St. Anne's-Belfield School
Head of the Lower School
St. Anne's-Belfield School, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, 22904
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Since 1910, St. Anne’s-Belfield School has been committed to nurturing the whole student: body, heart, mind, and soul. As the largest independent school in Charlottesville, VA, with 900+ students ages 2 through Grade 12, the school aims to educate exemplary citizens and visionary leaders. As a member of our school community, you would join a team of people who are passionate about their roles and contribute to a community of purpose and belonging. The Portrait of a Graduate guides our work, with priorities including pursuing knowledge to generate impact, engaging diverse perspectives, reflection, integrity, and serving the community’s needs. Our two campuses on 55 acres serve as hubs for curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence in Charlottesville, with access to nearby University of Virginia and regional opportunities. If you are looking for a dynamic learning environment where your contributions spark each child’s potential, consider a career with St. Anne’s-Belfield School. We seek to hire the best teachers, administrators, staff members, and coaches to support our student body with a competitive benefits package and a positive working environment. ABOUT THE POSITION
Reporting to the Head of School, the Head of the Lower School (LS) will join the senior administrative leadership team and guide a faculty devoted to students and craft. The division head will be an experienced leader in early childhood and elementary pedagogy, able to motivate faculty toward research-based educational innovation, and skilled in managing a large, dynamic program and campus. The ideal candidate balances empathy with decisiveness and vision with follow-through. The division head is expected to be visible and engaged in classrooms, in conversations with parents and guardians, and in partnership with colleagues. The successful candidate will demonstrate courage, integrity, and professional poise, and use data and research to inform decisions. They will honor the School’s traditions while leading the Lower School boldly into its next chapter, advancing excellence through strong operational systems, transparent communication, and a focus on teaching and learning. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
In partnership with the Head of School, Academic Team, and division heads, the next Head of the Lower School will focus on the following priorities: Inspire Excellence and Belonging in Teaching and Learning:
Champion a learning environment aligned with the School’s mission and values, promote professional excellence, and empower teachers and students to grow as learners and citizens. Champion Rigorous and Innovative Curriculum:
Balance academic and co-curricular programming, blend inquiry, creativity, and structure, and promote practices that lead to measurable student growth and authentic engagement. Align and Strengthen the ECP – Grade 4 Continuum:
Build a cohesive bridge between the Early Childhood Program and the Lower School by aligning philosophy, curriculum, and expectations for growth; collaborate with the ECP Director, Admissions, and Learning Support Specialist on retention and transition readiness to best serve each child. Lead the Continued Implementation of Standards-Based Learning (SBL):
Use data and research to guide instructional decisions and communicate clearly about SBL to strengthen understanding among faculty and families. Advance Experiential and Outdoor Learning:
Expand hands-on, interdisciplinary learning that connects students to the world and aligns with the Portrait of a Graduate competencies. Serve as a Strategic Partner in School-Wide Leadership:
As a SALT member, partner with the Head of School and Academic Team to advance goals, ensure cohesive alignment from age 2 through Grade 12, and sustain a vibrant, inclusive community. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Collaborate with the Academic Team to meet the School’s purpose and strategic goals Provide leadership of the ECP, including supervision of the program’s director Define and support appropriate student behavior within an inclusive learning community Support the admissions, retention, and re-enrollment process Engage the division’s parent body to build partnerships between the School and home Work with the LS Dean of Students to drive K–4 co-curricular programming, community service, Chapel, inclusive excellence, and student leadership programming Collaborate with the Head of the Middle School to leverage Lower and Middle School academic leadership resources Pursue ongoing professional development and support divisional faculty in growth Set clear expectations for faculty and staff and follow the School’s evaluation model Oversee operating budgets for the ECP and Grades K–4 Contribute as a member of the senior administrative leadership team QUALITIES & ATTRIBUTES
St. Anne’s-Belfield seeks a Lower School leader who is an educational visionary and a relational presence. The candidate should inspire trust and confidence among students, faculty, and families by leading with clarity, consistency, and heart. They should advocate for teachers and children, valuing early education to shape character, curiosity, and community. The ideal candidate will combine pedagogical depth with warmth and humility, bringing strategic insight and everyday attentiveness to a division that values joyful learning and meaningful relationships. The leader will champion innovation grounded in sound practice, support faculty in aligning purpose and pedagogy, and communicate with transparency and empathy. The division head should be a visible, engaged presence across classrooms and community events, approachable to students, collaborative with colleagues, and trusted by families. Additionally: Demonstrates integrity, discretion, and sound judgment Balances confidence with approachability; leads with empathy Models clear, consistent, and transparent communication Brings strong organizational skills, follow-through, and attention to detail Values data-informed and research-based practices while honoring teacher expertise Enjoys coaching and developing faculty, fostering collaboration, and promoting professional growth Has the courage to make thoughtful decisions in the best interest of the community Demonstrates steadiness under pressure, flexibility, and optimism in community life Exhibits a growth mindset, cultural competence, and curiosity about others’ perspectives Serves as a reflective partner to senior leadership and advocates for the Lower School within the St. Anne’s-Belfield community QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
An advanced degree in a field related to curriculum, child development, leadership, or pedagogy Demonstrated record of innovative teaching with measurable outcomes and interdisciplinary experiences 3–5 years of administrative experience leading a diverse educator community Experience as a teacher, student, parent, or administrator in an independent school Strong verbal and written communication with warmth and empathy Proficiency in a second language is desirable PROCEDURE TO APPLY
St. Anne’s-Belfield School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The school does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in employment policies. Benefits Provided
Competitive salary based on experience Relocation stipend Generous PTO — up to 6 weeks vacation + 3 personal days Medical, dental, and vision insurance Short-term and long-term disability and life insurance Retirement plan with a match Supplemental insurance policies FSA/HSA Discounted gym membership Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tuition remission for children enrolled at the school Free after-school care for pre-school through Grade 8 Free lunch when school is in session 20% discount at the school store Interested candidates are invited to apply by submitting the following materials as a single PDF file: A cover letter indicating interest and qualifications A current résumé/CV A statement of educational philosophy List of references with contact details; references speak to ability as educator and administrator and will be contacted with the candidate’s permission. The following references have been requested specifically and must be provided in totality: A Head of School from a previous leadership role A non-Head of School direct supervisor A colleague who worked on a team with the candidate A direct report who served under the candidate A parent of a student who was under the candidate’s supervision Please address questions by email to johneric@strategenius.org. SEARCH CALENDAR
Applications due: November 20, 2025 Semifinalists interviews: Weeks of December 8 and 15, 2025 Finalists interviews: Weeks of January 5 and 12, 2026 Hiring announcement: Late January 2026 Start date: July 1, 2026
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Since 1910, St. Anne’s-Belfield School has been committed to nurturing the whole student: body, heart, mind, and soul. As the largest independent school in Charlottesville, VA, with 900+ students ages 2 through Grade 12, the school aims to educate exemplary citizens and visionary leaders. As a member of our school community, you would join a team of people who are passionate about their roles and contribute to a community of purpose and belonging. The Portrait of a Graduate guides our work, with priorities including pursuing knowledge to generate impact, engaging diverse perspectives, reflection, integrity, and serving the community’s needs. Our two campuses on 55 acres serve as hubs for curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence in Charlottesville, with access to nearby University of Virginia and regional opportunities. If you are looking for a dynamic learning environment where your contributions spark each child’s potential, consider a career with St. Anne’s-Belfield School. We seek to hire the best teachers, administrators, staff members, and coaches to support our student body with a competitive benefits package and a positive working environment. ABOUT THE POSITION
Reporting to the Head of School, the Head of the Lower School (LS) will join the senior administrative leadership team and guide a faculty devoted to students and craft. The division head will be an experienced leader in early childhood and elementary pedagogy, able to motivate faculty toward research-based educational innovation, and skilled in managing a large, dynamic program and campus. The ideal candidate balances empathy with decisiveness and vision with follow-through. The division head is expected to be visible and engaged in classrooms, in conversations with parents and guardians, and in partnership with colleagues. The successful candidate will demonstrate courage, integrity, and professional poise, and use data and research to inform decisions. They will honor the School’s traditions while leading the Lower School boldly into its next chapter, advancing excellence through strong operational systems, transparent communication, and a focus on teaching and learning. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
In partnership with the Head of School, Academic Team, and division heads, the next Head of the Lower School will focus on the following priorities: Inspire Excellence and Belonging in Teaching and Learning:
Champion a learning environment aligned with the School’s mission and values, promote professional excellence, and empower teachers and students to grow as learners and citizens. Champion Rigorous and Innovative Curriculum:
Balance academic and co-curricular programming, blend inquiry, creativity, and structure, and promote practices that lead to measurable student growth and authentic engagement. Align and Strengthen the ECP – Grade 4 Continuum:
