Head of the Middle School - Pittsburgh - The Ellis School

Description

Head of the Middle School
School Overview
The Ellis School is Pittsburgh's leading private school for girls in grades PK to 12. Ellis provides an unmatched, girl-centered, interdisciplinary education located in the heart of Pittsburgh's East End, just a short walk from Google and major universities. An academically rigorous, urban, college-preparatory school, Ellis serves a diverse student population from a broad range of socio-economic circumstances. At The Ellis School, girls take risks, work collaboratively, ask questions, and pursue their dreams.
This is an exciting time in the School's 110-year history. The Upper School has announced the introduction of an exciting new program known as The Academies at The Ellis School, offering specialization for girls in the Arts, Humanities, and STEM that culminates in the Senior year with a significant project in the Academy of their choice. There is an Ellis 110 Campaign, the purpose of which is to fund the creation of vibrant spaces throughout where girls can learn, play, lead, and belong.
Mission Statement
The Ellis School educates girls and young women to become bold, authentic, and intellectually vibrant changemakers.
Vision
The Ellis School is a leader in developing girls and young women who tussle creatively and boldly with real-world problems and who are ready, excited, and committed to making a positive change in the world. We focus the School's programming on prioritizing our girls' growth around four key pillars: Changemakers, Positive Community Leaders, Secure & Confident, and Vibrant Intellectuals.
Position Overview
The Head of Middle School is the educational and administrative leader for The Ellis Middle School (grades 5-8), responsible for the overall student experience, faculty supervision, program development, and day-to-day operations of the division.
This leader will advance The Ellis School's mission as an all-girls PK-12 institution in Pittsburgh, fostering a learning environment that promotes intellectual curiosity, leadership, wellness, and a strong sense of belonging during the critical middle school years.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Vision

• Articulate and implement a clear, developmentally appropriate vision for the Middle School (grades 5-8) that aligns with The Ellis School's mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Champion the benefits of an all-girls education and the social-emotional needs of adolescent girls in the Ellis community.
• Serve as a visible, accessible presence in the life of the Middle School, building strong relationships with students, families, and faculty.

Academic Program & Curriculum

• Oversee the Middle School academic program for grades 5-8, ensuring high standards, alignment with The Ellis School's PK-12 scope and sequence, and coherence across disciplines.
• Collaborate with department chairs, and other division heads to design, evaluate, and refine curriculum, assessment practices, and learning support structures.
• Support innovative, research-based instructional practices that foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and global competence.

Faculty Recruitment, Support & Evaluation

• Recruit, hire, and retain a diverse, mission-aligned, and highly effective Middle School (grades 5-8) faculty and staff for The Ellis School.
• Observe, mentor, and evaluate teachers, providing constructive feedback, professional development opportunities, and support for growth.
• Facilitate regular faculty meetings and encourage a culture of collaboration, reflection, and continuous improvement.

Student Life & Well-Being

• Promote a safe, inclusive, and joyful environment where each Ellis student in grades 5-8 is known, valued, and challenged.
• Partner with counselors, learning specialists, deans, and other student support personnel to address academic, social, and emotional needs.
• Oversee student life programs, including advisory, clubs, leadership opportunities, service learning, and other co-curricular activities that enrich the Middle School experience at Ellis.
• Develop and oversee age-appropriate expectations for behavior, character, and community engagement; communicate and uphold community standards consistently and compassionately.

Family & Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Middle School (grades 5-8) families, fostering open, timely, and transparent communication.
• Partner with parents/guardians in support of students' academic progress, social-emotional growth, and overall well-being.
• Lead or participate in Middle School events such as orientation, information sessions, curriculum nights, and community gatherings at The Ellis School.

Administration & Operations

• Oversee daily operations of the Middle School (grades 5-8), including schedule, calendar, routines, and logistical needs.
• Collaborate with the Head of School and senior leadership team on budgeting, staffing, enrollment management, and strategic initiatives related to the Middle School at Ellis.
• Contribute to school-wide committees and initiatives that support PK-12 alignment and long-term school improvement.
• Ensure compliance with The Ellis School's policies and relevant local, state, and accreditation standards.

Qualifications
Education & Experience

• Master's degree preferred
• Significant experience (typically 7+ years) in teaching and/or educational leadership, with meaningful experience in middle school (grades 5-8 preferred).
• Prior independent school and/or all-girls school experience strongly preferred; experience in a mission-driven environment like The Ellis School is a plus.
• Demonstrated success in faculty supervision, program administration, and collaborative leadership.

Skills & Dispositions

• Deep understanding of early adolescent development and the unique opportunities and challenges of middle school girls, especially in grades 5-8.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging, with experience supporting a diverse student and adult community.
• Strong communication and listening skills, with the ability to build trust and partnership with students, families, and colleagues.
• Strategic, solutions-oriented mindset, with strong organizational skills and attention to follow-through.
• Warm, approachable presence combined with clarity, consistency, and sound judgment in decision-making.

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• Cover letter expressing interest in the position and alignment with The Ellis School's mission.
• Current résumé/CV.