Interim Head of Upper School (2026-27)

Athenian School • Danville, CA

5d • $165,000 - $215,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Athenian School seeks an Interim Head of Upper School for the 2026–2027 academic year to provide steady, experienced leadership during a period of transition. Reporting to the Head of School and serving on the School’s Leadership Team, the Interim Head of Upper School holds primary responsibility for all aspects of the Upper School program, including faculty oversight, academic systems, student life, and key institutional initiatives. This leader will work closely with a dedicated and talented faculty to strengthen program coherence, support student well-being, and maintain the smooth daily operation of the division. The Interim Head of Upper School serves as a stabilizing presence for students, families, and colleagues, ensuring continuity of culture, care, and high expectations. This role supervises several Upper School administrative leaders and partners collaboratively across divisions—working with Middle School leadership, Residential Life, Experiential Education, Learning Support, Enrollment, and Advancement—to promote alignment and sustain a positive, engaged community. The Interim Head will represent the Upper School at parent events, institutional gatherings, and Board meetings, may teach one class, and will engage directly with families when elevated issues arise. Above all, the Interim Head of Upper School upholds and champions Athenian’s mission, experiential learning model, and the Round Square Pillars.

Requirements

• Seasoned school leaders who bring warmth, steadiness, and sound judgment to a diverse and dynamic community
• Prepared to manage complex situations from day one – engaging in difficult conversations, navigating elevated concerns, and supporting students, faculty, and families with clarity and care
• Strong cultural competency skills, a visible, relational leadership style, and the ability to prioritize student well-being, engaged learning, belonging, and institutional excellence in every decision
• Demonstrate familiarity with Athenian’s mission, experiential educational philosophy, signature programs, and the rhythms of upper school life
• Capable of offering timely guidance, reassurance, and direction, modeling professionalism, and fostering trust across the community
• Experience supervising faculty, supporting academic programs, partnering across departments, and leading through transition is essential
• Collaborative spirit
• Exceptional communication skills
• A genuine joy in working with adolescents and the adults who support them

Responsibilities

• Faculty oversight
• Academic systems
• Student life
• Key institutional initiatives
• Strengthen program coherence
• Support student well-being
• Maintain the smooth daily operation of the division
• Serves as a stabilizing presence for students, families, and colleagues, ensuring continuity of culture, care, and high expectations
• Supervises several Upper School administrative leaders and partners collaboratively across divisions
• Represent the Upper School at parent events, institutional gatherings, and Board meetings
• May teach one class
• Engage directly with families when elevated issues arise
• Upholds and champions Athenian’s mission, experiential learning model, and the Round Square Pillars

Benefits

• Athenian provides excellent benefits and salaries are competitive and commensurate with work experience and education.
• Community members enjoy meals on campus and use of athletics facilities, including a pool, gym and fitness center.
• All employees are expected to attend all-school functions relevant to their role and to participate in supporting the student experience with other school duties as requested by their direct supervisor.
• All employees participate in school wide professional development, and have the opportunity to pursue a range of additional professional growth opportunities.
• Athenian provides needed training for CPR/AED certification.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed