Assistant Head of School

St Paul Academy And Summit School • St. Paul, MN

2d • $170,000 - $190,000 • Onsite

About The Position

St. Paul Academy and Summit School (SPA) is a coeducational, non-sectarian, college-preparatory day school serving more than 920 students in Prekindergarten through grade 12. Our three campuses are located approximately a mile apart in St. Paul, Minnesota. Our Goodrich Campus serves students in grades K-5, and our Randolph Campus serves students in grades 6-12. Our Prekindergarten is located on the campus of St. Catherine’s University and serves children beginning at age 4. The school draws students from St. Paul, Minneapolis, and throughout the eastern and western suburbs. Our mission — shaping the minds and the hearts of the people who will change the world —is a promise to our students and our families, and it pushes us to be thoughtful about everything we do. It inspires us to be our best and reminds us that we have the responsibility to respect the unique potential in every child. Our mission gives us purpose and represents our greatest aspirations and values. But most of all, it reflects our deep belief in the talents and capabilities of our students.

The Assistant Head of School (AHOS) is a high-level administrative position that requires a unique blend of educational leadership, institutional strategy, and strong people-management skills. For a large, multi-division school of approximately 950 students, the candidate must demonstrate readiness to serve as the Head of School's Chief of Staff, with a specialized focus on academic excellence and student well-being. This position at St. Paul Academy and Summit School (SPA) serves as the "force multiplier" for the Head of School. As the Chief of Staff, this position will enhance the effectiveness of the Head of School and the institution by coordinating strategy, managing cross-functional initiatives, strengthening internal communication, and supporting governance and organizational alignment. This role is ideal for a seasoned educational leader or administrator who combines sound judgment, operational excellence, and political acuity with a deep appreciation for independent school culture, mission, and values.

The Assistant Head of School works in close partnership with the Head of School to advance the school’s mission. They report directly to the Head of School, and support members of the Head’s Council and Academic Leadership teams who collectively implement the academic vision and uphold and shape the shared values of the student experience at SPA. When necessary, the Assistant Head of School will represent the Head of School at meetings or functions, and may have primary management responsibilities (along with other members of the Head’s Council) for the school during the Head’s absence.

In collaboration with the Head of School, this individual will oversee the corresponding professional development and instructional goals, and collaborate with administrative leaders to implement inclusive and equitable practices and programming aligned with the educational priorities of the school. Under the direction of the Head of School, the Assistant Head of School oversees special projects and annual initiatives that further the school’s progress toward educational and operational goals. As a PK-12 school administrator, the Assistant Head of School provides counsel and support to Division Principals, and supervises operational and programmatic practices for the Center for Learning and Teaching, Athletics, the Health Office, PK-12 Director of Academic Programs, and Summer and Auxiliary Programs.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree (minimum) in Educational Leadership, Administration, Curriculum Development, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of successful classroom teaching experience.
• Minimum 5–8 years of senior administrative experience.
• Proven experience working within the culture and governance structure of an independent, non-profit school environment.
• A proven track record of leading and managing change initiatives or large-scale, multi-year strategic projects (e.g., schedule redesign, curriculum review, accreditation)

Nice To Haves

• An Ed.D. or Ph.D. or JD preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the mission of the School in word and deed.
• Model and reinforce SPA’s mission, values and commitment to equity, inclusion and belonging.
• Creating and chairing committees as needed to evaluate and inform practices and policies, such as faculty evaluation guidelines, data privacy and academic records, and discipline response.
• Serving as the Head of School’s point person for creating an optimal faculty culture and teaching practices, developing opportunities for Faculty/Staff community engagement across all three divisions.
• Overseeing, in collaboration with the Principals, the vision, policies and opportunities for community engagement, including programs such as retreats, service learning, and community outreach.
• Guiding and supporting the Principals on philosophies and policies related to mental health or behavioral support and accommodations.
• Contributing meaningfully to efforts in enrollment management, advancement, finance, operations, and long-term planning with the Head of School and Board of Trustees.
• Maintaining a strong presence in all three divisions and building strong relationships with faculty, staff, and coaches within the school and assisting them to articulate and embody the School’s mission and to ensure a unified student experience.
• Lead high-stakes initiatives that fall outside the scope of a single department (e.g., campus master planning, school-wide accreditation processes (ISACS) or new sustainability initiatives.
• Review and triage requests for the Head of School’s time and attention.
• Ensure the Head is briefed and prepared for all external and internal meetings.
• Draft or edit high-level communications for the Head of School, including messages to parents, alumni and faculty.
• Ensure consistent, clear, and timely internal communication across the school community.

Benefits

• Benefits include a comprehensive health insurance plan through HealthPartners, Nice healthcare (a free virtual and in-person health plan), dental insurance, vision insurance, life and disability insurance, generous paid time off, and free lunch during the school year.
• The retirement plan is through TIAA and has a generous matching contribution.
• The School offers a robust program of professional development, career growth, and leadership opportunities.
• Tuition remission is also available for children of employees as well as complimentary before and after-school care.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive