Head of Upper School Division
Start Date: July 1, 2024
Grades PK-12; 504 students
Upper School Division
Girls grades 7-12; 330 students
44 Blackburn Rd, Summit, NJ
Mission
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, Judeo-Christian in heritage, Roman Catholic in teaching and worship, is an independent school for boys and girls in pre-K through grade 6 and young women in grades 7 through 12. The Oak Knoll community commits to the education and growth of the whole child, as envisioned by Cornelia Connelly, the founder of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. Engaged in the challenges of the world, the school cultivates a faith commitment that promotes and inspires a joyous personal relationship with God. In a learning climate that is based on trust and reverence for the dignity and uniqueness of each person, Oak Knoll provides an intellectually challenging and creative program of study that fosters excellence in every aspect of school life and prepares our graduates to “meet the wants of the age.” Welcoming a diverse student body, our learning community develops inquisitive students who think critically, embrace knowledge, respond with moral and ethical integrity, and make responsible choices that enrich their own lives and contribute to the lives of others.
Goals
- Holy Child schools foster a faith commitment that leads to a joyous personal relationship with God in addressing the realities of the world.
- Holy Child schools live, learn, and worship as a dynamic Catholic community.
- Holy Child schools offer an intellectually challenging, innovative, and creative program of study that develops academic excellence, encourages curiosity, and instills the joy of learning.
- Holy Child schools promote Catholic social teaching in every facet of life as we carry out our motto “Actions not Words.”
- Holy Child schools create a learning climate based on trust and reverence for the dignity and uniqueness of each person.
- Holy Child schools promote the personal growth and development of all who participate in the life of the school.
- Holy Child schools ensure the continuation and growth of Holy Child mission and philosophy in the School.
An Exciting Opportunity to Lead the Upper School Division at a Thriving Independent Catholic Girls School
Oak Knoll is where young women of faith and purpose dream big, lead with integrity, seek justice in the world, and prepare for one-of-a-kind futures.
A top-rated private Catholic day school in Summit, New Jersey, Oak Knoll’s Upper School Division has graduated smart, thoughtful, successful young women into top-tier colleges for nearly 100 years, inspiring girls in grades 7-12 to set high educational goals, break gender barriers, and emerge as leaders.
The Division serves approximately 330 girls, and its next leader will have the opportunity to serve the middle school (grades 7 and 8) and the upper school (grades 9-12). When girls enter Oak Knoll’s Upper School as seventh graders, they begin a demanding yet nurturing college preparatory journey – one designed to develop individuality, positive self-image, and extraordinary accomplishment. Supported by a unique sisterhood of enthusiastic young women, students in grades 7-8 experience both the challenge and opportunity of Upper School and the advantages of a small, student-centered Middle School program.
The Upper School offers a comprehensive college preparatory program, meeting the demands for admission to the most selective colleges and universities. In a right-sized setting, Oak Knoll faculty employ a fresh approach to learning that strikes a unique balance between individual attention and self-direction. Students benefit from a holistic curriculum and co-curricular activities that inspire academic achievement and excellence at all levels.
As a single-sex school for young women, the program is sensitive not only to issues of gender in the curriculum and the classroom but also to leadership issues in school and the wider world. Every leadership position in the Upper School is held by a young woman — and that is by design because Oak Knoll knows, in the spirit of its founder Cornelia Connelly, that an Oak Knoll young woman perseveres “with all her might” to achieve her God-given purpose.
Summit, New Jersey, is a charming, immensely liveable community that retains a small-town feel. The campus is located close to the town’s center, which is known for its fine selection of distinct retailers and lively restaurants. Summit is located only 20 miles from Manhattan and is well-served by public transportation to and from the city.
Oak Knoll’s Next Upper School Division Head
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child seeks an Upper School Division Head who enthusiastically embraces and champions the School’s mission and values. The successful candidate will bring a professional approach distinguished by enthusiasm, compassion, and grace. With experience in an independent school setting, ideal leaders will reflect:
- A commitment to the mission of Oak Knoll and a community that deeply values an abiding belief in trust and reverence for the dignity and uniqueness of each person
- A genuine love of, and experience with, the unique academic, developmental, and emotional needs associated with the education of young women
- A commitment to, and experience with, Roman Catholic values, teaching, and worship
- Excellent communication skills and a warm, approachable demeanor
- The ability to build relationships quickly in the Oak Knoll community
How to Apply
Please contact George Sanderson or Nat Conard with any questions or to learn more about this opportunity. Candidates interested in this position are asked to submit the following materials by February 15.
- EC Summary Sheet and Disclosure Statement (contact George Sanderson or Nat Conard for the documents)
- Letter of Interest addressed to the Head of School
- Current Resume
- Statement of Educational Leadership Philosophy
- A list of five or more references with contact information (name, relationship to candidate, phone, and email address)
Application materials should be sent electronically via email to:
George Sanderson, Partner, Educators Collaborative,
gsanderson@educatorscollaborative.com – 609-213-0684
Nathaniel Conard, Co-Managing Partner, Educators Collaborative,
nconard@educatorscollaborative.com – 908-531-5183
Listing Date: December 8, 2023
EXPERTS IN SEARCH, TRANSITION & STRATEGY
©2024 Educators Collaborative. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy