The Saratoga Independent School
Saratoga Independent School seeks an inspiring educational leader to lead our close-knit, mission-driven community starting July 1, 2026.
Position Summary The Head of School serves as the chief executive, providing visionary and strategic leadership; overseeing day-to-day operations; and partnering with the Board of Trustees to advance Saratoga Independent School’s mission. The Head leads the development of the school’s vision and long-range plans, establishes and implements annual goals and objectives, and fosters a culture that prioritizes a positive student experience, strong academic outcomes, and collaboration. Central to this work is a commitment to developing curious, confident learners; nurturing inclusive, respectful community members; and guiding students to become purposeful, well-rounded individuals.
The Head of School supports and develops faculty and staff, promotes professional excellence, and ensures alignment across academic programs and student life. Serving as the school’s chief ambassador, the Head builds strong relationships with families, alumni, and the broader community while providing thoughtful stewardship to ensure the school’s sustainability and continued growth.
The position will report to the Board of Trustees and will manage six direct reports.
Position Responsibilities Vision and Leadership
Develop and implement the school’s short-term and long-term strategic goals, ensuring alignment with the school’s commitment to its core values.
Champion the school’s mission by cultivating a culture of curiosity, confidence, inclusion, and respect, and by leading the development of students’ intellect, character, and well-being to support purposeful, healthy lives.
Cultivate a vibrant, inclusive learning community by engaging faculty, staff, and parents to retain current families and welcome new ones, fostering a balanced and diverse enrollment.
Partner closely with the Board of Trustees with a focus on strategic planning, advise the Board on policy, and implement Board-approved policies, and ensure the long-term institutional health of the School.
Lead and develop a strong administrative team by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and supporting professional growth and career development.
Operations
Partner with the Director of Finance to develop and implement an annual operating budget based on tuition revenue and investments, while maintaining compliance with all state and federal laws.
Ensure the school’s financial health and growth through effective student recruitment and retention, fundraising and grant seeking and sound fiscal management.
Manage and evaluate faculty and staff, including hiring practices, supervising the teaching process, professional development and ensuring an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Actively oversee the day-to-day operations, including human resources, technology and information systems, logistics (attendance, facilities, transportation) and campus safety.
Academics
Develop and implement the school’s instructional models and curricula and work with the faculty to review and improve the academic programs to ensure they are consistent with the high standards and rigor of the school’s learning model.
Provide thoughtful leadership of student selection, evaluation, and when necessary, disciplinary and dismissal decisions with compassion, professionalism and clear communication.
Monitor the allocation of the school’s resources to support excellence in teaching and learning and advance the long-term goals of the school.
Community and Culture
Cultivate and steward donor prospects and maintain a visual presence as an ambassador for Saratoga Independent School in the broader community.
Develop and manage comprehensive communication strategies and materials for administration, faculty, staff, partners, and internal/external communities, utilizing appropriate tools and formats to reach all audience levels.
Function as the primary liaison between the parent community and the Board of Trustees; support the work of the Parent Association and engage actively with the Board Committees.
Judgment, Discretion and Complexity The Head of School is responsible for managing the daily operations of the school, supported by Directors of the Administration and other direct reports. This role involves making informed decisions based on input from Directors, faculty, and staff across all dimensions of the school. The foremost priority in every decision is to ensure the delivery of exceptional education to all students.
The Head of School holds the authority to make decisions regarding various aspects of the school, including, but not limited to, the academic calendar, daily operational schedule, curriculum design and implementation, as well as special programming. The Board of Trustees provides governance, oversight, and strategic direction, with particular focus on advancing the School’s mission and safeguarding its long-term financial well‑being. Accordingly, the Head of School is expected to consult with the Board of Trustees on matters related to strategic planning, development and fundraising, marketing efforts, annual budget and forecasting, and long‑term campus facilities planning.
Organizational Structure This position currently has six direct reports: Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, Director of Business Operations, Director of Development, Director of Finance, Director of the Lower School, and Director of the Middle School. The position will report to the Board of Trustees.
