Educator's Ally
Louise S. McGehee School (LA) Head of Middle School
Educator's Ally, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, 70123
Overview
Job Title:
Head of Middle School Application Deadline:
October 31, 2025 Start Date:
July 1, 2026 The Head of Middle School is a student- and family-centered leader responsible for guiding all aspects of the Middle School student program. Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Head of Middle School ensures that the division fosters intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, student independence, and a deep sense of community. The successful candidate will be an accomplished educator who is passionate about and expert on the middle school years, committed to innovation in teaching and learning, and eager to elevate the academic profile of the school. The candidate should have strong leadership and management capabilities, a clear vision for what characterizes excellence in learning, the ability to inspire, mobilize and develop educators, the ability to provide direct, constructive feedback, and the ability to delegate with clear direction. Experience in and expertise on all-girls education is critical. This individual will embrace the opportunity to understand the McGehee community and its history and culture. A successful candidate will also seek to appreciate the unique cultural richness of New Orleans and integrate that awareness into the life of the Middle School. The effective Head of Middle School will embrace an enterprise leadership approach, taking into account the strategic vision for and operating conditions of the school when making decisions. McGehee is a PreK-12 school that is committed to a coherent instructional philosophy across divisions. The Head of Middle School will work closely with the Head of Lower School and the Head of Upper School to strengthen the transition to and from the Middle School, and on many other cross-cutting student programming decisions. Key Responsibilities Division Leadership Provide strategic direction for the Middle School program, ensuring it is academically challenging, mission-aligned, and responsive to students’ developmental needs. Guide, with clear expectations, and support faculty and academic leaders to identify, design, evaluate, and enhance curriculum that promotes critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and a love of learning. Ensure that faculty are developed and supported in the use of innovative and research-based pedagogies that promote deep critical thinking and that prepare students for future academic success. Collaborate with division heads to drive alignment across Lower, Middle, and Upper School programs to create a seamless and coherent educational path from PreK-12. Student Experience & Well-Being Build and oversee effective systems for the holistic development of Middle School students with a focus on academic success and student well-being. Review, develop and oversee implementation of a strategy for advisory and student support programs that help students feel known, valued, and connected. Partner with counselors, learning specialists, and other support staff to monitor student progress and address individual academic and behavioral needs. Build meaningful relationships with students by being a visible and approachable presence in classrooms, hallways, and student activities. Faculty & Staff Leadership Develop a leadership structure and team with the capacity and skills to develop and maintain a strong, coherent student program. Recruit, hire, develop, retain and assess instructionally expert, mission-aligned Middle School faculty and staff. Design and align systems for effective talent management and development with the Interim Head of School and division leaders. Develop a clear sense of teachers’ strengths and challenges and provide aligned feedback, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Foster a culture of collaboration, reflection, and continuous improvement among faculty. Community Engagement & Communication Deeply value and understand the McGehee community and foster its culture of high expectations, joy, and independence. Serve as the primary liaison to Middle School families, ensuring clear, and supportive communication and proactive efforts to retain mission-aligned students and families. Collaborate with the admissions team on the recruitment and evaluation of prospective Middle School students. Partner with colleagues across the school to ensure consistent communication and shared priorities. Build authentic connections with the New Orleans community, embracing the cultural richness of the city and identifying opportunities for meaningful, mission-aligned partnerships. Desired Qualifications & Attributes Deep appreciation for middle school girls’ unique developmental stage and the ability to use research and best practice to create an environment where they thrive. Experience in an all-girls setting is strongly preferred. Significant leadership experience in independent or comparable schools, including supervision of faculty and program oversight. Demonstrated success in elevating academic programs and leading toward sustained instructional and curricular success and innovation. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to listen, inspire trust, and build authentic partnerships with students, families, faculty, and community members. A collaborative, visible, and approachable leadership style grounded in warmth, empathy, and accountability. An eagerness to participate fully in the life of the school and to engage meaningfully with the broader New Orleans community. Salary and Benefits This is a full-time, 12-month exempt position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. McGehee offers a benefits package that includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; employer-paid life and AD&D insurance; voluntary life and AD&D; long-term disability; critical illness and accident insurance; identity protection services; and access to an Employee Assistance Program. Additional benefits include participation in a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions after one year of service. The Middle School Head will receive 10 days of paid time off, 20 days of annual vacation, and paid holidays. McGehee is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is open to all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, or other applicable protected classification. About Louise S. McGehee School Founded in 1912, the Louise S. McGehee School is