Associate Head of School
University of California Los Angeles
United States

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Job Summary
Under the direction of the Head of School, the Associate Head of School (AHoS) conceptualizes and leads the complex range of activities comprising Geffen Academy's academic, co-curricular and extra­ curricular program. The AHoS oversees academic and programmatic articulation, ensuring consistency and progression between the Middle School (grades 6-8) and the Upper School (grades 9-12).

The AHoS reviews and approves classroom educator hiring recommendations and partners with the Dean of Faculty, Dean of Instruction, and the HR team on teacher and relevant academic administrator and coordinator performance evaluations. The AHoS aims to create a strong pipeline of professional, talented and diverse candidates aligned with the school’s mission and values.

The AHoS works in partnership with the Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Advancement Officer, Dean of Students and School Culture, and other members of school leadership to provide strategic and tactical guidance to the Head of School. The AHoS will serve as a thought partner for the Head of School and other members of the administrative team.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Administration
• Under the direction of the Head of School, the AHoS leads strategic planning and implementation of the school’s academic program.
• Manages the school’s accreditation processes.
• Works closely with HR/Chief Administrative Officer to manage the appointment process for relevant academic and unit 18 employees.
• Leads the management of the school schedule, the selection of curricula, assessment policies, graduation requirements, and all aspects of the school’s academic program.
• Oversees, in partnership with the Director of Academic Advising and College Guidance and the school Registrar/Scheduler, the process by which academic advising yields appropriate placement for all students.
• Collaborate with the Director of Admissions, the Director of Advancement, and the Communications Manager to create innovative ways to articulate the school’s program to the broader community.
• Understands the campus facilities’ needs required to operate an excellent and efficient academic program.
• Supervises, manages, and leads recruitment for the Principal Learning Specialist, Registrar/Scheduler, and Faculty Services Coordinator.
• In absence of HoS, manages all academic and program responsibilities as well as communications to the school community. Collaborates with Chief Administrative Officer as needed.

Teaching and Learning
• Fosters professionalism, collegiality, and ethical conduct among all Educators.
• Supervises the MS and US Division Directors and the Dean of Faculty and Dean of Instruction to assure that the divisions and departments appropriately implement curricula.
• Supervises the MS/US Division Directors to be sure that students have access to appropriate academic support.
• Provides support to MS and US Division Directors to assure that students, Educators, and families’ concerns are heard and appropriately addressed.
• Under the direction of the HoS, and in partnership with HR, leads the hiring and onboarding/orientation of teachers, academic coordinators and academic administrators.
• In consultation with the HoS, designs the processes for the evaluation of all Unit 18 members and academic personnel.
• Consults with the Dean of Faculty to implement performance evaluation program for Unit 18 members, Department chairs, and other appropriate academic personnel.
• Consults with the Dean of Instruction to construct an active program to support and advance teaching and learning at the school.
• As leader for the Learning Specialist Department, assure the school appropriately manages all academic accommodations for students with identified disabilities.
• Advises Facilities and IT so that the physical learning environment, including technology, are adequate for instructional areas.
• In partnership with the Dean of Faculty, ensures that department chairs and teachers are adhering to records management policy and procedures as outlined in the Geffen Academy’s Employee Handbook and Geffen Educators MOU.

School: https://www.geffenacademy.ucla.edu

• As a normal requirement, the appointee should have the terminal or top degree in the appointee’s field, e.g., Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., or the highest degree that is commonly expected for appointment in the activity.
• Strong desire to lead in a secondary school environment, with at least seven years of experience in education, at least three of which have been in school administration, ideally in an independent school setting
• A career history that includes sufficient exposure to issues relevant to the disparate functions over which position has responsibility, including at least three years of supervisory experience in a school setting
• A record of success in the leadership, administration, and best practices of diverse secondary school educational programs
• The ability to think and act strategically combined with a strong commitment to an excellent school experience for all students
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills to articulate and explain complex issues to Geffen Academy senior staff and UCLA leadership
• Self-directed and able to effectively prioritize and handle multiple tasks subject to frequent interruption
• Capable of developing and sustaining close, effective working relationships with other senior staff on matters of interdisciplinary and institutional concern
• Strong commitment to and demonstration of effective action in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging.
• Ability to lead and manage people and systems
• Ability to conceptualize and coordinate large-school school events and programs
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy as well as ethical conduct at all times
• Knowledge of the needs of students with disabilities
• Deep knowledge of curriculum and pedagogy, including an understanding of how to map and align curriculum
• Passionate commitment to creating safe, innovative, and joyful learning environments for both educators and students
• Understanding of how to conduct effective classroom observations and educator evaluations
• Ability to connect and collaborate with school constituents, including students, parents, educators, staff, administration, and UCLA leadership
• Highly organized, including time management and multitasking skills with the ability to anticipate school and community needs
• A collaborative approach to leadership and teamwork
• Patience, flexibility, and adaptability
• Ability to be deeply attuned to the school’s culture, needs, and opportunities
• Ability to collaborate across school systems, including business needs and academic programs
• Familiar with Microsoft Office and Google Suite, Internet, e-mail, Blackbaud K-12 and Zoom
• Knowledgeable of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Ability to interpret and implement UCLA and Geffen Academy policies and procedures
• Ability to effectively and responsibly discern issues that need to be raised timely and clearly to the HoS and/or CAO
• Ability to be physically present at the school site(s) regularly and as directed by the HoS

References will be checked before an offer is made

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.