Qualifications and Competencies Education
Master’s degree in education required.
Experience
5+ years of experience as a classroom educator, ideally in PreK-8 independent schools.
5+ years of experience in school administration or leadership roles.
Proven track record of working closely with a Board of Trustees and collaborating with faculty/staff teams.
Background in advancement, such as fundraising, donor relations and/or constituent engagement is a plus.
Demonstrate leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging across all aspects of school life, including curriculum, teaching practices, policies, and relationships within the school community.
Strong business acumen and financial judgement, partnering with staff and Board of Trustees to address financial challenges.
Job Competencies
Demonstrate the highest levels of integrity and accountability in all conduct and work.
Passion for education and genuine appreciation for the joys and challenges as well as the art and science of teaching.
Enthusiasm and experience for the outward-facing role of the Head of School in admissions, marketing, and development.
Dynamic, visionary, and collaborative leader with a growth mindset.
Open and honest communication style with courage to confront both challenges and successes, fostering a transparent, trusting, and collaborative work environment.
A commitment to engaging and advancing a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
Ability to mentor direct and indirect reports and foster talent within the faculty and staff.
Implement and maintain high standards and encourage innovation to keep current with thought leadership and best practices in education.
Understanding of and experience with budgeting and financials.
Physical Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that are essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. The requirements for performing the duties of this position are as follows:
Frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear.
Regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch and/or kneel.
Occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Majority of work is performed in a school/classroom environment, and the noise level in the environment is usually moderate.
Some work will be performed out in the community off school premise.
Some work will take place outside of school hours, and occasionally on nights and weekends, when school events require the presence of the HOS or when community.
Application Process This search will be on an expedited timeline, so applications will be reviewed as received, with interviews beginning in January 2026. Please visit HOS Search webpage for more information.
Application materials should be emailed to hossearch@siskids.org. Please include the following:
Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter
Educational philosophy statement
Five professional references (we will keep this information confidential unless otherwise directed).
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background and reference checks.
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Position Summary The Head of School serves as the chief executive, providing visionary and strategic leadership; overseeing day-to-day operations; and partnering with the Board of Trustees to advance Saratoga Independent School’s mission. The Head leads the development of the school’s vision and long-range plans, establishes and implements annual goals and objectives, and fosters a culture that prioritizes a positive student experience, strong academic outcomes, and collaboration. Central to this work is a commitment to developing curious, confident learners; nurturing inclusive, respectful community members; and guiding students to become purposeful, well-rounded individuals.
The Head of School supports and develops faculty and staff, promotes professional excellence, and ensures alignment across academic programs and student life. Serving as the school’s chief ambassador, the Head builds strong relationships with families, alumni, and the broader community while providing thoughtful stewardship to ensure the school’s sustainability and continued growth.
The position will report to the Board of Trustees and will manage six direct reports.
Position Responsibilities Vision and Leadership
Develop and implement the school’s short-term and long-term strategic goals, ensuring alignment with the school’s commitment to its core values.
Champion the school’s mission by cultivating a culture of curiosity, confidence, inclusion, and respect, and by leading the development of students’ intellect, character, and well-being to support purposeful, healthy lives.
Cultivate a vibrant, inclusive learning community by engaging faculty, staff, and parents to retain current families and welcome new ones, fostering a balanced and diverse enrollment.
Partner closely with the Board of Trustees with a focus on strategic planning, advise the Board on policy, and implement Board-approved policies, and ensure the long-term institutional health of the School.
Lead and develop a strong administrative team by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and supporting professional growth and career development.
Operations
Partner with the Director of Finance to develop and implement an annual operating budget based on tuition revenue and investments, while maintaining compliance with all state and federal laws.
Ensure the school’s financial health and growth through effective student recruitment and retention, fundraising and grant seeking and sound fiscal management.