the only independent, secular, all-girls Pre-K–12 school in New Orleans. McGehee’s mission is to foster the individual potential of each student, preparing her to think critically, act with high character, and lead with confidence. In McGehee’s dynamic, inclusive community, academic excellence and personal growth go hand-in-hand. Girls learn to embrace curiosity, pursue discovery, and engage in their community as thoughtful citizens. Distinctive Historic Campus McGehee occupies a one-of-a-kind city-block campus in the Garden District of New Orleans, where beautifully restored 19th-century residences stand alongside modern facilities. The architectural character enriches daily life and reflects our commitment to preservation, innovation, and deep learning rooted in real-world experiences. Academic Excellence From the earliest grades through senior year, McGehee students are immersed in a curriculum that is both challenging and inspiring, designed to spark intellectual curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovery. Our expert faculty set high standards of excellence, cultivating deep learning and preparing graduates to excel in college and beyond while remaining true to their individuality and passions. We offer honors and Advanced Placement courses alongside signature programs such as the Senior Mentorship, which enables students to graduate with distinction by completing a yearlong, in-depth research project. Student-Centered Approach At McGehee, girls take center stage. With every leadership role, every opportunity on the field or stage, and every classroom discussion, students practice modern leadership and learn to lead with confidence. Now in its 104th year, the Honor Code continues to stand as a cornerstone of McGehee life, fostering independence, accountability, and a culture where girls take true ownership of their Upper School experience. Real-World Learning Our location in the heart of New Orleans offers unmatched opportunities for meaningful service, internships, and partnerships with the broader community. Students experience the city as both a classroom and a catalyst for change, engaging with its people, culture, and challenges in ways that foster connection, independence, and real-world impact. A Lifelong Community McGehee is more than a school, it is a community that nurtures lasting friendships and personal connections. Our 2,200+ alumnae worldwide remain engaged and loyal, united by shared experiences and the enduring spirit of sisterhood that defines McGehee. Rooted in tradition yet forward-looking, the McGehee experience builds a legacy of growth, achievement, and a lifelong commitment to excellence. To Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials to Educator’s Ally in leadershipsearch@educatorsally.com: A cover letter expressing interest in this particular position A current résumé Educator’s Ally provides senior leadership retained search services to independent schools throughout the U.S. With 50 years of experience working in support of independent K-12 school hiring, EA runs retained searches with the same personalized approach that has long distinguished our work in the contingency space, resulting in fluid and comprehensive processes and successful appointments. Learn more at the end of this description.
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Job Title:
Head of Middle School Application Deadline:
October 31, 2025 Start Date:
July 1, 2026 The Head of Middle School is a student- and family-centered leader responsible for guiding all aspects of the Middle School student program. Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Head of Middle School ensures that the division fosters intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, student independence, and a deep sense of community. The successful candidate will be an accomplished educator who is passionate about and expert on the middle school years, committed to innovation in teaching and learning, and eager to elevate the academic profile of the school. The candidate should have strong leadership and management capabilities, a clear vision for what characterizes excellence in learning, the ability to inspire, mobilize and develop educators, the ability to provide direct, constructive feedback, and the ability to delegate with clear direction. Experience in and expertise on all-girls education is critical. This individual will embrace the opportunity to understand the McGehee community and its history and culture. A successful candidate will also seek to appreciate the unique cultural richness of New Orleans and integrate that awareness into the life of the Middle School. The effective Head of Middle School will embrace an enterprise leadership approach, taking into account the strategic vision for and operating conditions of the school when making decisions. McGehee is a PreK-12 school that is committed to a coherent instructional philosophy across divisions. The Head of Middle School will work closely with the Head of Lower School and the Head of Upper School to strengthen the transition to and from the Middle School, and on many other cross-cutting student programming decisions. Key Responsibilities Division Leadership Provide strategic direction for the Middle School program, ensuring it is academically challenging, mission-aligned, and responsive to students’ developmental needs. Guide, with clear expectations, and support faculty and academic leaders to identify, design, evaluate, and enhance curriculum that promotes critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and a love of learning. Ensure that faculty are developed and supported in the use of innovative and research-based pedagogies that promote deep critical thinking and that prepare students for future academic success. Collaborate with division heads to drive alignment across Lower, Middle, and Upper School programs to create a seamless and coherent educational path from PreK-12. Student Experience & Well-Being Build and oversee effective systems for the holistic development of Middle School students with a focus on academic success and student well-being. Review, develop and oversee implementation of a strategy for advisory and student support programs that help students feel known, valued, and connected. Partner with counselors, learning specialists, and other support staff to monitor student progress and address individual academic and behavioral needs. Build meaningful relationships with students by being a visible and approachable presence in classrooms, hallways, and