Build a cohesive bridge between the Early Childhood Program and the Lower School by aligning philosophy, curriculum, and expectations for growth; collaborate with the ECP Director, Admissions, and Learning Support Specialist on retention and transition readiness to best serve each child. Lead the Continued Implementation of Standards-Based Learning (SBL):
Use data and research to guide instructional decisions and communicate clearly about SBL to strengthen understanding among faculty and families. Advance Experiential and Outdoor Learning:
Expand hands-on, interdisciplinary learning that connects students to the world and aligns with the Portrait of a Graduate competencies. Serve as a Strategic Partner in School-Wide Leadership:
As a SALT member, partner with the Head of School and Academic Team to advance goals, ensure cohesive alignment from age 2 through Grade 12, and sustain a vibrant, inclusive community. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Collaborate with the Academic Team to meet the School’s purpose and strategic goals Provide leadership of the ECP, including supervision of the program’s director Define and support appropriate student behavior within an inclusive learning community Support the admissions, retention, and re-enrollment process Engage the division’s parent body to build partnerships between the School and home Work with the LS Dean of Students to drive K–4 co-curricular programming, community service, Chapel, inclusive excellence, and student leadership programming Collaborate with the Head of the Middle School to leverage Lower and Middle School academic leadership resources Pursue ongoing professional development and support divisional faculty in growth Set clear expectations for faculty and staff and follow the School’s evaluation model Oversee operating budgets for the ECP and Grades K–4 Contribute as a member of the senior administrative leadership team QUALITIES & ATTRIBUTES
St. Anne’s-Belfield seeks a Lower School leader who is an educational visionary and a relational presence. The candidate should inspire trust and confidence among students, faculty, and families by leading with clarity, consistency, and heart. They should advocate for teachers and children, valuing early education to shape character, curiosity, and community. The ideal candidate will combine pedagogical depth with warmth and humility, bringing strategic insight and everyday attentiveness to a division that values joyful learning and meaningful relationships. The leader will champion innovation grounded in sound practice, support faculty in aligning purpose and pedagogy, and communicate with transparency and empathy. The division head should be a visible, engaged presence across classrooms and community events, approachable to students, collaborative with colleagues, and trusted by families. Additionally: Demonstrates integrity, discretion, and sound judgment Balances confidence with approachability; leads with empathy Models clear, consistent, and transparent communication Brings strong organizational skills, follow-through, and attention to detail Values data-informed and research-based practices while honoring teacher expertise Enjoys coaching and developing faculty, fostering collaboration, and promoting professional growth Has the courage to make thoughtful decisions in the best interest of the community Demonstrates steadiness under pressure, flexibility, and optimism in community life Exhibits a growth mindset, cultural competence, and curiosity about others’ perspectives Serves as a reflective partner to senior leadership and advocates for the Lower School within the St. Anne’s-Belfield community QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
An advanced degree in a field related to curriculum, child development, leadership, or pedagogy Demonstrated record of innovative teaching with measurable outcomes and interdisciplinary experiences 3–5 years of administrative experience leading a diverse educator community Experience as a teacher, student, parent, or administrator in an independent school Strong verbal and written communication with warmth and empathy Proficiency in a second language is desirable PROCEDURE TO APPLY
St. Anne’s-Belfield School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The school does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in employment policies. Benefits Provided
Competitive salary based on experience Relocation stipend Generous PTO — up to 6 weeks vacation + 3 personal days Medical, dental, and vision insurance Short-term and long-term disability and life insurance Retirement plan with a match Supplemental insurance policies FSA/HSA Discounted gym membership Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tuition remission for children enrolled at the school Free after-school care for pre-school through Grade 8 Free lunch when school is in session 20% discount at the school store Interested candidates are invited to apply by submitting the following materials as a single PDF file: A cover letter indicating interest and qualifications A current résumé/CV A statement of educational philosophy List of references with contact details; references speak to ability as educator and administrator and will be contacted with the candidate’s permission. The following references have been requested specifically and must be provided in totality: A Head of School from a previous leadership role A non-Head of School direct supervisor A colleague who worked on a team with the candidate A direct report who served under the candidate A parent of a student who was under the candidate’s supervision Please address questions by email to johneric@strategenius.org. SEARCH CALENDAR
Applications due: November 20, 2025 Semifinalists interviews: Weeks of December 8 and 15, 2025 Finalists interviews: Weeks of January 5 and 12, 2026 Hiring announcement: Late January 2026 Start date: July 1, 2026
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