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Sacramento Country Day School, the leading independent school in Sacramento and throughout the region, seeks an experienced and enthusiastic educator to lead the Lower School. This is a full-time, 12-month position with benefits, beginning July 1, 2025. The annual salary range is $130,000 - $150,000, depending on education and experience.

Serving over 580 students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, the Lower School serves roughly 260 students in pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. The next Lower School Head inherits a supportive and successful program that is poised to embark on a new and exciting stage of growth and advancement. Lower School students are inspired and supported by twenty-eight faculty and staff members, who are all focused on the academic, emotional, and social growth of their students. Country Day’s mission inspires intellectual discovery and engages a diverse community to think critically, live creatively, and act compassionately.

Located in the capital of California, and roughly equidistant between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, Sacramento is often cited as one of the country’s most diverse and inclusive cities. Country Day proudly reflects our city; nearly 50% of our student body identify as people of color.

Country Day embraces the ideals of a liberal arts education. We encourage our students to develop the full range of their capabilities – intellectual, physical, creative, social, and moral, and we cultivate in them the habits and skills that will enable them to lead fulfilling lives. Our teachers are active in the school community, serving as advisors, trip chaperones, and coaches. The ideal candidate will add strength to a wide range of programs and embrace a diverse and powerful learning community.

Position Summary

The Lower School Head reports to the Head of School. The Lower School Head oversees all aspects of the division from vision to specific details and is responsible for providing support and guidance for our faculty, staff, and families.

The successful candidate will have Lower School teaching and administrative experience, preferably at an independent school or similar institution. Successful candidates will demonstrate outstanding communication skills, strong partnerships with parents and families, and they will approach their work with energy, humor, and a positive outlook. Interest in and/or experience with service learning and social-emotional wellness are a definite plus. This is a great opportunity for someone seeking a new leadership opportunity in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Responsibilities:

1. Maintain congruence between the school’s board-approved mission statement and all activities of the division.
2. Act as the educational leader of the school division, responsible for its day-to-day operation.
3. Work with other members of the School’s Administrative Group to develop, organize, and coordinate the Lower School’s programs, events, and activities.
4. Be a visible presence in all areas of the Lower School.
5. Foster communication among faculty, parents, and students of the Lower School.
6. Oversee student disciplinary issues.
7. Manage the Lower School budget.
8. Be responsible for recruitment, hiring, development, and professional growth of the Lower School faculty and staff.
9. Serve as liaison between the Parents’ Association and the Lower School.
10. Conduct regular Lower School faculty meetings, researching and suggesting items for the agenda.
11. Develop, review, and edit the Lower School Curriculum Guide and Handbook.
12. Serve as a member of the Administrative Team, Division Heads Team.
13. Assist in the admission process and evaluation of applicants for enrollment.
14. Prepare and/or oversee a master class schedule and assign teachers and students to classes and other obligations.

Sacramento Country Day School teachers are active in the school community, many serving as advisors, trip chaperones, and coaches. The ideal candidate will add strength to a wide range of programs and embrace a diverse and powerful learning community.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Sacramento Country Day School believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to sex, color, race, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal or state anti-discrimination laws. SCDS’s equal employment practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, promotion, training, discipline and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

Sacramento Country Day School is an inclusive community and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. To apply, please send a single .pdf file that includes a letter of interest, resume, and list of three (3) references to Lee Thomsen, Head of School, at resume@saccds.org.

Qualifications:

1. Successful candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred).
2. Five years of previous related experience.
3. A clear commitment to independent school education.
4. Strong communication skills both written and spoken.
5. Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational and managerial skills.
6. Foster a positive environment with students, along with a sense of humor.
7. Ability to be flexible and the desire to join a collaborative team.
8. Responsive Classroom Training a plus.
9. Strong commitment to diversity, equity, belonging and inclusion.

School requirements include: Background check, First Aid/CPR training (school sponsored), negative TB result.