Middle School Division Director

Live Oak is hiring for a middle school division director (MSDD) to start July 1, 2025.

Live Oak School, a K-8 independent school in the heart of urban San Francisco, believes that
the best learning happens when students are actively engaged in the process — thinking
deeply, exploring ideas, and trying on strategies for solving problems. The school’s
approach to teaching and learning is deeply rooted in progressive tradition and informed by
contemporary research. Live Oak anchors its instructional program around the students as
individual learners, determined to prepare them for the opportunities that will define the
lives of graduates in the twenty-first century.

This year, Live Oak transitioned to a new program leadership model to provide even greater
support for day-to-day divisional management, while still allowing for continued progress
on strategic program priorities. Both division directors (Lower School and Middle School)
report to the head of divisions, who next year will become the associate head of school.
Because this model was finalized only late in the spring earlier this calendar year, the school
appointed one-year acting directors for both divisions from within the faculty for the 24-25
school year.

Now, open application calls for both permanent division directors are running concurrently
this fall, in advance of the 25-26 year. The MSDD supervises, coaches, and evaluates all
faculty in grades 5-8, and oversees several areas of the middle school academic program,
including: implementation for curricular and student strategies; communication and
engagement with guardians; and student success and restorative practices. With a highly
interconnected educational environment, Live Oak is excited to run both these searches at
the same time— to identify mission-aligned divisional leaders eager to collaborate with
each other and other members of the Program Leadership Team, which starting in 25-26
will be led by the associate head of school.

12M & Ed Tech Recruiting is running the search on behalf of Live Oak School. Applications
received by November 18 will receive priority review.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Priority Deadline: November 18, 2024
Remote Semifinal Round: December 2 & 3, 2024
On-site Final Round: Mid-December
Decision Announced: January 9, 2025
Start Date: July 1, 2025
Salary Range: $155,000–$175,000
Reports To: Associate Head of School
Classification: Full-time, Exempt

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Divisional Oversight

Lead the middle school faculty in the implementation of an identity responsive
educational program that nurtures the diversity of the student body as a resource for
excellence.
Ensure the implementation of a cohesive and engaging program for middle school
students that follows an agreed upon scope and sequence and provides access and
challenge for every learner.
Oversee formative and summative assessments of student performance against
established learning goals including on-going data collection, portfolio assessments, and
student report cards.

Faculty & Staff Leadership

Explicitly support the professional growth of the middle school faculty in order to
provide a model for lifelong learning for students, to provide career fulfillment to
teachers, and to infuse the learning community with expertise.
Plan and lead division, grade level team, and individual meetings with faculty that
support the success of our students by elevating the expertise in the community while
nurturing collaboration and cohesion in the middle school division.
In partnership with the associate head of school, contribute to the supervision,
professional development, and evaluation of the middle school faculty through the
Professional Growth Program (PGP).
Partner with the program leadership team on the recruitment, hiring, and support of
new faculty in the division.

External Affairs

Build strong relationships with parents, guardians, and students in Live Oak’s Middle
School in order to promote positive experiences in the school community.
Partner with other administrators in the planning and implementation of community
experiences at the school including assemblies, Groves, Camp Live Oak, Grandparent &
Special Friends Day.
Support parents and guardians to develop their understanding of the school’s purpose
and programs including through Back to School Night, parent enrichment events, and in
individual meetings.
Support the work of the admissions office in their efforts to recruit and retain new
students and their families to the school community.

General Leadership & Administration

As a collaborative member of the Program Leadership Team, develop and implement
curriculum and program initiatives that advance the strategic directions of the school.
Work with the administrative team to strategically manage the resources allocated to
the implementation of the middle school program including budgets, supplies, and
schedules.
Report to the associate head of school, and perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
Understanding of child development that guide decisions for a middle school program
Leadership experience in curriculum and/or pedagogy, preferably at a K-8 school
Experience guiding parents and guardians on sensitive student-related matters
Multiple years of experience as an elementary or middle school teacher, preferably at a
progressive school
Demonstrated success in working collaboratively and flexibly with colleagues, staff,
parents, volunteers, and the broader community

Professional & Leadership Qualities

Capacity to build supportive relationships with individuals and teams while leading
through the challenges and opportunities in the life of a school
Tendency toward a problem-loving, empathetic, joyful, inclusive, and mission-driven
leadership style
An interest in developing leadership capacity in yourself and others
Outstanding communication, both written and verbal
A genuine belief in Live Oak’s mission and an excitement to join a supportive
community of educators, staff, and administrators