Middle School Division Head

The Harker School is interested in candidates who can support articulate and promote a mission-driven inclusive and equitable student-centered model of education. Along with excellent organizational and leadership skills ideal candidates will have backgrounds that demonstrate most if not all of the following:

• Ability to uphold the schools mission and philosophy in all aspects of student life
• Ability to synthesize and articulate the schools student life and disciplinary vision and to inspire and motivate others towards further strengthening the upper school student experience
• A warm approachable and visible presence on campus that invites and respects the views of others yet is decisive when needed
• Highly organized persistent and able to motivate others to achieve
• Deep understanding of school operations mission and philosophy
• Excellent communication interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities
• Proficiency with internal school systems and technology
• Ability to make effective timely program decisions in response to daily challenges
• Discretion in handling confidential information
• Positive adaptable and collaborative approach to problem-solving
• An advanced degree is preferred

Below you will find specific details related to this position. As with any leadership role at Harker it is our expectation that the individual entrusted with these responsibilities approaches them with a deep commitment to excellence and a strong sense of ownership. The list of responsibilities outlined below represents the tasks associated with the role but not the mindset we hope you bring to each endeavor. True leadership at Harker is rooted in service a willingness to invest the necessary time and a dedication to guiding others. These qualities are not only central to this position but to every leadership role at Harker.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Alignment

• Coordinates oversight of the middle school with the assistant middle school division head
• Ensures the divisions efforts align with the mission of the school and with the other divisions at Harker
• Is an active presence in the middle school community
• Attends administration meetings and participates in campus safety tours with the head of school and facilities head
• Prepares and manages the annual budget associated with the middle school division

Faculty Oversight & Professional Growth

• Observes evaluates and monitors teacher performance and completion of responsibilities
• Facilitates and supports professional growth among faculty
• Coordinates with the assistant head of school in hiring teachers works with academic affairs office on candidate visits and assists with substitute-teacher hiring
• Trains new faculty on all aspects of middle school including onboarding mid-year hires
• Coordinates teacher scheduling with academic affairs office department chairs and scheduler
• Approves teacher attendance in the HR database; checks teacher classrooms at the beginning and end of the year
• Organizes and leads faculty meetings ensuring they are engaging and inclusive of faculty voices
• Assists in the revision of the grade 6-8 student and faculty handbooks

Student Experience & Support

• Monitors and optimizes all areas of the student experience
• Ensures teachers communicate concerns about students and works with counselors to set up teacher or grade-level meetings as needed
• Handles parent student and faculty concerns
• Meets regularly with and manages division counselors and the assistant middle school division head
• In coordination with the assistant middle school division head follows up on disciplinary issues to maintain high standards of behavior and interaction
• Approves in coordination with department chairs in-grade level placement moves
• Oversees writing and mailing of high school applications and recommendations; assures students meet re-enrollment criteria
• Analyzes standardized test results and meets with parents regarding results
• Coordinates parent/student/teacher conferences with the division and TK-12 schedule

Curriculum & Academic Oversight

• Works closely with the Academic Council to ensure a high-quality school experience
• Schedules regular Academic Council meetings with department chairs and campus leaders
• In coordination with department chairs ensures the quality and timeliness of student assignment postings on the portal
• Prepares semester exam schedules and other special schedules (e.g. ERB weeks field trip alternatives)
• Finds in-house period coverage for teachers as needed

Events & Programs

• Oversees major middle school events including orientation back-to-school night and promotion
• Oversees grade-level trips: grade 6 coastal exploration grade 7 national parks and grade 8 Washington D.C.
• Oversees completion of substitute folders
• Oversees uniform guidelines and dress code including free dress days

Parent & Community Relations

• Handles communication of community information to parents and students
• Meets regularly with the LID director and community managers to plan and review community initiatives
• Works closely with advancement the parent volunteer coordinator admissions grade-level parent coordinators and the Office of Communication to ensure a high-quality school experience
• Serves on the admissions committee and works with the admission director on new student testing and placement

Mission

Our mission is to educate students for success at college and beyond and to foster kindness respect and integrity within a safe and nurturing environment. We achieve academic excellence through the development of intellectual curiosity personal accountability and love of learning. Our comprehensive program and exceptional faculty and staff help students discover develop and enjoy their unique talents. We honor individuality embrace diversity and promote leadership and service preparing students to take their place as global citizens.