student activities. Faculty & Staff Leadership Develop a leadership structure and team with the capacity and skills to develop and maintain a strong, coherent student program. Recruit, hire, develop, retain and assess instructionally expert, mission-aligned Middle School faculty and staff. Design and align systems for effective talent management and development with the Interim Head of School and division leaders. Develop a clear sense of teachers’ strengths and challenges and provide aligned feedback, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Foster a culture of collaboration, reflection, and continuous improvement among faculty. Community Engagement & Communication Deeply value and understand the McGehee community and foster its culture of high expectations, joy, and independence. Serve as the primary liaison to Middle School families, ensuring clear, and supportive communication and proactive efforts to retain mission-aligned students and families. Collaborate with the admissions team on the recruitment and evaluation of prospective Middle School students. Partner with colleagues across the school to ensure consistent communication and shared priorities. Build authentic connections with the New Orleans community, embracing the cultural richness of the city and identifying opportunities for meaningful, mission-aligned partnerships. Desired Qualifications & Attributes Deep appreciation for middle school girls’ unique developmental stage and the ability to use research and best practice to create an environment where they thrive. Experience in an all-girls setting is strongly preferred. Significant leadership experience in independent or comparable schools, including supervision of faculty and program oversight. Demonstrated success in elevating academic programs and leading toward sustained instructional and curricular success and innovation. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to listen, inspire trust, and build authentic partnerships with students, families, faculty, and community members. A collaborative, visible, and approachable leadership style grounded in warmth, empathy, and accountability. An eagerness to participate fully in the life of the school and to engage meaningfully with the broader New Orleans community. Salary and Benefits This is a full-time, 12-month exempt position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. McGehee offers a benefits package that includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; employer-paid life and AD&D insurance; voluntary life and AD&D; long-term disability; critical illness and accident insurance; identity protection services; and access to an Employee Assistance Program. Additional benefits include participation in a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions after one year of service. The Middle School Head will receive 10 days of paid time off, 20 days of annual vacation, and paid holidays. McGehee is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is open to all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, or other applicable protected classification. About Louise S. McGehee School Founded in 1912, the Louise S. McGehee School is the only independent, secular, all-girls Pre-K–12 school in New Orleans. McGehee’s mission is to foster the individual potential of each student, preparing her to think critically, act with high character, and lead with confidence. In McGehee’s dynamic, inclusive community, academic excellence and personal growth go hand-in-hand. Girls learn to embrace curiosity, pursue discovery, and engage in their community as thoughtful citizens. Distinctive Historic Campus McGehee occupies a one-of-a-kind city-block campus in the Garden District of New Orleans, where beautifully restored 19th-century residences stand alongside modern facilities. The architectural character enriches daily life and reflects our commitment to preservation, innovation, and deep learning rooted in real-world experiences. Academic Excellence From the earliest grades through senior year, McGehee students are immersed in a curriculum that is both challenging and inspiring, designed to spark intellectual curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovery. Our expert faculty set high standards of excellence, cultivating deep learning and preparing graduates to excel in college and beyond while remaining true to their individuality and passions. We offer honors and Advanced Placement courses alongside signature programs such as the Senior Mentorship, which enables students to graduate with distinction by completing a yearlong, in-depth research project. Student-Centered Approach At McGehee, girls take center stage. With every leadership role, every opportunity on the field or stage, and every classroom discussion, students practice modern leadership and learn to lead with confidence. Now in its 104th year, the Honor Code continues to stand as a cornerstone of McGehee life, fostering independence, accountability, and a culture where girls take true ownership of their Upper School experience. Real-World Learning Our location in the heart of New Orleans offers unmatched opportunities for meaningful service, internships, and partnerships with the broader community. Students experience the city as both a classroom and a catalyst for change, engaging with its people, culture, and challenges in ways that foster connection, independence, and real-world impact. A Lifelong Community McGehee is more than a school, it is a community that nurtures lasting friendships and personal connections. Our 2,200+ alumnae worldwide remain engaged and loyal, united by shared experiences and the enduring spirit of sisterhood that defines McGehee. Rooted in tradition yet forward-looking, the McGehee experience builds a legacy of growth, achievement, and a lifelong commitment to excellence. To Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials to Educator’s Ally in leadershipsearch@educatorsally.com: A cover letter expressing interest in this particular position A current résumé Educator’s Ally provides senior leadership retained search services to independent schools throughout the U.S. With 50 years of experience working in support of independent K-12 school hiring, EA runs retained searches with the same personalized approach that has long distinguished our work in the contingency space, resulting in fluid and comprehensive processes and successful appointments. Learn more at the end of this description.
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