Manage and evaluate faculty and staff, including hiring practices, supervising the teaching process, professional development and ensuring an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Actively oversee the day-to-day operations, including human resources, technology and information systems, logistics (attendance, facilities, transportation) and campus safety.
Academics
Develop and implement the school’s instructional models and curricula and work with the faculty to review and improve the academic programs to ensure they are consistent with the high standards and rigor of the school’s learning model.
Provide thoughtful leadership of student selection, evaluation, and when necessary, disciplinary and dismissal decisions with compassion, professionalism and clear communication.
Monitor the allocation of the school’s resources to support excellence in teaching and learning and advance the long-term goals of the school.
Community and Culture
Cultivate and steward donor prospects and maintain a visual presence as an ambassador for Saratoga Independent School in the broader community.
Develop and manage comprehensive communication strategies and materials for administration, faculty, staff, partners, and internal/external communities, utilizing appropriate tools and formats to reach all audience levels.
Function as the primary liaison between the parent community and the Board of Trustees; support the work of the Parent Association and engage actively with the Board Committees.
Judgment, Discretion and Complexity The Head of School is responsible for managing the daily operations of the school, supported by Directors of the Administration and other direct reports. This role involves making informed decisions based on input from Directors, faculty, and staff across all dimensions of the school. The foremost priority in every decision is to ensure the delivery of exceptional education to all students.
The Head of School holds the authority to make decisions regarding various aspects of the school, including, but not limited to, the academic calendar, daily operational schedule, curriculum design and implementation, as well as special programming. The Board of Trustees provides governance, oversight, and strategic direction, with particular focus on advancing the School’s mission and safeguarding its long-term financial well‑being. Accordingly, the Head of School is expected to consult with the Board of Trustees on matters related to strategic planning, development and fundraising, marketing efforts, annual budget and forecasting, and long‑term campus facilities planning.
Organizational Structure This position currently has six direct reports: Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, Director of Business Operations, Director of Development, Director of Finance, Director of the Lower School, and Director of the Middle School. The position will report to the Board of Trustees.
Qualifications and Competencies Education
Master’s degree in education required.
Experience
5+ years of experience as a classroom educator, ideally in PreK-8 independent schools.
5+ years of experience in school administration or leadership roles.
Proven track record of working closely with a Board of Trustees and collaborating with faculty/staff teams.
Background in advancement, such as fundraising, donor relations and/or constituent engagement is a plus.
Demonstrate leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging across all aspects of school life, including curriculum, teaching practices, policies, and relationships within the school community.
Strong business acumen and financial judgement, partnering with staff and Board of Trustees to address financial challenges.
Job Competencies
Demonstrate the highest levels of integrity and accountability in all conduct and work.
Passion for education and genuine appreciation for the joys and challenges as well as the art and science of teaching.
Enthusiasm and experience for the outward-facing role of the Head of School in admissions, marketing, and development.
Dynamic, visionary, and collaborative leader with a growth mindset.
Open and honest communication style with courage to confront both challenges and successes, fostering a transparent, trusting, and collaborative work environment.
A commitment to engaging and advancing a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
Ability to mentor direct and indirect reports and foster talent within the faculty and staff.
Implement and maintain high standards and encourage innovation to keep current with thought leadership and best practices in education.
Understanding of and experience with budgeting and financials.
Physical Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that are essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. The requirements for performing the duties of this position are as follows:
Frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear.
Regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch and/or kneel.
Occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Majority of work is performed in a school/classroom environment, and the noise level in the environment is usually moderate.
Some work will be performed out in the community off school premise.
Some work will take place outside of school hours, and occasionally on nights and weekends, when school events require the presence of the HOS or when community.
Application Process This search will be on an expedited timeline, so applications will be reviewed as received, with interviews beginning in January 2026. Please visit HOS Search webpage for more information.
Application materials should be emailed to hossearch@siskids.org. Please include the following:
Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter
Educational philosophy statement
Five professional references (we will keep this information confidential unless otherwise directed).
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background and reference checks.
#J-18808-Ljbffr