Head of School

Saratoga Independent School seeks an inspiring educational leader to lead our close-knit, mission-driven community starting July 1, 2026.  

Position Summary:
The Head of School serves as the chief executive, providing visionary and strategic leadership; overseeing day-to-day operations; and partnering with the Board of Trustees to advance Saratoga Independent School’s mission. The Head leads the development of the school’s vision and long-range plans, establishes and implements annual goals and objectives, and fosters a culture that prioritizes a positive student experience, strong academic outcomes, and collaboration. Central to this work is a commitment to developing curious, confident learners; nurturing inclusive, respectful community members; and guiding students to become purposeful, well-rounded individuals.

The Head of School supports and develops faculty and staff, promotes professional excellence, and ensures alignment across academic programs and student life. Serving as the school’s chief ambassador, the Head builds strong relationships with families, alumni, and the broader community while providing thoughtful stewardship to ensure the school’s sustainability and continued growth.

The position will report to the Board of Trustees and will manage six direct reports. 

Position Responsibilities:

Vision and Leadership

• Develop and implement the school’s short-term and long-term strategic goals, ensuring alignment with the school’s commitment to its core values. 
• Champion the school’s mission by cultivating a culture of curiosity, confidence, inclusion, and respect, and by leading the development of students’ intellect, character, and well-being to support purposeful, healthy lives.
• Cultivate a vibrant, inclusive learning community by engaging faculty, staff, and parents to retain current families and welcome new ones, fostering a balanced and diverse enrollment.
• Partner closely with the Board of Trustees with a focus on strategic planning, advise the Board on policy, and implement Board-approved policies, and ensure the long-term institutional health of the School. 
• Lead and develop a strong administrative team by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and supporting professional growth and career development.

Operations

• Partner with the Director of Finance to develop and implement an annual operating budget based on tuition revenue and investments, while maintaining compliance with all state and federal laws.
• Ensure the school’s financial health and growth through effective student recruitment and retention, fundraising and grant seeking and sound fiscal management.
• Manage and evaluate faculty and staff, including hiring practices, supervising the teaching process, professional development and ensuring an inclusive and supportive work environment. 
• Actively oversee the day-to-day operations, including human resources, technology and information systems,  logistics (attendance, facilities, transportation) and campus safety.

Academics

• Develop and implement the school’s instructional models and curricula and work with the faculty to review and improve the academic programs to ensure they are consistent with the high standards and rigor of the school’s learning model.
• Provide thoughtful leadership of student selection, evaluation, and when necessary, disciplinary and dismissal decisions with compassion, professionalism and clear communication.
• Monitor the allocation of the school’s resources to support excellence in teaching and learning and advance the long-term goals of the school.

Community and Culture

• Cultivate and steward donor prospects and maintain a visual presence as an ambassador for Saratoga Independent School in the broader community. 
• Develop and manage comprehensive communication strategies and materials for administration, faculty, staff, partners, and internal/external communities, utilizing appropriate tools and formats to reach all audience levels.
• Function as the primary liaison between the parent community and the Board of Trustees; support the work of the Parent Association and engage actively with the Board Committees.

Judgment, Discretion and Complexity

The Head of School is responsible for managing the daily operations of the school, supported by Directors of the Administration and other direct reports. This role involves making informed decisions based on input from Directors, faculty, and staff across all dimensions of the school. The foremost priority in every decision is to ensure the delivery of exceptional education to all students.

The Head of School holds the authority to make decisions regarding various aspects of the school, including, but not limited to, the academic calendar, daily operational schedule, curriculum design and implementation, as well as special programming. The Board of Trustees provides governance, oversight, and strategic direction, with particular focus on advancing the School’s mission and safeguarding its long-term financial well-being. Accordingly, the Head of School is expected to consult with the Board of Trustees on matters related to strategic planning, development and fundraising, marketing efforts, annual budget and forecasting, and long-term campus facilities planning. 

Organizational Structure

This position currently has six direct reports: Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, Director of Business Operations, Director of Development, Director of Finance, Director of the Lower School, and Director of the Middle School.  The position will report to the Board of Trustees.