Assistant Head of School | The Post Oak School | Houston, TX
Job Description:
Strategic Planning Implementation
In SY 2023-2024, the Board approved Post Oak’s latest institutional road map. That plan seeks to position Post Oak for programmatic and financial sustainability while also strengthening a host of cultural underpinnings that has made Post Oak a sought after option for families and professionals. The Assistant Head of School will be a key figure in coordinating, sequencing, communicating and troubleshooting initiatives and tactics related to the strategic plan.
Academic and Auxiliary Program Support
Post Oak enjoys an enviable position in Houston’s Montessori market with a reputation for excellence. In addition to its 60-year old, well-established lower school, a unique feature is the Montessori programming in the upper grades, an innovation that has served scores of middle and high school students as they have matriculated to top colleges and universities. To continue its excellence and further its growth, there are aspirations for improved integration of Student Support Services, ongoing and robust training for teachers, and iterative design work for the middle and upper grades.
Additionally the need for broader services for families continues to grow as does the desire for alternate revenue streams. The Assistant Head of School will serve as a conduit between the Business Office and the Auxiliary Programs Director in order to maximize revenue, grow programming in the Montessori ethos, and become a stronger part of the enrollment strategy.
Core Responsibilities:
The Assistant Head of School communicates and collaborates regularly with the Head of School to address school-wide issues for all levels. The Assistant Head of School assists the Head related to the delivery of programs and is a core member of the administrative leadership of the School.
Communicate and support the school’s vision, mission, and strategic plan to both internal and external audiences
Support Directors (Division and Auxiliary Programs) as they oversee program and curriculum
Serve as coach/trainer regarding individual program needs, teacher growth and development, as well as formal and informal “in-service”
Ensure a through-line of safety, health, and well-being of all students within the academic and extra-curricular programs.
Work to promote harmonious and constructive relationships among students, faculty, staff, and families
Create effective cross-divisional collaborations, including professional development, to advance equity across all aspects of the educational experience
Further integrate the Student Services team
Assess progress and identify strategies to further support students to reach their potential and thrive at Post Oak
Supervise student support services team
In collaboration with the HR Specialist and Directors
Foster and develop a sense of community and cooperation among the faculty, administration and staff
Ensure that the recruitment, interview and selection process is designed to ensure fulfillment of Post Oak strategic outcomes
Plan and implement new employee orientation and training in Montessori theory and practice
Work collaboratively on growth and renewal, to include goal setting, and professional development of the Directors
Run point on setting the annual calendar
Design the operational mechanics of administrative meetings and communication in regards to capacity and efficiency in the coordination between operational and programmatic needs
As necessary, provide programmatic decision making in the absence of the Head of School
Requirements:
Experiences:
While the search will be interested in reviewing candidates who hold a range of experiences and credentials, we believe that a profile that mirrors the following will align best with the needs of this position and Post Oak School.
Full understanding and experience with the academic, environment, community, and operational aspects of an independent Montessori school
Leadership experience in an academic department or Montessori school, working on program design, teacher development and student support
Exceptional interpersonal skills and exemplary results in leading, coaching or mentoring teachers or other adult learners
Deep experience/training in anti-bias/cultural competence or other relevant DEI training
An advanced degree and evidence of consistent and comprehensive professional development
Experience and knowledge of the developmental continuum from PreK through grade 12 Personal Qualities
A team player who celebrates the success of the collaborative group
A hard worker who is motivated by creative problem solving
A life-long learner who continues to develop skills and humbly accepts there is always room for growth
A leader grounded in values and relationship building
An organized thinker who can prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously
How to Apply:
Learn more about Post Oak here. Apply here. Please complete the application on our website and upload a current résumé and cover letter.
