Head of Upper School

Head of Upper School (Grades 9-12)

Sterne School – San Francisco, CA

Our school:

Sterne School is an independent day school in San Francisco serving students in grades 4-12. Our Lower School serves grades 4-8 and our Upper School serves grades 9-12.

At Sterne we believe there is simply not a one size fits all educational approach in a world where everyone’s learning profile is unique. Every day we teach students how to unlock the learning style that works best for them. We are committed to serving a diverse population of students and families in a student-centered community where support is part of—not the exception to—an excellent everyday school experience. In a warm respectful atmosphere, our students become confident, disciplined, responsible citizens who are able to meet the challenges of further learning and society

Mission: Build on the foundation of individual strengths to discover and nurture each student’s version of greatness.

Core Values: Start with Strengths, Bring Joy to Learning, Learn from Everyone’s Uniqueness, Honor the Educator, Never Give Up
The school is certified by the California State Department of Education and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Sterne School is an equal opportunity employer.

We’re looking for:
Sterne School is seeking a dynamic, experienced, Head of Upper School to be a key part of shaping the
school’s future. The Head of Upper School reports directly to the Head of School and collaborates with Upper School teachers, staff, students and families. The Head of Upper School oversees day-to-day instructional practices, supports clear communication amongst all constituencies, and maintains a high quality, inclusive academic program for all learners.

Our brief history:

Founded in 1976, Sterne School had humble beginnings behind a Sunset District storefront in San Francisco. In 2017, a new era began when Sterne School established a 99-year lease on a state-of-the-art campus in the heart of San Francisco’s financial district. In the past 5 years, Upper School enrollment nearly doubled. Programs in the arts and athletics continue to flourish and grow as we prepare to embark on the third and final phase of a 6.7 million dollar capital campaign that includes a gymnasium, theatre, music recording and practice spaces, and digital film lab.

Job Description: The Upper School Head reports to the Head of School and is responsible for guiding students to achievement of the Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) and the 2019-2024 Strategic Plan. Responsibilities are outlined below:

• Coordinates all day-to-day operations for the Upper School.
• Coordinates the development of the academic program with the Head of School and Director of Learning

• Supports and communicates a vision and identity for the Upper School that responds to the social, emotional, and intellectual needs of Sterne School students

• Oversees and monitors all communications with parents
• Coordinates weekly high school faculty meetings
• Develops academic schedule with Registrar, Lower School Head, and Director of Learning With the College Counselor and Registrar, guides students and parents in course selection and fulfillment of graduation requirements
• Maintains A-G course documentation. Supports teachers in the development and implementation of new courses
• Coordinates ACT accommodations process and supports ACT on-site testing
• Collaborates with Director of Student Life to develop and maintain supportive co-curricular program
• Collaborates with teaching staff to develop and implement Experiential Learning programs Communicates with the admission process and department staff as is appropriate Communicates with Development Office and staff as is appropriate
• Collaborates with Communication Office and staff as is appropriate
• Is an active part of the recruitment and hiring process for Upper School candidates Supports the 8th-grade transition process and retention of 8th-grade students into the Upper School program; includes meeting with 8th-grade parents and families as part of the Admission process
• Works closely with the Head of School to ensure that the school’s WASC evaluation policies are properly implemented by monitoring the annual evaluation cycle and its improvements. Observes and evaluates teachers, in coordination with the Program Team
• Coordinates and assists with summer teacher training and on-going PD
• Coordinates with School Psychologist and/or Head of School to promote healthy social-emotional learning and disciplinary practices
• Empowers faculty to grow as professionals and works to remove obstacles to that growth
• Hosts regular on-campus forums (i.e. Wayfinding, Back to School Night) with Upper School parents to provide programmatic updates, discuss parent questions, and actively listen to parents

Job Qualifications:

• 4-year college degree or higher
• At least 5 years of experience in school administration
• Superb communication skills, both written and verbal
• Creativity, flexibility, and a belief in the potential of all kinds of learners
• Significant experience with and knowledge of teenagers, their developmental needs, and Upper School curriculum
• Understanding of the demands of excellent teaching
• Understanding of the unique developmental needs of adolescents