Head of School

The Spring Hill School seeks a community-oriented champion to advance its mission of educating global citizens through an inquiry-based, STEM-focused, student-centered education. With small class sizes and a commitment to innovation and inclusion, the school fosters a nurturing environment where students thrive academically and socially. The Spring Hill School (TSHS) is recruiting a new Head of School who understands and honors the founding mission and vision of TSHS and who is energized by the opportunity to bring the school into its next chapter of growth, evolution, and maturity.

Learn more about our school at The Spring Hill School's website.

Full Head of School Position Description

AN INVITATION TO LEADERSHIP

The challenges and opportunities ahead will build upon the strengths of TSHS and serve to direct the time and attention of its next leader.

Our new Head of School will be called to embrace the following challenges and opportunities:

• Recruiting and retaining talented faculty and ensuring competitive salaries and benefits.
• Being a practical champion for faculty and staff, as well as a trusted resource and insightful guide for our entire community, modeling integrity, joy, and skill.
• Leading operations and infrastructure; the school is working on steadily improving internal systems to remain effective and current. Our new leader will bring administrative and organizational savvy by identifying patterns, spotting administrative or operational gaps, and leading others toward solutions. We are also beginning the process of WASC accreditation.
• Being at ease with fundraising and finance, including effective relational skills, and a proven track record in practical, administrative fiscal management. This person will be a resource to the Board of Trustees, and able to skillfully oversee financial record systems by partnering with teams and key constituencies to advance the school's future.
• Building the brand, raising the profile, and upholding reputation. The demand for early childhood education is strong in our region, and after nearly 50 years, our toddler and primary program reputation is solid, with enrollment numbers to match. However, identifying a clear market position for our elementary and middle school in particular, and building our brand reputation and recruitment for the elementary and middle school is a need. Our next Head of School will strengthen Spring Hill’s brand and help to implement a mission-driven marketing strategy highlighting our school's distinctive qualities across all programs to increase enrollment.
• Overseeing the vision and operation of site changes. Currently, our school is situated on three beautiful campuses, each separated by about a 5-10 minute drive. Our K-2 classes meet inside a charming, historic schoolhouse, but the site is no longer able to accommodate current needs. We hope to move K-8 to one campus and retain our longtime early childhood site. Overseeing the shift from 3 campuses to 2 campuses is a strategic goal with significant challenges and opportunities. The long-term hope is to have all three divisions on one campus.
• Strategic planning. The new Head of School will partner with all stakeholders to develop and implement a new strategic plan. This is likely to include partnering with the Director of Advancement and Development to assess readiness for a capital campaign and planning for an endowment, as well as collaborating with our entire community of families, faculty, staff, and alumni to chart the course for our future.
• Relationship trust and community building. The new Head of School will skillfully work towards addressing and healing any issues of mistrust or miscommunication that may be present from prior years and exist between community members, be they parents, staff, or faculty. The new Head of School will be a skillful, compassionate listener and an excellent, clear communicator who sets the bar for integrity and commitment to a respectful, joyful community.

QUALITIES & CHARACTERISTICS OF AN IDEAL CANDIDATE

In order to accomplish the tasks ahead, the next Head of School at The Spring Hill School will demonstrate the following attributes:

Personal Characteristics of Honesty and Integrity
A leader who exemplifies trustworthiness, transparency, and accountability, creating a foundation of respect and credibility.

Head of School or Senior Leadership Experience
Demonstrated success in a Head of School role or school administrative position, with a proven ability to lead effectively in both strategic and operational capacities.

Deep Experience in Leading K-8 and/or Preschool
Expertise in navigating the developmental and educational needs of early childhood through middle school students and programs. Extensive academic leadership experience, including years of teaching and managing educational programs and initiatives.

Experienced Team and Community Builder
Strong interpersonal skills to unite faculty, staff, students, and families, fostering collaboration and a sense of belonging. A natural ability to inspire confidence through deep listening, engaging, leading, and unifying. A relational and passionate leader who connects personally with students, families, and faculty while fostering a culture of care, understanding, and support.

Innovative Leader with Cultural Competence
A forward-thinking individual capable of inspiring and implementing initiatives that advance the school’s mission. A high level of professional and personal commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Strong Administrative and Operational Leadership
Proficiency in managing school operations, including budgeting, staffing, and day-to-day logistics, ensuring stability and efficiency.

Excellent and Dynamic Communicator
The ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with all members of the school community, building trust and engagement.

Experience in Budgeting, Fundraising, and Financial Management
A strong understanding of financial sustainability and the ability to strategically and responsibly manage resources to support long-term goals. A successful track record with enrollment management, including recruitment and retention. Experience in fundraising for an educational nonprofit.

A Change Agent with Experience in Transformation
A leader skilled in navigating and driving meaningful change. Successful at balancing innovation with respect for the school’s existing strengths.

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