Head of School Position Available 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

 

Position Title: Head of School

The Institution - Ann Arbor Academy:

Founded in 1997, Ann Arbor Academy exists to enable individuals with learning, attention, and language disorders to achieve success in school and beyond. As a school, we provide small classes and specialized staff to teach students the skills needed to learn independently, engage in self-advocacy, and develop social competence. As an outreach center, Ann Arbor Academy contributes to the understanding of learning difficulties through programs and services for families, educators, and other professionals.

Ann Arbor Academy’s unique core values include:

  • Maintaining a high quality staff who continually strive to make a difference in the lives of their students.

  • Providing specialized curriculum, personalized instruction, and a low student/teacher ratio so that each student’s needs in academic skills and learning strategies can be addressed.

  • Working in partnership with families and community professionals who share the goal of guiding each child in maximizing his or her potential.

  • Providing outreach to the community helping students, families, and educators develop an understanding about learning differences by providing educational opportunities and assessment services.

For more information regarding Ann Arbor Academy, please visit our website at www.annarboracademy.org.

Reporting Relationships:

The Head of School will report to the Board of Trustees. Reporting to the Head of School will be the Director of Finance/Business Manager, Director of Admissions, Director of Education, and Heads of the Upper, Middle and Lower School.

Summary of Responsibilities:

OVERALL

The Head of School is responsible for leading Ann Arbor Academy in the accomplishment of its unique mission, strategies and goals of excellence in education, program development, school expansion, community outreach, and recognized leadership in learning disabilities and other learning difficulties.

SPECIFIC

  • Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to effectively develop and implement Ann Arbor Academy’s mission, policies, strategies, and goals. Develop an annual work plan outlining the specific goals and objectives for the year.

  • Work with the Board Chair and Executive Committee to plan Board meetings to keep the entire Board informed of successes, failures, challenges, and opportunities relating to financial, educational, and operational matters.

  • Develop a fiscally sound annual budget, monitor revenue and expense, oversee appropriate financial recordkeeping, and keep the Board informed of significant budget variances and related financial matters.

  • Promote and participate in Development and lead fundraising activities, including the Capital Campaign, tuition scholarships and endowment funds.

  • Develop and direct the implementation of curriculum and teaching approaches that strengthen students academic skills, help them develop positive self-esteem, and encourage them to become healthy, productive, responsible citizens.

  • Develop and execute plans and goals to attract, engage, and retain highly qualified and productive faculty and staff. Through coaching and personal example, foster an environment of professional growth and development.

  • Develop and manage student recruitment, admission, disciplinary, and exit processes that are aligned with Ann Arbor Academy’s mission and goals.

  • In partnership with faculty, staff, students, and parents, build and foster a school climate of safety, respect, pride, and desire to achieve academic and personal excellence.

  • Effectively represent the school to all its constituents, including faculty, staff, parents, students, alumni, neighborhood, academic, and business community; and in its relations with educational and accrediting organizations.

  • Ensure safe and cost-effective use and maintenance of Ann Arbor Academy’s facilities, supplies, and equipment.

Qualifications:

  • Experience and success in school management, administration, and financial accountability

  • Ability to articulate a clear vision and to create and implement a strategic plan using a management style that empowers and fosters team dynamics and a positive school community environment

  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and writing skills

  • Ability to work effectively with parents, faculty, staff, students, Trustees, and outside constituencies

  • Significant experience in creating and implementing development programs and initiatives

  • An understanding of teaching approaches and curriculum appropriate for students with learning disabilities and difficulties, with emphasis on AD/ADHD and autism spectrum disorders

  • A track record of professional growth based on leadership, teaching, and support of faculty.

  • An advanced degree in special education, with an emphasis on learning, attention, and language disabilities, is desirable.

click to view the Recruitment Letter