Donor Stewardship
Community Engagement:
- Create and sustain an environment of mutual respect, high standards, safety, and support for learning
- Build relationships with families
- Foster strong relationships with local organizations, businesses, and the broader community to enhance the school’s presence and reputation
- Engage alumni and parents to build a supportive and active network
- Plan alumni gatherings
- Oversee After School Programs
Operational Management:
- Ensure compliance with all relevant educational regulations and accreditation standards
- Oversee daily school operations, including facilities management and staff supervision
- Maine Department of Education Regulatory, Compliance, and Education Law Requirements
- RSU-21 Earnings Per Share Funding
- Academic Calendar planning
- Capital Equipment Inventory/Management
- Data Services & Technology Oversight
- Facilities & Grounds Oversight
- Local and State Ordinance Tracking and Compliance
- Human Resources Oversight
- Marketing strategy
Educational Leadership
- Oversee/coach the core teaching staff, including community teachers
- Participating in teacher hiring, training, and orientation
- Planning professional development for and evaluation of teaching staff
- Guiding academic advising and curriculum development
- Support faculty in the development and delivery of a student-centered, experiential curriculum
- Determining academic staffing needs
- Coordinate Intensives
- Researching innovative educational models & programs for The New School collaboration
Qualifications:
- Proven experience in educational leadership, preferably in an independent or experiential/progressive school setting
- Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to holistic and democratic education
- Strong background in school operations, including budgeting, enrollment management, and fundraising
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans that lead to growth and sustainability
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Commitment to progressive education principles and the ability to foster a democratic, student-centered learning environment
- Preference to candidate with teacher certificate and/or principal certificate
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
- A cover letter expressing interest in the position and outlining qualifications
- A current resume
- A statement of educational philosophy
- Contact information for three professional references
- Download, complete and sign the Job Application on our website
The New School is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and students.