Director of Upper School (2026-2027)

Job Summary

Lake Highland Preparatory School seeks a Director of Upper School to begin July 1 2026.

The next Director of Upper School at Lake Highland will lead a thriving and mission-driven division that is both academically ambitious and deeply student-centered. The Director will work in partnership with a talented faculty and strong administrative team to advance a compelling vision for teaching and learning student well-being and community life. Reporting to (along with other division directors) the Associate Head of School s/he will work closely with the President the K12 Leadership Team and other division directors to ensure alignment of curriculum policies and practices across the school support institutional priorities and help shape a unified vision and culture for the future of Lake Highland.

Key priorities for the role include:

• Advance Academic Excellence and Innovation. Lead a future-focused Upper School program that challenges and supports students at every level. Ensure rigorous and relevant curricular offerings promote interdisciplinary learning and support instructional practices that enhance engagement creativity and student agency.
• Foster a Cohesive Student-Centered Culture. Champion a culture where students feel known supported and empowered. Collaborate with faculty and the Upper School leadership team to foster a cohesive student-centered culture. Champion a learning environment where students feel known supported and empowered ensuring an integrated approach to wellness character development leadership and co-curricular engagement.
• Support and Develop a High-Performing Faculty. Recruit mentor and evaluate an outstanding team of educators. Create a culture of professional growth through effective systems of coaching feedback and accountability. Empower department chairs and associate directors to lead with purpose and clarity.
• Strengthen Operations and Organizational Effectiveness. Ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of the Upper School including scheduling communication faculty assignments safety planning and budget oversight. Use data and collaboration to make informed decisions and lead change when needed.
• Fulfillment of the current Strategic Plan. Facilitate the formation of Upper School administration faculty and students in partnership to help the school realize most fully its ambitious strategic plan.
• Build Strong Partnerships with Families and the Wider Community. Serve as a visible approachable and trusted leader for students faculty and families. Communicate proactively and clearly and build trust through transparency and accessibility. Collaborate with admissions advancement and parent groups to promote school spirit and shared purpose.
• Lead with Presence Joy and Authentic Engagement. Be a visible approachable and enthusiastic presence in the daily life of the school. Build genuine relationships with students faculty and families by actively participating in the rhythms and traditions of the Upper School. Model a spirit of curiosity collaboration and shared purposeand inspire a culture where people are excited to come to work and to learn together each day.

Education/Experience

The most competitive candidates for LHP will offer most or all of the following qualifications and qualities:

Educational and Professional Background

• Bachelors degree plus 10 years of relevant experience or advanced degree plus 7 years of relevant experience
• A strong academic background with significant experience as a classroom teacher
• Proven leadership experience in an Upper School especially in a K12 independent school setting with previous divisional leadership strongly preferred
• Familiarity with independent school culture and a track record of successful partnership with faculty parents and administrators
• Demonstrated skill in strategic planning program development and change management
• A pedagogically grounded and forward-thinking mindset capable of nurturing innovation while honoring tradition

Leadership Qualities

• A servant leader who leads by examplevisible approachable and hands-on.
• A decisive and courageous leader with the confidence to make tough calls the humility to listen and the judgment to know when to do each
• Visionary in thinking yet grounded in day-to-day realities; able to flow between strategic priorities and operational execution
• A champion of both students and faculty while advocating for their growth and well-being
• A collaborative team player with high emotional intelligence empathy and a growth mindset placing ego aside in service of a unified school vision
• Willing to challenge and elevate a talented administrative team and faculty through honest dialogue mutual respect and a shared commitment to continuous improvement
• An educational leader who believes in transparency and process and who also values respectful disagreement and fosters an environment of psychological safety and high trust

Personal Attributes

• Student-oriented and deeply relational; someone who finds joy in the lives and growth of young people and sets a positive tone for a vibrant Upper School culture
• Calm grounded and consistent in demeanor setting a steady tone in both celebration and challenge
• Comfortable and confident in public presence and communication representing the Upper School and school-wide vision with clarity and purpose
• A unifying force across divisions helping bridge Lower Middle and Upper Schools in the pursuit of one cohesive school culture
• Brings a broad perspective and vision that offers fresh ideas national context and innovative thinking that honors the schools mission while expanding its horizons
• Deeply committed to inclusion unity and community; able to foster cohesion within the division and across the school
• An authentic trusted and respected leader with both substance and presence

To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact the consultants in confidence. Candidates will ultimately need to submit the following materials as separate PDF documents:

• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;
• A current and comprehensive résumé of no more than four pages showing all positions and dates as well as responsibilities and accomplishments
• A list of five professional references with name relationship phone number and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidates permission) to:
  • Ben Bolté Senior Consultant Practice Leader:
  • Amy Rogers Consultant:

*Please note:this search is being facilitated by Carney Sandoe & Associates. Interested individuals must apply with Carney Sandoe for consideration. Those who apply only through the LHP Career Center will not be considered for the role.