Head of Upper School - Richmond - The Covenant School

Description

Job Title: Head of Upper School

Reports To: Headmaster

FLSA Status: Exempt

Division: Upper School, First-Sixth Forms (7th – 12th grades)

Position Summary

The Head of Upper School serves as the chief academic, administrative, and spiritual leader of the Upper School, stewarding an educational program that is faithfully classical, unwaveringly Christian, and aligned with the mission and standards of the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS). The Head of Upper School is responsible for cultivating a rigorous liberal arts education that forms students intellectually, morally, and spiritually, preparing them for faithful service in Christ's kingdom.

Mission Alignment

• The school's statement of faith and mission
• The classical Christian model of education as articulated by ACCS
• The integration of faith, reason, and inquiry through the liberal arts
• The cultivation of wisdom, eloquence, and virtue in students

Primary Responsibilities

Academic and Classical Leadership

• Oversee the Upper School curriculum to ensure alignment with ACCS standards and classical Christian pedagogy through the Trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric).
• Ensure the liberal arts (theology, literature, history, mathematics, science, logic, rhetoric, and classical languages) are taught as coherent and integrated disciplines.
• Supervise and evaluate classroom instruction, emphasizing:
  • Tutorial instruction
  • Rich discussion and Socratic dialogue
  • Artful writing and oration
  • Formation of intellectual virtues
• Lead ongoing faculty development in classical methodology, curriculum design, and Christian worldview integration.
• Monitor academic rigor, grading practices, and graduation requirements consistent with ACCS expectations.

Faculty Leadership and Supervision

• Recruit, hire, onboard, mentor, and evaluate Upper School faculty who are both academically capable and spiritually mature.
• Ensure faculty understand and faithfully implement the school's classical Christian philosophy.
• Foster a faculty culture marked by collegiality, professionalism, accountability, and shared mission.
• Address performance, instructional, or conduct concerns with clarity, charity, and firmness.
• Lead faculty meetings, academic planning, and collaborative curricular alignment.

Scholar Formation and Discipline

• Oversee the lives and discipline of young scholars, with an emphasis on discipleship, intellectual exploration, and character formation.
• Ensure discipline policies are consistently applied and grounded in biblical principles.
• Support the formation of scholars through structures such as the prefect board, the house system, daily chapel, rhetorical opportunities, and leadership challenges.
• Promote habits of virtue, responsibility, humility, and respect among scholars.
• Collaborate with tutors and other staff to support student growth academically, socially, and spiritually.

Parent Partnership and Communication

• Partner with parents as the primary educators of their children, supporting them through clear communication and shared expectations.
• Address parent concerns regarding academics, discipline, or student life with pastoral professionalism.
• Represent the Upper School at admissions events, orientations, and school-wide gatherings.
• Communicate Upper School policies, philosophy, and initiatives clearly and consistently.

Administration and Operations

• Oversee daily operations of the Upper School, including master scheduling, academic calendars, and faculty assignments.
• Ensure accurate records related to grades, transcripts, standardized testing, promotion, and graduation.
• Support and participate in ACCS accreditation or reaccreditation processes, including documentation, self‑studies, and site visits.
• Collaborate with college counseling to ensure students are well prepared academically and rhetorically for post‑secondary pursuits.
• Participate in strategic planning and institutional leadership alongside the Headmaster.

Spiritual Leadership

• Model Christlike character, servant leadership, and doctrinal faithfulness.
• Shepherd faculty and scholars spiritually through prayer, counsel, and example.
• Ensure that faith and learning are integrated throughout the Upper School program rather than treated as separate domains.
• Guard the theological and philosophical integrity of the Upper School in accordance with the school's ethos and ACCS standards.

Qualifications

Required

• Clear profession of faith in Jesus Christ and active membership in a local church.
• Full agreement with the school's statement of faith and commitment to classical Christian education.
• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree strongly preferred.
• Middle school or high school teaching experience, preferably in a classical Christian or ACCS‑affiliated school.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in education (e.g., department chair, dean, assistant director, or administrator).

Preferred

• Advanced or terminal degree.
• Formal training or significant experience in classical pedagogy.
• Experience with faculty supervision and instructional coaching.
• Familiarity with ACCS accreditation standards and processes.

Skills and Competencies

• Deep understanding of classical Christian education philosophy and practice.
• Strong instructional leadership and faculty development skills.
• Ability to lead with conviction, clarity, and pastoral wisdom.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Organizational strength and attention to institutional excellence.
• Capacity to uphold high standards with grace and consistency.

Work Expectations

• Full‑time administrative position with regular presence on campus.
• Evening or weekend responsibilities for school events, parent meetings, and community functions as needed.

Salary

• Hiring Range: $60,000 to $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and three references to Vanessa Peete, Dean of Administration, at .