Assistant Head of School

The Assistant Head of School (12-month, full-time) is a key member of Menlo’s senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Head of School and serving as a trusted partner in ensuring the seamless, effective operation of the institution while advancing an ambitious, values-aligned vision for an education that is relevant, inclusive, and transformational for every student we serve—now and in the years ahead. Creative, thoughtful, and motivated, the Assistant Head helps shepherd and support many of the programs and initiatives at the heart of Menlo’s current strategic priorities: bolstering student well-being, belonging, and school culture; charting new directions in the arts and athletics; advancing educational relevance in an age of AI; and extending Menlo’s broader institutional impact. Leading with joy, empathy, and humility, the Assistant Head centers relationships and collaborates closely with administrators, faculty, trustees, and families across both divisions of the School to guide initiatives that enhance student learning and connection, strengthen programmatic and professional growth, and sustain the vitality of our community. In doing so, they help ensure Menlo remains forward-looking and delivers an exceptional educational experience that prepares resilient, kind students to thrive and contribute meaningfully in an ever-changing world.

KEY SKILLS

• Creative strategic thinker adept at translating vision into action.
• Outstanding record of principled, high-impact leadership.
• Exceptional relationship-builder who cultivates trust, collaboration, and strong partnerships across the community.
• Superior manager, coach, mentor, and talent evaluator.
• Strong emotional intelligence and ability to build trust and engender respect.
• Skilled at navigating complex interpersonal dynamics with empathy, kindness, and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to delegate work effectively, ensure accountability, and achieve results through the efforts of others.
• Proven project management and strategic planning skills.
• Engaged and motivated leader with a collaborative mindset and a proven ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents.
• Exceptional organization, resourcefulness, and initiative in advancing priorities and solving problems.
• Ability to lead effectively and compassionately through ambiguity and change.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Skilled in creative marketing, promotion, and stakeholder communication.
• Sound financial planning and budget management abilities.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required. An advanced degree in education is preferred.
• At least 5 years of demonstrated leadership and administration experience in an independent or college-preparatory school.
• Deep understanding of how academics, student life, and operations intersect to shape an exceptional experience across a multi-division independent school.
• Broad knowledge of emerging innovations in curriculum, pedagogy, and student life, and the ability to translate them into meaningful learning and belonging.
• Demonstrated experience managing senior leaders.
• Demonstrated experience both leading and contributing as a member of a successful collaborative team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Assume a lead role in shepherding and supporting many of the programs and initiatives at the heart of the School’s current strategic priorities: bolstering student well-being, belonging, and school culture; charting new directions for our arts and athletics programs; advancing educational relevance in an age of AI; and extending our institutional impact.
• Provide strategic guidance, mentorship, support, and accountability to program leaders responsible for each initiative.
• Oversee communication about these initiatives, ensuring transparency about progress and outcomes.
• Serve as a highly visible and engaged leader who promotes and articulates the School’s mission and vision within the School and broader community.

Administrative Leadership

• Supervise and support senior leaders as assigned, providing mentorship, evaluation, and leadership development.
• Spearhead major institutional processes, including accreditation (WASC), schoolwide surveys, and other data gathering and analysis.
• Keep the Head of School informed about significant operational matters.
• Lead various committees, initiatives, and/or ad hoc task forces as required to meet institutional objectives.

Operational and Organizational Oversight

• Steward and strengthen the School’s long-term success through collaboration with the development team on fundraising, donor relations, and capital campaigns.
• Partner with the Director of Human Resources in the hiring of senior administrative positions.
• Ensure thoughtful fiscal management and efficient daily operations that support Menlo’s strategic goals.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Head of School.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Sincere commitment to Menlo’s mission and values.
• Genuine love of working with kids and schools.
• Calm, empathetic, and thoughtful under pressure.
• A sense of humor and humility.
• Effective, relationship-oriented collaborator and active listener.
• High integrity, discretion, ethical standards, and sound judgement.

COMPENSATION

In the spirit of pay transparency, we share the base salary range for this position for the 2026-2027 academic year. The full pay range, which encompasses all experience levels, is $240,000- $280,000 per year. Within this broad range, we pay in accordance with what could be reasonably expected based on an individual’s experience level. Base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, retirement plan employer contributions, or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at Menlo are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role, but are not guaranteed. If hired at Menlo School, your final base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status, and number of months of work per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the generous range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical for Menlo School in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

Menlo School is assisted in this process by Spencer Stuart, and it welcomes comments, nominations, or expressions of interest. To express interest or nominate a potential candidate for the position, please email: MenloAHOS@spencerstuart.com.

MENLO SCHOOL EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT POLICY

Menlo School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. We administer all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status, or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.